A narrative review recently examined the role of augmented reality in surgical training.
Historically, surgical training depended on the apprenticeship model – ‘see one, do one, teach one’.
However, work-hour restrictions and ethical considerations have limited training opportunities on live patients.
As a consequence, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tools are increasingly filling this gap, with VR offering immersive digital environments and AR overlaying vital information onto the physical workspace.
Notably, AR is rapidly advancing in robotic-assisted surgery, with platforms like the da Vinci integrating AR overlays to improve surgical precision.
These systems project data such as tumour margins and anatomical landmarks directly onto the surgeon’s console or head-mounted displays, transforming trainees from passive observers into actively guided participants.
Initial reports suggest that AR integration may result in faster skill acquisition and shorter learning curves.
However, dedicated AR surgical training programmes and extensive studies remain limited.
AR technologies are also proving transformative in surgical education, particularly in laparoscopic and open-surgery training.
By combining sensor-enabled environments with computer vision, these systems monitor instrument and trainee movements and provide real-time feedback.
Research indicates that AR-enhanced training improves surgical performance metrics and reduces cognitive load during complex procedures.
AR’s role as an educational adjunct is expanding, offering enhanced anatomical visualisation, procedural guidance, and objective performance feedback.
Abosheisha M, Prabhu R, Abdelglil M, et al. conclude: ‘AR has emerged as a powerful adjunct to traditional surgical training, offering enhanced anatomical visualisation, real-time procedural guidance, and objective performance feedback that collectively accelerate skill acquisition and reduce errors.
‘Across multiple surgical domains, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery, AR platforms consistently demonstrate superior outcomes compared with conventional training methods, yielding improved task completion times, enhanced instrument-handling accuracy, and reduced cognitive workload. The technology's capacity to provide standardised feedback, enable remote expert mentorship, and democratise access to high-fidelity training experiences positions AR as a valuable educational tool that complements rather than replaces traditional surgical apprenticeship models.’
