Augmented reality simulator for laparoscopic surgery on a realistic phantom

In recent years, emulation-based environments have become increasingly important in medical education. This progress is particularly beneficial for skills acquisition regarding min- imally invasive surgery (MIS). In this work, we present a novel augmented reality (AR) simulator based on a 3D prin- ted realistic phantom for laparoscopic surgery training in gynecology. Our approach was designed to facilitate anatom- ical referencing skills acquisition through detailed visualiza- tion and feedback. The system was validated in an evaluation session at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM). A total of 8 healthcare professionals assessed the laparoscopic simulator prototype. They also fulfilled a questionnaire on aspects such as the quality of the system as training tool in MIS, potential inclusion in students’ curricula, realism and intuitiveness and their interest in additional practice. They assessed the simulator with very positive feedback. These results, combined with the low cost of the system, support its use as a self-training tool on hu- man laparoscopic anatomy.