ERAS 2025: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Improve Outcomes After Robotic Surgery

(UroToday.com Dr. Federico Lavagno presented AI in the context of improving surgery outcomes. AI is no longer a futuristic concept in medicine; it is becoming a practical tool to support physicians, nurses, and patients in optimizing outcomes after robotic surgery. One of the most promising applications lies in predicting which patients are at risk of postoperative complications—a true game-changer for personalized medicine. Early studies, such as work by Ren and colleagues at the University of Florida in 2019, demonstrated that AI algorithms could help forecast acute kidney injury, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality after robotic radical cystectomy. Since then, research has expanded, with increasingly sophisticated models under evaluation. While these algorithms remain under study, the early results highlight the potential of AI to guide perioperative care and resource allocation.

Beyond prediction, AI is entering daily clinical practice through accessible digital tools. Several mobile and desktop applications have been developed to support patients during recovery and long-term management. Wave Health, for example, offers user-friendly symptom tracking and guidance for patients after radical cystectomy. For individuals with an ostomy, apps such as Buddy and MyRostomy provide step-by-step support, educational videos, and AI-driven chat functions to troubleshoot common issues—particularly valuable for elderly patients managing complex postoperative care at home.

Mental health and quality of life are equally important. Tools like BeyondLife incorporate chatbot-based interactions to monitor patient mood and provide first-line psychological support, especially for those living far from specialized care. Other apps extend assistance into areas such as continence and bladder management, reinforcing patient independence while reducing the burden on healthcare teams.

The integration of AI into perioperative pathways underscores a shift: surgical success is no longer defined by the procedure alone but by holistic recovery. With careful validation, these tools can complement ERAS principles, reduce complications, and empower patients to participate actively in their care.

Presented by: Federico Lavagno, MD, University of Turin, Turin, Italy

Written by: Stephen B. Williams, MD, MBA, MS, FACS, FACHE @SWilliams_MD on Twitter during the 11th Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) World Congress, September 17-19, 2025, Turin, Italy

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