Retrospective analysis of the learning curve in perineal robot-assisted prostate biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance imaging-transrectal ultrasound (MRI-TRUS)-fusion biopsy (FBx) of the prostate allows targeted sampling of suspicious lesions within the prostate, identified by multiparametric MRI. Due to its reliable results and feasibility, perineal MRI/TRUS FBx is now the gold standard for prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis. There are various systems for performing FBx on the market, for example, software-based, semirobotic, or robot-assisted platform solutions. Their semiautomated workflow promises high process quality independent of the surgeon's experience. The aim of this study was to analyze how the surgeon's experience influences the cancer detection rate (CDR) via targeted biopsy (TB) and the procedure's duration in robot-assisted FBx. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1716 men who underwent robot-assisted FBx involving a combination of targeted and systematic sampling between October 2015 and April 2022 were analyzed. We extracted data from the patients' electronic medical records retrospectively. Primary endpoints were the CDR by TB and the procedure's duration. For our analysis, surgeons were divided into three levels of experience: ≤20 procedures (little), 21-100 procedures (intermediate), and >100 procedures (high). Statistical analysis was performed via regression analyses and group comparisons. RESULTS: Median age, prostate-specific antigen level, and prostate volume of the cohort were 67 (±7.7) years, 8.13 (±9.4) ng/mL, and 53 (±34.2) mL, respectively. Median duration of the procedure was 26 (±10.9) min. The duration decreased significantly with the surgeon's increasing experience from 35.1 (little experience) to 28.4 (intermediate experience) to 24.0 min (high experience) (p < 0.001). Using TB only, significant PC (sPC) was diagnosed in 872/1758 (49.6%) of the men. The CDR revealed no significant correlation with the surgeon's experience in either group comparison (p = 0.907) or in regression analysis (p = 0.65). CONCLUSION: While the duration of this procedure decreases with increasing experience, the detection rate of sPC in TB is not significantly associated with the experience of the surgeon performing robot-assisted FBx. This robot-assisted biopsy system's diagnostic accuracy therefore appears to be independent of experience.

Proteomic analysis of the urothelial cancer landscape.

Urothelial bladder cancer (UC) has a wide tumor biological spectrum with challenging prognostic stratification and relevant therapy-associated morbidity. Most molecular classifications relate only indirectly to the therapeutically relevant protein level. We improve the pre-analytics of clinical samples for proteome analyses and characterize a cohort of 434 samples with 242 tumors and 192 paired normal mucosae covering the full range of UC. We evaluate sample-wise tumor specificity and rank biomarkers by target relevance. We identify robust proteomic subtypes with prognostic information independent from histopathological groups. In silico drug prediction suggests efficacy of several compounds hitherto not in clinical use. Both in silico and in vitro data indicate predictive value of the proteomic clusters for these drugs. We underline that proteomics is relevant for personalized oncology and provide abundance and tumor specificity data for a large part of the UC proteome ( www.cancerproteins.org ).

In vivo Temperature Assessment during Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate.

INTRODUCTION: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has become popular worldwide for the surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. Holmium laser is considered an ideal transurethral thermomechanical device for enucleating the prostate. Although there is evidence on Ho:YAG laser-related heat generation, the studies mainly investigated ex vivo temperature generation during holmium laser lithotripsy. In this in vivo study, we aimed to assess for the first time the real-time heat generated during HoLEP. METHODS: Fifteen HoLEP procedures were included. The study was conducted over a time period of 16 months. To investigate the temperature generation, a preoperatively inserted rectal temperature probe and a temperature sensor within a suprapubic bladder catheter were used to record the temperature change during enucleation and coagulation. RESULTS: The mean values of the temperature change during the laser enucleation and coagulation were -0.35 ± 0.203 K (IQR: 0.23) and +0.14 ± 0.259 K (IQR: 0.3), respectively, in rectal measurements. Temperature differences during laser use and coagulation were <+1 K and <+5 K, respectively, in bladder measurements. We measured no temperature >37.1°C during the procedures and no temperature values considered harmful to the human body. CONCLUSION: Sufficient irrigation flow rates and irrigation monitoring during HoLEP are obligatory. To prevent a high and uncontrolled temperature rise, the surgeon or operating room staff should pay attention to the irrigation's continuity.

