The surgeon in the loop: Automation, deskilling and the limits of the machine in colorectal surgery.

Prigg, A R; Vimalachandran, D · Colorectal Dis · 2026

expert_opinion · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

This is an Opinion piece. Originally written as part of the ACPGBI undergraduate essay competition and adapted for this manuscript submission. This piece examines how AI and automation are reshaping colorectal surgical practice, arguing that safe integration requires preserving human competence, maintaining surgeon accountability and ensuring systems remain interpretable and readily overridable.

Medical subject headings