Extended Reality in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Extended reality (XR) augmentation has emerged as a potential tool to enhance operative performance during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study evaluates the pooled effect of XR augmentation on surgical precision and performance during laparoscopic cholecystectomy through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library for clinical trials evaluating augmented reality in laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2019 and 2023. Retrieved articles were imported into Mendeley for duplicate removal. Title, abstract, and full-text screening were performed manually using a standardized Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Two authors independently screened all articles; discrepancies were resolved by a third. Data extraction was also conducted independently by two authors and verified by a third. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. A random-effects model was used to pool mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Five studies, representing four unique randomized controlled trials and involving 158 surgeons, were included. Compared to control techniques, XR-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy significantly improved the mean Global Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills score (MD, 2.07; 95% CI, 0.34-3.80) and mean Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills score (MD, 1.53; 95% CI, 0.48-2.57). Task-specific Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills (MD, 7.71; 95% CI, 3.39-12.02) and task-specific Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (MD, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.25-1.83) scores also significantly improved with XR augmentation.

XR augmentation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy enhances surgical performance and precision. While these findings are promising, the small sample size limits generalizability. Larger, methodologically rigorous studies are needed to define XR's role in surgical education and training.