Prototype of a Virtual Reality Simulator for Thyroidectomy: A Proof of Concept

The anatomical complexity of the thyroid region presents significant challenges in surgical training, particularly regarding the identification and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands. We present a prototype of a virtual reality simulator designed to support thyroidectomy training by enabling the immersive, interactive exploration of CT-derived, deformable anatomical models in a photorealistic operating room environment. Structures not detectable in CT, such as nerves and glands, were manually integrated. The simulator was evaluated qualitatively by three surgeons using a structured questionnaire. Feedback indicated high usability, visual realism, and potential for improving anatomical recognition skills. Limitations include the absence of instrument interaction, haptic feedback, and full procedural simulation. This prototype demonstrates feasibility and outlines a clear development roadmap toward a high-fidelity, scalable training platform for endocrine surgery.