MAPPING THE LANDSCAPE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SURGICAL PRACTICE IN AFRICAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS

Authors

  • Faith Mwikali Ndolo Author
  • Lilian Mukami Ngari Author
  • Michael Magoha Author

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence is transforming surgical practice globally, yet African healthcare systems demonstrate limited adoption. This review examines the use of AI in African surgical practice.
Methods: We searched PubMed Central, Google Scholar, MEDLINE for peer-reviewed papers addressing AI in surgery from 2014 to 2024, focusing on studies relevant to African contexts.
Results: Of the 48 papers included, only 8 studies (16.67%) directly explored AI use in surgical applications across Africa. South Africa contributed 6 studies (75%), with minimal representation from other African countries. Current applications focus primarily on diagnostic AI tools rather than comprehensive surgical integration. We identified major barriers, including inadequate infrastructure, high implementation costs, data scarcity, and insufficient regulatory frameworks.
Conclusions: AI adoption in African surgery remains nascent and
geographically concentrated. Strengthening infrastructure, capacity, and
policies could accelerate implementation and enable Africa to contribute to global surgical AI innovation.

Author Biographies

  • Faith Mwikali Ndolo

    College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O BOX 2641-90100, ORCID:0009-0008-8125-1712

  • Lilian Mukami Ngari

    College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi P.O BOX 67-60100, Embu, Kenya, ORCID:0009-0005-7381-3816

  • Michael Magoha

    Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi, P.O. BOX 00202-19868 Nairobi, Kenya, ORCID:0000-0002-3136-9893

References

Downloads

Published

2025-12-19

Issue

Vol. 102 No. 9 (2025): East African Medical Journal Vol.102 No. 9 (2025)

Section

Original Article