Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Use of 3D Robotic Ultrasound for In Vivo Analysis of Mouse Kidneys
Published on: August 12, 2021
Role of virtual reality in improving the spatial perception of the kidney during flexible ureteroscopy: A feasibility
Ali Talyshinskii1, Bm Zeeshan Hameed2, Ulanbek Zhanbyrbekuly1
1Department of Urology, Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan.
Background:
The aims were to describe a software-based reconstruction of the patient-specific kidney cavity intraluminal appearance via a head-mounted device and to estimate its feasibility for training novices.
Materials And Methods:
In total, 15 novices were recruited. Each novice was shown a three-dimensional reconstruction of a patient's computed tomography scan, whose kidney was printed. They then joined the surgeon in the operating room and assisted them in detecting the stone during flexible ureteroscopy on the printed model. Then, each participant did a 7-day virtual reality (VR) study followed by virtual navigation of the printed kidney model and came to the operating room to help the surgeon with ureteroscope navigation. The length of the procedure and the number of attempts to find the targeted calyx were compared.
Results:
With VR training, the length of the procedure (p = 0.0001) and the number of small calyces that were incorrectly identified as containing stones were significantly reduced (p = 0.0001). All the novices become highly motivated to improve their endourological skills further. Participants noticed minimal values for nausea and for disorientation. However, oculomotor-related side effects were defined as significant. Five specialists noticed a good similarity between the VR kidney cavity representation and the real picture, strengthening the potential for the novice's education via VR training.
Conclusions:
Virtual reality simulation allowed for improved spatial orientation within the kidney cavity by the novices and could be a valuable option for future endourological training and curricula.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and...
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography

