Japan rushing to develop AI tools to aid surgeons

Japan is prioritizing AI-driven solutions to combat a looming surgeon shortage, driven by an aging population and declining interest in the profession. The number of gastroenterological surgeons under 65 is expected to drop from around 16,000 in 2023 to half that by 2043, according to the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery. This decline risks disrupting the traditional mentorship model, where younger doctors learn by observing senior surgeons. Direava, a Tokyo-based startup, has developed an AI-powered surgery support tool that analyzes organ and blood vessel images to generate step-by-step procedures and cautionary notes. The system is trained using data from surgeries performed by experienced doctors in Japan and abroad. The company received government support to fund its development, which requires significant computing power. In February, Direava tested its AI system with medical students during a gastric cancer surgery, achieving an accuracy rate of 85-90% when evaluated by specialists. The tool is initially being introduced as an educational resource, with plans to expand its use and refine accuracy through additional case studies. Regulatory hurdles remain a major obstacle, as Japan’s health ministry is still establishing assessment standards for AI-driven medical devices. While a screening system for AI tools exists, specific guidelines for surgery support systems are lacking due to limited prior examples. Challenges in safety verification and legislation continue to delay practical implementation. Masashi Takeuchi, founder and CEO of Direava, emphasized the goal of using AI to reduce surgical stress and complications for both surgeons and patients. The company aims to integrate the technology more broadly once regulatory frameworks are clarified, positioning AI as a critical assistant in modern surgical practices.