Digital Surgery In 2026: The Data-Driven Operating Room

By Andrew Savarese, digital surgery expert, PA Consulting

As we approach 2026, the digitization of the operating room is creating new and enlightening data sources asking to be better understood. The OR has evolved beyond just a sterile environment into a data-rich ecosystem that could inform a new standard in surgical decision-making in the future.

Surgeons increasingly expect the same level of performance feedback that professional athletes receive. Think “game film” for surgery. The shift toward self-reflection and continuous improvement is reshaping the surgical experience and setting the stage for innovation at unprecedented levels.

This piece explores four key trends in digital surgery that we can expect to see in 2026 and beyond.

The Growth Of Data-Driven Surgery

The OR is generating massive volumes of data, from robotic platforms to advanced imaging systems. Yet questions over data sovereignty pose a rate limiting step to fully unlocking the power of these platforms. Once unlocked, the full potential of these platforms synthesizing disparate data streams into actionable insights can be realized. As such, surgeons are looking beyond the raw numbers and looking for context and clarity to promote confidence in their decisions.

This expectation is pushing device manufacturers to rethink their offerings. Beyond functionality, there’s a growing emphasis on delivering post-op performance reports that help surgeons analyze their technique and outcomes. For example, Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci 5 robotic surgery system offers feedback during surgery as well as post-op reports that surgeons can leverage. These insights will not only improve individual performance but also inform surgical best practices.

Technologies such as wearable biosensors add another layer of intelligence, recording the surgeon as much as the patient and ensuring the right insights are delivered at the time they are needed. This creates a feedback loop that enhances precision and safety.

AI Is Evolving To Become The Cornerstone Of Digital Surgery

AI is the linchpin of making data-driven insights possible in the OR. Whether data originates from imaging systems, robotic instruments, or navigation tools, the power of a more informed surgical experience is being written in the code that can see the patterns in this data and incorporate the intuition of surgeons globally to be placed at a surgeon’s fingertips.

Emerging technologies like edge computing and TinyML are critical. They allow complex analysis to happen in real time, right at the point of care, without latency or excessive power consumption. This means surgeons can access insights instantly, without running the risk of analysis paralysis during critical moments.

For hospital executives, these advancements must align with financial realities. They are looking for ways to reduce costs while maintaining and even improving a high standard of care. Device manufacturers need to demonstrate tangible ROI, solutions that not only improve outcomes but also reduce surgical errors and operational inefficiencies. Business models that fail to address these economic imperatives will struggle to gain traction.

Collaboration And Ecosystem Partnerships Take Shape

One of the most notable trends for 2026 is the surge in partnerships between companies previously seen as competitors and larger collaboration within the ecosystem as a whole. Strategic alliances, such as those frequently announced by NVIDIA, are enabling faster integration of innovative technologies into surgical platforms. In tandem, companies like Google, AWS, and Microsoft are recently as visible at healthcare conferences and society meetings as the mainstay medtech companies, exemplifying a growing recognition that playing off the strengths of different players is the fastest path to breakthrough innovation.

In fact, at The Medtech Conference in San Diego in October, several large multi-national companies proudly highlighted their new partnerships, recognizing that they can move further, faster by finding the right partner to complement their internal expertise. With long development and regulatory cycles and significant financial risk in innovation, the partnership model helps offset these challenges by immediately combining the best of what both companies offer to drive new commercial advantages.

For example, Medtronic CEO Geoff Martha spoke highly of their current partnership with Abbott around diabetes care, while Stryker leadership highlighted the work that they are doing with Siemens in neurovascular health. The success of these partnerships will only spark new deals in other leading disease states, driving more cooperation over competition to solve society’s biggest health challenges.  

Next-Gen Imaging: Look Beyond The Human Eye

Perhaps the most fascinating frontier lies in optical innovation. Hyperspectral imaging, for example, allows surgeons to visualize tissue perfusion and nerve pathways beyond the capabilities of conventional white light. When combined with computer vision algorithms, these systems provide real-time augmented insights during procedures. This evolution promises a level of surgical precision that was once unimaginable.

Gartner reports that computer vision applications in healthcare are projected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 40% through 2026, underscoring the momentum behind these technologies. For surgeons, this means a future where every decision is informed by layers of data that extend far beyond what the human eye can perceive.

Digital surgery in 2026 will be defined by the convergence of data, devices, and digitization. AI will serve as the connective tissue, transforming raw information into actionable intelligence. Partnerships will accelerate innovation, while optical and imaging breakthroughs will redefine what’s possible in the operating room.

What’s clear is that the future of surgery isn’t just about better tools, it’s about smarter ecosystems. Those who invest in platforms that prioritize interoperability, real-time insights, and surgeon-centric design will lead the charge in shaping a safer, more efficient surgical landscape that will improve patient care.

About The Author:

Andy Savarese is a partner in PA Consulting’s U.S. Digital Surgery practice. He has two decades of experience helping clients in the surgical robotics industry turn their digital surgery aspirations into commercial reality. At PA, Savarese supports clients to bring digital surgery solutions to market, helping clients realize the promise of digital transformation of surgery, and improving patient outcomes. He is based in Boston, MA. He can be reached on LinkedIn.