Virtual and Augmented Reality in Surgical Training Over Cloud Networks: A Paradigm Shift in Medical Education

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are increasingly employed in surgical education to offer immersive, interactive, and risk-free environments for trainees. When deployed over cloud networks, these technologies gain scalability, accessibility, and real-time collaborative capabilities. This study explores the implementation, benefits, challenges, and future prospects of cloud-based VR/AR systems in surgical training. A systematic review of 74 studies from 2016 to 2024 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore databases. Key findings indicate improved skill acquisition, shorter learning curves, and enhanced user satisfaction in cloud-integrated platforms. Limitations include latency, bandwidth dependency, and data privacy issues. Cloud-powered VR/AR systems represent a transformative approach to democratizing surgical education worldwide.