With the development in the past 20 years, minimally invasive gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery is now in its prime of life, with a high level in terms of surgical technique, surgical standardization, innovative technology and technical training. However, in the prime of life, in order to avoid the decline, we must meet new challenges. With the advent of the era of 5G and artificial intelligence, plus a series of changes in the internal and external environment, minimally invasive surgery, and even the entire surgery will have a major impact, including changes in treatment patterns, emphasis of multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment, changes in disease spectrum, and except neoplasms, more benign and functional diseases may require minimally invasive surgery. The gastrointestinal surgery specialist relying on "craft" will likely be replaced by an artificial intelligence surgical system. In the face of challenges, we should not forget our initial intentions, and should diligently reflect on ourselves, keeping the patient-centered minimally invasive treatment concept. Meanwhile, we should go to the basic hospitals to further establish a standardized training system, continue to maintain innovative thinking and keep pace with the times, so that we can grasp the prime of life for minimally invasive gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery.

Laparoscopy; Minimally invasive surgery; Gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery