LAUSR

INTRODUCTION Technological advancement in neurosurgery is a continuous process aimed at improving the existing devices and implementing innovative ones. Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-derived technologies (i.e., machine learning, virtual or augmented reality) have been entering into this field, promising to significantly change its future. The acquisition of technological skills should be a goal of training for young neurosurgeons. Aim of this study is the analysis of competence and attitude toward intra-operative devices of young neurosurgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS An online electronic survey was sent to 256 members of the Young Neurosurgeons Section of the Italian Society of Neurosurgery (SINch), inquiring about their competences and attitude about surgical technologies and AI-derived devices. RESULTS A total of 152 neurosurgeons participated in the survey. Majority of participants reported sufficient skills in autonomously setting up and using the optic neuronavigator (respectively 93.4% and 92.1%), advanced microscope (80.3%, 76.3%), magnetic neuronavigator (75%, 72.4%), ultrasonography (63.2%, 60.5%) and HD endoscope (55.3%, 46%). Most of them (92.1%) considered operative devices useful and 89.5% reported a high motivation to acquire technological skills. AI-derived devices have already been used by 56.6% of participants but only 31.6% received a proper dedicated training. CONCLUSIONS Italian young neurosurgeons have acquired technical skills sufficient for the autonomous use of the most common operative devices, reporting a positive attitude toward technology with high motivation to learn, and awareness of their potential harmfulness. A promising rate of participants had already used AI-derived technologies even if just few had received a focused training for these devices.