Feasibility of utilizing augmented reality in neurosurgery: Insights from a single-center experience

Objectives Augmented reality (AR) has recently evolved, offering unprecedented precision in the surgical management of brain tumors. AR devices empower surgeons to visualize patient anatomy by seamlessly integrating 3D-reconstructed scans into the surgical site, thus improving surgical precision and efficiency. Materials and Methods This retrospective case-series study analyzed cases operated on at a single center from January 2020 to June 2022. Patients underwent craniotomy with AR-guided neuronavigation. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging sequences were processed. AR software superimposed 3D virtual objects onto the surgical field. Results The study analyzed 14 brain lesion cases involving patients aged 11–79, with lesions in various anatomical locations, including the frontal lobes, petroclival area, and cavernous sinus. Pathologies ranged from glioblastomas and meningiomas to metastatic carcinomas. Patients underwent elective craniotomy with AR-guided neuronavigation to identify critical areas such as Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, motor areas, and neurovascular structures. Gross-total or near-total resection was achieved in all cases, with surgical times ranging from 2 to 9 h. No intra- or post-operative complications were reported. Hospital stays varied from 2 to 13 days. Conclusion AR significantly enhanced surgical accuracy and patient safety by enabling precise identification of critical areas and structures. It improved resection extension and accuracy for various brain lesions, reducing neurovascular injuries while preserving neurological function. Future research should explore AR’s impact on clinical outcomes and continue advancing its applications in neurosurgery.