Objective To evaluate the teaching effect of the artificial intelligence (AI) combined with problem-based learning (PBL) teaching model in the training of laparoscopic skills. Methods 80 surgical trainees and postgraduate students from the General Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University who participated in laparoscopic training from January 2024 to June 2025 were selected. They were divided into the control group and the observation group according to the random number table method, with 40 participants in each group. The control group adopted the traditional PBL teaching method, while the observation group received teaching modules that combined traditional PBL with AI technology support, including two subsystems: AI-assisted case writing and intelligent feedback. Training lasted 8 weeks. At the end of the training, the differences were compared between the two groups in four aspects: laparoscopic operation skill assessment, theoretical examination, self-learning ability, and teaching satisfaction. Results After training, the assessment scores of laparoscopic operation skills (87.56±7.12) points, theoretical knowledge test scores (89.22±6.34) points, and self-learning ability scale scores (83.45±8.16) points of the observation group were all higher than those of the control group (78.24±8.45) points, (79.64±7.81) points and (72.34±9.23) points (all P＜0.001). Among the trainees in the first, second and third years of the residency training, the assessment scores of laparoscopic operation skills and theoretical knowledge test scores of the observation group were all higher than those of the control group, and the differences between the groups were particularly significant in the second and third years of residency training. During the training period, the average participation rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (all P＜0.05), and the teaching satisfaction of the observation group was also higher than that of the control group (85.00% vs 67.50%), but the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 ＝3.38, P＝0.066). Conclusion The AI combined with PBL teaching model can improve residents’ and postgraduates’ laparoscopic skills and theoretical knowledge, strengthen their capacity for self-directed learning, and is well received by trainees. It is suggested that this approach be further promoted in surgical residency training and graduate student education.