Transforming breast reconstruction: the pioneering role of artificial intelligence in preoperative planning

: Autologous breast reconstruction surgery is a vital part of the recovery process for patients with cancer. While various reconstructive options exist, deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap often favoured its ability to closely mimic natural tissue. However, complex vascular anatomy associated (DIEA) presents challenges surgeons during DIEP execution. Preoperative imaging, such as computed tomography angiography (CTA), commonly used understand architecture and aid in selecting appropriate perforators. Conventional reporting CTA scans labour-intensive that can be challenging requires specific expertise. The integration artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning (ML) algorithms medical imaging has potential address these challenges. AI enhance through improved data acquisition, image post-processing, potentially interpretation. By automating selection process, applications significantly reduce time spent on preoperative analysis improve accuracy reliability. shows promise optimizing efficiency, accuracy, reliability planning, ethical considerations need addressed. This article explores challenges, opportunities, future directions using planning autologous reconstruction.