Three years of experience in using intraoperative augmented reality technology in high-tech laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

The introduction of augmented reality (AR) technology in surgery makes it possible to create the effect of “transparent” surgical anatomy and facilitate intraoperative visualization of anatomical structures hidden in the tissue thickness in the surgical area. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the experience of implementing augmented reality technology in performing high-tech laparoscopic interventions. Materials and methods. Using intraoperative AR technology, we performed 48 high-tech laparoscopic interventions: 16 adrenalectomies (7 right-sided and 9 left-sided), 16 liver resections, 10 clipping of the splenic artery with its aneurysm, 2 resections of the pancreas, 4 excision of spleen cysts. Results. Virtual 3D-models of the operational area, created on the basis of computed tomography, were effectively used in performing all surgical interventions. The 3D-model loaded into augmented reality glasses was intraoperatively positioned on the monitor of the laparoscopic video system, which made it possible in all cases to identify the necessary anatomical structures and perform interventions in the normal mode. Conclusion. Augmented reality technology is an effective method of intraoperative navigation during laparoscopic interventions, especially high-tech ones, when a clear orientation in complex anatomical areas is required.