Artificial Intelligence Tools in Neurosurgery: The Indian Perspective: A Narrative Review with PubMed-Based Evidence
Abstract: Neurosurgery operates in a zone of utmost technical skill and the potential for life-altering outcomes. India faces the added pressure on this specialty from a severe lack of neurosurgeons relative to the nation?s 1.4 billion population. Collectively, neurological diseases contribute to ~6% of the total burden of disease (DALYs) and while the incidence rates of everything from glioblastoma to traumatic brain injury continue to climb, artificial intelligence-comprising machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing-has stepped up not as an expensive novel technology but as a leveling influence in this unbalanced environment. Objective: The objective of this narrative review is to survey the spectrum of AI tools presently in use or being vigorously developed in the domain of neurosurgery, with a specific focus on the clinical context in India, institutional endeavors, current evidence, and the practical hurdles in turning promise into regular practice. Methods: A systematic review of the literature on PubMed was performed using combined search terms: artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, neurosurgery, brain tumor, spine surgery, neuro-oncology, India, and robotic surgery. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals from 2017-2024 were emphasized, prioritizing systematic reviews, prospective cohort studies and India-specific institutional reports. Conclusion: AI-powered tools are making contributions to enhance diagnostic accuracy, surgical planning, intraoperative navigation, and postoperative prediction in neurosurgery. India has a demonstrable capacity at the institutional level to drive these advancements, for instance, the AIIMS-IIT Delhi surgical simulator project. However, scalability hinges on future India-specific validation studies, clear regulatory policies, and the balanced investment in robust data infrastructure across public and private healthcare networks.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Neurosurgery, Machine Learning, Surgical Planning, India
How to Cite?: Rathikinda Srinivasulu, Nallaboina Bhargav Naveen Kumar, "Artificial Intelligence Tools in Neurosurgery: The Indian Perspective: A Narrative Review with PubMed-Based Evidence", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1808-1813, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26926140658, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26926140658