The traditional narrative operative note has long been a cornerstone of surgical documentation, offering detailed insights into procedures and post-operative considerations.

Something big is happening in pathology. And it’s not just about going digital. When we talk about digital pathology, we usually focus on the image: a scanned slide, viewed on a screen instead of under a microscope. That’s a big shift. But on its own, it’s not enough.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape healthcare, its presence in pathology and surgical reporting is growing fast. Synoptic reporting—a structured, checklist-based approach that improves clarity and consistency—is one area where AI has the power to be a game-changer. But with that power comes real challenges.