Virtual Reality in Neurosurgery: Advancing Training, Education, and Surgical Planning

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Simulation
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) has evolved significantly since the 1990s, offering increasingly accurate and precise simulations for complex medical procedures.
• The application of VR in neurosurgery has expanded, providing realistic 3D visualizations of intricate brain structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution, current applications, and future potential of virtual reality in the field of neurosurgery.
• To explore how VR technology enhances neurosurgical education, surgical planning, and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library.
• Keywords included "virtual reality," "VR in neurosurgery," "skill development," "neurosurgical education," "patient outcome," "3D visualisation," "evolution in neurosurgery," and "simulators."
• Relevant articles such as RCTs, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and narrative reviews published up to March 2025 were considered.

Main Results:

• VR simulators have significantly improved neurosurgical training, offering students realistic surgical procedure experiences via 3D models.
• VR optimizes surgical strategies, planning, and decision-making, with artificial intelligence (AI) further refining risk evaluation and real-time adaptability.
• Despite benefits, challenges like high cost, limited skilled operators, user discomfort, and lack of ethical protocols hinder widespread VR accessibility.

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality has become a pivotal tool in neurosurgical innovation, enhancing training and surgical planning.
• Further research is essential to refine AI-driven models, improve VR accessibility, and establish standardized protocols for broader healthcare adoption.
• Addressing current challenges is crucial for unlocking the full potential of VR in diverse healthcare settings.