Augmented reality: A new tool for general surgery

Augmented reality (AR) is an emerging technology that is beginning to have a significant impact on the medical field. AR allows digital information to be superimposed on the real world, offering a number of advantages for surgeons during operations.

In this article, we will explore the applications of augmented reality in general surgery:

  • Surgical navigation: AR can be used to overlay navigational images over the operative field, helping surgeons to locate important anatomical structures and guide them during the operation.
  • Visualisation of medical information: AR can be used to display relevant medical information, such as X-ray images or CT scans, in the surgeon's field of view.
  • Interaction with 3D models: AR can be used to interact with 3D models of the patient's anatomy, allowing surgeons to plan and perform operations more accurately.

Benefits of augmented reality in general surgery:

  • Increased accuracy: AR can improve the accuracy of operations by providing surgeons with additional real-time information.
  • Improved safety: AR can help surgeons avoid errors during operations by providing better visualisation of the patient's anatomy.
  • Reducing operation time: AR can help reduce operation time by providing surgeons with accurate guidance during the operation.

Future of augmented reality in general surgery:

Augmented reality is a technology with great potential to transform general surgery. In the future, AR is expected to be used for a greater number of procedures, offering patients a safer, more accurate and efficient surgical experience.