Augmented reality-enhanced cadaver surgical training for head and neck surgeons: a proof-of-concept study

Purpose: Surgical proficiency is a critical factor influencing postoperative complications and treatment outcomes. However, ensuring sufficient surgical training hours has become increasingly challenging owing to advancements in medical technology, concerns about patient safety, and work-hour restrictions for trainees. To address these challenges, we developed an augmented reality-enhanced cadaver surgical training (AR-CST) system to supplement traditional training methods, and conducted a proof-of-concept study. Methods: We created augmented reality (AR)-based educational content, including a three-dimensional model for neck dissection, divided into nine procedural steps, and developed an application that projects the material as AR content onto the real world via a transparent head-mounted display. Otolaryngology–head and neck surgeons performed neck dissections on cadavers using this AR-enhanced system, followed by a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire employed a 5-point Likert scale to evaluate various aspects of the training experience. Results: Fourteen surgeons participated in the AR-CST and responded to the survey. The overall usefulness of AR-CST had a rating of 4.79±0.43 out of 5, with all participants giving a perfect score for the added value of AR compared to conventional training. The burden of viewing content through the head-mounted displaywas relatively low (1.57±0.76), and users highlighted the 3D anatomical references and hands-free material access as key advantages. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study suggests that integrating AR technology with cadaver surgical training enhances procedural understanding and promotes self-directed learning. Combining the tactile realism of cadaver-based training with readily accessible AR-based virtual materials could be an effective approach for a more productive surgical education.