['There Are 100 Da Vinci Robots in Taiwan, but Only One Chen Jin-Xing!'] Can AI Replace Surgeons in the Operating Room? A Leading Lung Cancer Expert Weighs In

As artificial intelligence (AI) and medical robotics advance rapidly, many are asking: Will AI or robots one day fully replace human surgeons in the operating room? In response to this pressing question, Dr. Chen Jin-Xing, Deputy Director of the National Taiwan University Cancer Center and Head of the Department of Surgery at NTU, offers a clear and profound answer.

"As long as our patients are human beings, AI and robots can only play an auxiliary role. Ultimately, responsibility must always rest with people."

Dr. Chen breaks down a common misconception: the best products are not machine-made, but crafted by top-tier human hands.

Patients often ask Dr. Chen: "Now that we have the latest Da Vinci robotic system, wouldn't surgery using that robot be better?"

Dr. Chen responds candidly: "I actually don't use the Da Vinci robotic arm much, because the incisions I make manually are only one-third the size of those made by the Da Vinci system!"

Da Vinci Single-Port SP Surgical System. (Source: Facebook page of Taichung Veterans General Hospital)

Dr. Chen expresses immense confidence in his surgical skills. With a smile, he delivers his famous line: "There are 100 Da Vinci robots in Taiwan, but only one Chen Jin-Xing!" He emphasizes that, just like in the world of luxury goods, "the finest products in the world are never made by machines—they are crafted by master artisans."

The relationship between renowned surgeons and AI: "I am the AI, because I am the one who trained it."

Does this mean AI has no role in surgery? Dr. Chen believes the answer requires nuance.

"I believe Da Vinci or AI surgical robots can outperform 95% of surgeons. But they will never replace the top 5% of elite surgeons."

Dr. Chen adds with a smile: "There are 100 Da Vinci robots in Taiwan, but only one Chen Jin-Xing!" (Photo by Ko Cheng-Hui)

He explains that AI algorithms require continuous learning and evolution—and their learning source is precisely those top 5% of elite surgeons.

"That's why I often say: I am the AI, because the AI was trained by me!" Even with the same high-end AI instrument, surgical outcomes vary drastically depending on the surgeon using it.

The ultimate issue: In self-driving accidents, car manufacturers don't take the blame—surgeons must bear responsibility.

Beyond technical aspects, Dr. Chen highlights a fundamental barrier AI cannot overcome: legal and ethical responsibility.

He draws a parallel with autonomous vehicles: "If a self-driving car causes an accident, the driver is still held accountable—the car manufacturer will never face criminal liability. Surgery is exactly the same."

When a surgeon chooses to use a particular device, the success of the operation and the patient's prognosis ultimately rest on the surgeon's shoulders.

"The outcome of surgery cannot be blamed on the machine. The lead surgeon must take full responsibility," stresses Dr. Chen. AI remains an assistant; the surgeon is always in charge. This is not just a legal requirement, but a core belief and duty for any physician committed to saving lives.