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Metastasised Renal Cell Carcinoma-Future or the Past?

BACKGROUND: To review and discuss the literature on applying tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the treatment of metastasised renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medline, PubMed, the Cochrane database, and Embase were screened for randomised controlled trials, clinical trials, and reviews on treating renal cell carcinoma, and the role of TKI. Each substance's results were summarised descriptively. RESULTS: While TKI monotherapy is not currently recommended as a first-line treatment for metastasized renal cell carcinoma, TKIs are regularly applied to treat treatment-naïve patients in combination with immunotherapy. TKIs depict the first-choice alternative therapy if immunotherapy is not tolerated or inapplicable. Currently, seven different TKIs are available to treat mRCC. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of TKIs in a monotherapeutic approach has declined in the past few years. The current trend toward combination therapy for mRCC, however, includes TKIs as one significant component of treatment regimens. We found that to remain applicable to ongoing studies, both when including new substances and when testing novel combinations of established drugs. TKIs are of major importance for the treatment of renal cancer now, as well as for the foreseeable future.

Ex-vivo evaluation of miniaturized probes for endoscopic optical coherence tomography in urothelial cancer diagnostics.

Background: The gold standard for detecting bladder cancer is white light cystoscopy (WLC) and resection of suspicious lesions. In this study, we evaluate two miniaturized Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) probes for endoscopic use, regarding their applicability in diagnosing urothelial cancer. Materials and methods: In total, 33 patients who underwent a radical cystectomy were included. Preoperative oncological staging and determining the indication for the surgical intervention were done following the latest European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. Samples were taken from bladder tissue after bladder removal and prepared for OCT measurement. Additionally, porcine bladder samples were used as reference tissue. We took measurements using two miniaturized probes: a bimodal probe and a single modality OCT probe. A non-miniaturized standard OCT scanner was used as a reference. Results: Histopathological examination revealed urothelial cancer in all but three patients. Measurements on porcine tissue revealed a clear distinction between the urothelial layers for all probes. Furthermore, we detected improved image quality thanks to the stretching of the tissue. We took 271 measurements in human samples. While the urothelial layers were well delineated in healthy tissue, all the probes revealed a loss of these structures in cancerous regions. While the single-modality probe delivered an image quality equaling the reference images, it was possible to detect cancerous areas with the bimodal probe. Conclusion: We demonstrate that endoscopic probes for OCT imaging are technologically feasible and deliver acceptable image quality. A distinction between healthy and abnormal tissue is possible. We propose combining different endoscopic imaging modalities as a promising approach for urothelial cancer diagnostics.

Potential for optimizing the perioperative care in robotic prostatectomy patients by adoption of enhanced recovery after surgery principles.

Several benefits have been reported after applying the principles of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) into the perioperative care of patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Nevertheless, there are still barriers. We aimed to identify the key areas by systematically surveying urology departments in Germany and Austria. A 27-question survey on the adoption of ERAS principles for the perioperative care of RARP patients was designed, in compliance with the guidelines on good practice in conducting and reporting of survey research. After positive testing for face and content validity, the survey was distributed via postal mail to 82 departments performing RARP. In total, 39 departments responded to our survey (response rate 48%). The ERAS adoption rates ranged from 21 to 97%, with nine ERAS principles being widely adopted (72-92% of the departments). The lowest adoption rates and, subsequently, the largest potential for optimization were detected for the preoperative nutrition counselling (21%), preoperative pelvic floor physiotherapy (54%), postoperative early initiation of nutrition (44%) and postoperative patient audit for further quality improvement (36%). High-volume centers performed more frequently a perioperative nutrition counselling (8/27; 30%) than low-volume centers (0/12; 0%; p = 0.036). The implementation of the ERAS principles into the perioperative care algorithm were medium-to-high, yet not optimal. Our real-world data assessment revealed four key areas showing low adoption rates (nutrition counselling, preoperative pelvic floor physiotherapy, early initiation of nutrition and patient audit), implying a great potential for further optimization.

Portable Ultrasound Research System for Use in Automated Bladder Monitoring with Machine-Learning-Based Segmentation.

