Extended reality for perforator visualization in deep inferior epigastric perforator autologous breast reconstruction: A systematic review

XR may assist surgeons in perioperative perforator visualization during DIEP flap breast reconstruction by enhancing anatomical understanding. However, current evidence is constrained by small, low-quality studies and comparisons with handheld Doppler rather than the gold standard computed tomography angiography (CTA). Whether XR offers clinically meaningful advantages over conventional CTA imaging remains uncertain, as this was not explored in the included articles. Larger, high-quality comparative studies are needed to establish its true clinical value.