Minimization of occurrence of retained surgical items using machine learning and deep learning techniques: a review

Abstract

Retained surgical items (RSIs) pose significant risks to patients and healthcare professionals, prompting extensive efforts to reduce their incidence. RSIs are objects inadvertently left within patients' bodies after surgery, which can lead to severe consequences such as infections and death. The repercussions highlight the critical need to address this issue. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) have displayed considerable potential for enhancing the prevention of RSIs through heightened precision and decreased reliance on human involvement. ML techniques are finding an expanding number of applications in medicine, ranging from automated imaging analysis to diagnosis. DL has enabled substantial advances in the prediction capabilities of computers by combining the availability of massive volumes of data with extremely effective learning algorithms. This paper reviews and evaluates recently published articles on the application of ML and DL in RSIs prevention and diagnosis, stressing the need for a multi-layered approach that leverages each method's strengths to mitigate RSI risks. It highlights the key findings, advantages, and limitations of the different techniques used. Extensive datasets for training ML and DL models could enhance RSI detection systems. This paper also discusses the various datasets used by researchers for training the models. In addition, future directions for improving these technologies for RSI diagnosis and prevention are considered. By merging ML and DL with current procedures, it is conceivable to substantially minimize RSIs, enhance patient safety, and elevate surgical care standards.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Deep learning; Machine learning; Medical internet of things; Retained surgical items.

Fig. 1

Distribution of the papers across publishers in step 1

Fig. 2

Results of step 2 for a more refined search

Fig. 3

Inclusion criteria for reviewed articles

Fig. 4

Stages of articles selection process

Fig. 5

Review structure

Fig. 6

Computer vision and ML approach for detection of RSIs

Fig. 7

An automatic real-time image segmentation based on optical flow tracking and FCN. (a) A system proposed in [19], (b) Real-time diagram