Is the use of augmented reality-assisted surgery beneficial in urological education? A systematic review

Google Glass is an optical head-mounted display that has been used in multiple medical and surgical settings to enhance delivery of education and training. This systematic review focuses solely on the use of this technology in urology operating theaters for the purpose of surgical education.

A systematic search strategy was employed using EMBASE (1996-2019), Medline (1946-2019) and PubMed. Search terms included optical head-mounted displays, Google Glass and urological surgical training. Use of this technology in a nonurological setting, nonteaching sessions, case reports, reviews, editorials, abstracts, and articles not in English were rejected. Three studies were identified following the exclusion criteria.

All 3 studies received positive feedback from trainees regarding this technology in relation to enhanced surgical education. In addition, in all studies the trainees felt the technology had a place for educational training in the future. All studies described disadvantages to the technology as well including battery life, comfort, and cost.

Studies describe a big potential for Google Glass and similar head-mounted devices for the role of surgical training in urology, however, larger studies looking at more varied operations can help reinforce this viewpoint.