Retrospective case control study on the evaluation of the impact of augmented reality in gynecological laparoscopy on patients operated for myomectomy or adenomyomectomy

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of using augmented reality (AR) in laparoscopic (adeno)myomectomy, defined as an increase in operating time shorter than 15 min. A total of 17 AR cases underwent laparoscopic myomectomy or adenomyomectomy with the use of AR and 17 controls without AR for the resection of (adeno)myomas. The non-inferiority assumption was defined by an operative overtime not exceeding 15 min, representing 10% of the typical operative time. The 17 AR cases were matched to 17 controls. The criteria used in matching the two groups were the type of lesions, the size and the placement. The mean operative time was 135 ± 39 min for AR cases and 149 ± 62 min for controls. The margin of non-inferiority was expressed as a difference in operative time of 15 min between the case and control groups. The mean difference observed between AR cases and controls was -14 min with 90% CI [-38.3;11.3] and was significantly lower than the non-inferiority margin of 15 min (<i>p</i> = 0.03). This negative time difference means that the operative time is shorter for the AR cases group. Intraoperative data revealed a volume of bleeding ≤200 mL in 82.3% of AR cases and in 75% of controls (<i>p</i> = 0.62). No intra or postoperative complications were reported in the groups. The use of augmented reality in laparoscopic (adeno)myomectomy does not introduce additional constraints for the surgeon. It appears to be safe for the patients, with an absence of additional adverse events and of significantly prolonged operative time.