Augmented reality technology in various surgical fields

OBJECTIVE: To summarize data on augmented reality technology in various surgical fields. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2022 and 2024, specialists in abdominal, interventional, maxillofacial, reconstructive and head & neck surgery, as well as urology performed augmented reality assisted treatment of 68 patients at the University Hospital of the Russian University of Medicine. This technology was used for preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation. RESULTS: Integration of augmented reality did not significantly prolong surgery time. In head and neck tumor surgery, augmented reality reduced surgery time by 15%. In interventional surgery, improved spatial understanding of vascular anatomy reduced fluoroscopy time and surgery time. Likert scale assessments confirmed high usability of this technology. CONCLUSION: Augmented reality is effective and perspective in various surgical fields. However, this technology requires further refinement. Enhancing the precision of 3D models and spatial registration processes, improving adaptability to intraoperative anatomical shifts, and automating routine tasks will collectively increase versatility and adoption of augmented reality systems throughout surgical care.