Purpose <p>Many general surgeons, especially in rural areas, lack confidence in performing endocrine surgery due to limited training exposure. This study developed and piloted a novel educational platform—SURGE-INS© (Synchronized Understanding of Real-time Guided Education with Interactive Navigated Simulation)—combining augmented reality (AR)-delivered video-based education (VBE) with mid-fidelity surgical simulators to enhance thyroidectomy case preparation.</p> Methods <p>Guided by Kolb’s 4-stage Experiential Learning Cycle, Phase 1 involved creating mid-fidelity simulators and AR software, enabling hands-free use of voice-controlled instructional videos on an AR HoloLens headset. Phase 2 tested the platform’s usability, video accuracy, and simulator fidelity. In Phase 3, residents completed a total thyroidectomy using the SURGE-INS© platform. Survey data were analyzed for quantitative and qualitative insights.</p> Results <p>Eleven residents participated in the study, and all participants responded to the surveys administered (<i>n</i> = 11, 100% survey response rate). All resident participants (<i>n</i> = 11) reported satisfaction with anatomical accuracy (54.5% “very satisfied,” 45.5% “satisfied”). Over half (54.5%) felt the simulator significantly improved performance efficiency; 45.5% reported moderate benefit. Notably, 81.8% would “definitely” recommend the model. Positive feedback highlighted the value of decision-making guidance, step-by-step surgical instruction, and realistic anatomy. Areas for improvement included technical issues with AR headsets and limited voice command options (e.g., “restart video”) affecting seamless use.</p> Conclusion <p>Pilot testing of the SURGE-INS© platform demonstrated feasibility and educational value in thyroidectomy preparation. The combination of AR-delivered VBE and realistic simulation enhanced perceived operative understanding and confidence among residents, particularly in complex anatomical contexts, supporting its broader use in surgical education.</p>

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Enhancing surgical proficiency in endocrine surgery: a proposal for the integration of augmented reality with surgical simulation into resident training

  • Lauren Haskins,
  • Shawn Moore,
  • Kevin Anderson,
  • Rui Wu,
  • Courtney Elliott,
  • Dmitry Tumin,
  • Walter Pofahl,
  • Robert D. Fanelli

摘要

Purpose

Many general surgeons, especially in rural areas, lack confidence in performing endocrine surgery due to limited training exposure. This study developed and piloted a novel educational platform—SURGE-INS© (Synchronized Understanding of Real-time Guided Education with Interactive Navigated Simulation)—combining augmented reality (AR)-delivered video-based education (VBE) with mid-fidelity surgical simulators to enhance thyroidectomy case preparation.

Methods

Guided by Kolb’s 4-stage Experiential Learning Cycle, Phase 1 involved creating mid-fidelity simulators and AR software, enabling hands-free use of voice-controlled instructional videos on an AR HoloLens headset. Phase 2 tested the platform’s usability, video accuracy, and simulator fidelity. In Phase 3, residents completed a total thyroidectomy using the SURGE-INS© platform. Survey data were analyzed for quantitative and qualitative insights.

Results

Eleven residents participated in the study, and all participants responded to the surveys administered (n = 11, 100% survey response rate). All resident participants (n = 11) reported satisfaction with anatomical accuracy (54.5% “very satisfied,” 45.5% “satisfied”). Over half (54.5%) felt the simulator significantly improved performance efficiency; 45.5% reported moderate benefit. Notably, 81.8% would “definitely” recommend the model. Positive feedback highlighted the value of decision-making guidance, step-by-step surgical instruction, and realistic anatomy. Areas for improvement included technical issues with AR headsets and limited voice command options (e.g., “restart video”) affecting seamless use.

Conclusion

Pilot testing of the SURGE-INS© platform demonstrated feasibility and educational value in thyroidectomy preparation. The combination of AR-delivered VBE and realistic simulation enhanced perceived operative understanding and confidence among residents, particularly in complex anatomical contexts, supporting its broader use in surgical education.