Augmented Reality in Surgery for Recurrent Pelvic Tumors: Clinical Case

Introduction. Rectal cancer ranks second among the causes of mortality from oncological diseases, which determines the relevance of improving the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology. Augmented reality (AR) technology makes it possible to visualize complex anatomical structures and, therefore, improves preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation as well as reduces complication risks and increases the efficiency of surgical procedures. Materials and Methods. A 58-year-old patient with a locally advanced recurrence of rectal cancer was clinically observed. The diagnostic process included pelvic CT and MRI, the data from which were used to create a 3D model of the tumor. The use of AR (Microsoft HoloLens 2 glasses) ensured precise tumor localization and minimized the risk of damage to vital structures during ultrasound-guided needle biopsy. Results. Preoperative planning using the 3D model allowed the surgeon to determine the optimal approach for the biopsy. The obtained gross specimens confirmed the diagnosis of intestinal adenocarcinoma. The application of AR technology facilitated precise tumor localization, reduced the operation time, and prevented damage to vessels and adjacent anatomical structures. The postoperative period was unremarkable, and the patient was discharged on the seventh day. Discussion. The treatment of recurrent pelvic tumors is complicated by altered anatomy following primary interventions and radiotherapy. Standard biopsy methods carry a high risk of vascular and nerve damage. The use of AR in such cases ensures accurate navigation and reduces the risk of complications. In the presented clinical case, AR technology helped successfully perform a biopsy in a challenging anatomical situation. Conclusion. The application of AR in oncology opens new opportunities for the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent pelvic tumors. This case demonstrates that AR improves diagnostic accuracy, enhances intervention planning, and minimizes surgical risks. Thus, AR can become a key tool in oncological surgery, particularly in complex clinical scenarios.