Incorporating large language models into academic neurosurgery: embracing the new era

This correspondence examines how LLMs, such as ChatGPT, have an effect on academic neurosurgery. It emphasises the potential of LLMs in enhancing clinical decision-making, medical education, and surgical practice by providing real-time access to extensive medical literature and data analysis. Although this correspondence acknowledges the opportunities that come with the incorporation of LLMs, it also discusses challenges, such as data privacy, ethical considerations, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, recent studies have assessed the effectiveness of LLMs in perioperative patient communication and medical education, and stressed the need for cooperation between neurosurgeons, data scientists, and AI experts to address these challenges and fully exploit the potential of LLMs in improving patient care and outcomes in neurosurgery. Significance center dot The profound impact of technological advancements, particularly LLMs on reshaping the landscape of medical education and clinical decision-making in neurosurgery, offers unprecedented access to information and aids in evidence-based practice. center dot Analysing the opportunities and challenges arising from incorporating LLMs into neurosurgical practice underscores the necessity of embracing and leveraging innovative technologies to enhance patient care, surgical outcomes, and medical education in neurosurgery.