UROONCO RCC associate editor Dr. Riccardo Bertolo talks to Dr. Pieter De Backer on auxiliary technology in robotic surgery and intra-operative visual guidance through AI.
Real-time AI & augmented reality
In this interview, Dr Pieter De Backer discusses how artificial intelligence is advancing robotic kidney cancer surgery through real-time recognition of anatomy, procedural steps and surgical workflow. The discussion also explores AI-powered augmented reality, tissue tracking and the future development of digital twins for image-guided surgery.
AI surgical co-pilot & 3D planning
A key focus is the emerging AI surgical co-pilot, which combines live surgical video with clinical knowledge to provide contextual support during procedures. The interview also reviews ongoing research into selective clamping and automated 3D kidney reconstructions, capable of generating clinically useful models from CT scans within minutes. Together, these technologies aim to improve surgical planning, education and precision during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.