In a presentation at the 19th Meeting of the European Association of Urology (EAU) Section of Oncological Urology, the role of augmented reality in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy was discussed. Augmented reality was defined as the superimposition of 3-dimensional (3D) virtual models over the real anatomy of patients. This approach, using a specifically constructed platform, provides additional information to the anatomy seen by the surgeon, which allows for a better understanding of the anatomy and the disease. Clinically, the most relevant application of 3D virtual models is to help the surgeon navigate the patient’s anatomy during surgery.

In summary, augmented reality in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy represents the most advanced and complete application of 3D virtual modelling enabling improved surgical and clinical outcomes for the patient.

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