Patients who undergo surgery for colorectal cancer experience fewer serious complications and readmissions when an AI tool supports treatment decisions.
According to recent research, the tool has the potential to save the healthcare system significant costs.
Readmissions after surgery are challenging for patients and costly.
A new study now shows that AI can help improve treatment pathways for colorectal cancer patients – both before and after surgery. Ultimately, this could lead to lower treatment expenses.
A research team from the Centre for Surgical Science at Zealand University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen recently published a study in Nature Medicine, demonstrating how AI can assist in supporting treatment for patients who have undergone colorectal cancer surgery.
The AI tool, for instance, can aid in planning preoperative training and provide input on post-operative treatments and the necessity for home visits.
The study indicated that 32-36% fewer patients experienced complications after colorectal cancer surgery when AI support was used to guide treatment decisions.
The number of readmissions also decreased by 35%.
Results suggest that the most substantial reduction occurred among the most seriously ill patients.
Ismail Gögenur, Clinical Professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine at the University of Copenhagen and Senior Consultant at Zealand University Hospital, said: ‘Complications after surgery are often a major concern for patients undergoing colorectal cancer operations. We are thus very pleased to see how the AI tool has decreased both the number of complicated cases and the return visits – especially since the trend shows that the most vulnerable patients are benefiting the most.
‘The study illustrates how Danish data and digital tools can be used to improve treatment and personalise care. It can be applied to other types of cancer surgeries in the future. This is an important development – particularly since it is combined with clinical trials, ensuring it reaches the patients who need it most.’
The findings confirm previous research, and the team will now explore how AI as a decision support can customise treatment for other cancers, such as lung, kidney, bladder, and ovarian cancer.
In addition to benefiting patients, the project reveals another promising trend: the new tool also appears to reduce costs.
Ismail Gögenur added: ‘We actually see that using the AI tool to plan treatment is associated with a reduced need for healthcare services, which could free up approximately DKK 18,000 per patient for the healthcare system.’
