Metaverse surgical planning for robotic surgery: preliminary experience and users' perception

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Planning
• Medical Technology

Background:

• 3D models are increasingly popular for surgical planning, especially in urology.
• Advancements in technology now enable the use of 3D models within the metaverse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the preliminary experience and surgeon's perception of preoperative planning utilizing the metaverse.
• To evaluate the usability and content validity of a metaverse platform for surgical planning.

Main Methods:

• 3D virtual models from 2D imaging were uploaded to a metaverse platform.
• Surgeons used visors for immersive planning and discussion.
• Perception was assessed using the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale and a Face & Content validity questionnaire, stratified by experience.

Main Results:

• 66 participants completed questionnaires.
• The metaverse experience (META_EXP) was rated highly for its role in preoperative planning and decision-making (median 4-5).
• Usefulness for surgical planning received a median rating of 9/10, with anatomical accuracy also rated highly (median 9).

Conclusions:

• The metaverse experience for preoperative surgical planning is useful, user-friendly, and accurate.
• Surgeons across all experience levels widely appreciated this technology.
• This innovative approach shows significant potential for enhancing surgical preparation.