For the first time in Egypt… Delicate and High-Risk Surgeries Using AI

In a new step highlighting the importance of integrating technology into the healthcare sector, Egypt’s General Authority for Healthcare announced a breakthrough in advanced endoscopy services at the Suez Medical Complex by introducing artificial intelligence technology into colonoscopies. This allows for the early detection of small tumors and their precise treatment.

A Series of Successful Surgeries

In a statement, the authority confirmed it had successfully performed several procedures, including esophageal myotomy to treat cases of achalasia, removal of bile duct stones and stent placements, in addition to using endoscopic ultrasound to take precise pancreatic biopsies — all with the support of AI technologies.

Egyptian doctors told Al Arabiya.net / Al Hadath.net that this modern technology helps physicians detect minute tumors early and treat them with high precision, paving the way for a revolution in diagnostic methods and advanced surgeries.

Dr. Emad Abdullah, Professor of Endoscopic Surgery at Mansoura University, said that AI is rapidly evolving and will play a pivotal role in medicine in the coming period. However, he emphasized that its use requires strict guidelines due to the life-critical nature of medical errors.

He added that the technology can contribute at several stages — even before surgery — by accurately analyzing data and fully assessing the case, reducing the likelihood of complications and saving doctors significant effort. It also assists during surgery by providing surgeons with information about critical areas inside the body and alerting them when approaching them.

He revealed that AI will also help in the post-surgery stage by accurately assessing the patient’s condition and determining the need for additional care, thus reducing reliance on human factors and potential errors. He also pointed out that AI will play an important role in training doctors through simulation and providing precise data to help them master complex surgeries, as well as evaluating their readiness before working with patients.

Broader Impact

In the same context, Dr. Hossam Hamed, Consultant of Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery at Mansoura University, told Al Arabiya.net / Al Hadath.net that AI has become a key pillar in developing medical services. Its applications range from diagnosis — accurately reading radiology images and lab tests and linking them to the patient’s medical history for early disease detection — to robotic systems supported by AI that help surgeons perform safer, more precise operations.

AI also enables monitoring patients through apps and smart devices that track vital signs and issue alerts when risks arise, as well as analyzing massive databases to accelerate the discovery of new drugs and treatments.

Warnings

Doctors warned that despite these significant benefits, AI technologies still face major challenges — most notably maintaining patient data confidentiality, ensuring result accuracy, and training doctors to use them effectively.

They stressed that human oversight remains essential to intervene when necessary, especially in delicate surgeries.