We developed a new mobile ultrasound device for long-term and automated bladder monitoring without user interaction consisting of 32 transmit and receive electronics as well as a 32-element phased array 3 MHz transducer. The device architecture is based on data digitization and rapid transfer to a consumer electronics device (e.g., a tablet) for signal reconstruction (e.g., by means of plane wave compounding algorithms) and further image processing. All reconstruction algorithms are implemented in the GPU, allowing real-time reconstruction and imaging. The system and the beamforming algorithms were evaluated with respect to the imaging performance on standard sonographical phantoms (CIRS multipurpose ultrasound phantom) by analyzing the resolution, the SNR and the CNR. Furthermore, ML-based segmentation algorithms were developed and assessed with respect to their ability to reliably segment human bladders with different filling levels. A corresponding CNN was trained with 253 B-mode data sets and 20 B-mode images were evaluated. The quantitative and qualitative results of the bladder segmentation are presented and compared to the ground truth obtained by manual segmentation.

Safe Hb Concentration Measurement during Bladder Irrigation Using Artificial Intelligence.

We have developed a sensor for monitoring the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in the effluent of a continuous bladder irrigation. The Hb concentration measurement is based on light absorption within a fixed measuring distance. The light frequency used is selected so that both arterial and venous Hb are equally detected. The sensor allows the measurement of the Hb concentration up to a maximum value of 3.2 g/dL (equivalent to ≈20% blood concentration). Since bubble formation in the outflow tract cannot be avoided with current irrigation systems, a neural network is implemented that can robustly detect air bubbles within the measurement section. The network considers both optical and temporal features and is able to effectively safeguard the measurement process. The sensor supports the use of different irrigants (salt and electrolyte-free solutions) as well as measurement through glass shielding. The sensor can be used in a non-invasive way with current irrigation systems. The sensor is positively tested in a clinical study.

Evaluation of functional parameters, patient-reported outcomes and workload related to continuous urinary bladder irrigation after transurethral surgery.

BACKGROUND: Continuous saline bladder irrigation (CBI) is a common procedure after transurethral surgery and to treat gross hematuria. We conducted this study to gather data on parameters of CBI, medical staff's work load associated with CBI monitoring, patients' feeling of safety and of patients' impairments during CBI. METHODS: We observed CBI taking place after transurethral surgery for a 2-9-hour period. Patients were asked to rank how safe they felt, general impairments and impaired mobility. Irrigation parameters and complications were documented at least every 30 minutes. The staff's workload was evaluated through the frequency of visits and presence time. RESULTS: The patients' mobility was notably reduced with an average of 10.5%±16.7% of time spent outside of bed, pain was low (mean 0.60±1.15). Patients felt very safe with CBI (8.8±1.9), hardly impaired overall (3.8±3.0), but restricted in mobility (5.9±2.8). Pain was associated with general impairment and impaired mobility. Clot retention occurred in 5 patients. Average irrigation speed was 9.46±8.69 mL/min (0 to 86.7 mL/min). Urine bags were emptied on average every 2.2±1.2 hours. Patients were visited by medical personnel 1 to 11 times. CONCLUSIONS: CBI remains an improvable procedure in terms of the irrigation process itself to prevent complications, the patients' feeling of safety and comfort during CBI and the amount of work associated with its monitoring. We have provided parameters for the implementation of more individualized CBI monitoring. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial Registry; DRKS00023707; Registered retrospectively November 25 2020, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023707.

Track and Teach: Identifying Key Movement Patterns in Endoscopic Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate.

PURPOSE: We evaluated a system for noninvasive quantitative motion tracking to recognize differences in the movement pattern of experienced surgeons and beginners. Since performing endoscopic procedures requires extensive training, and tissue damage due to disruptive movements with sudden acceleration is possible, the learning curve for beginners is of clinical relevance. Steepening this curve may improve patient outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a commercial gyroscope sensor with a wireless data link, which was attached to the resectoscope handle (RH). After recording, orientation was retrieved by application of the calculated rotation matrices to the RH vector relative to the sensor under the boundary condition of rotational movement around and quasi-constant distance to the pivot point at pelvic floor level. Data alignment, normalization, interpolation, and analysis were performed in custom software scripts. RESULTS: Experienced surgeons and beginners were recorded in n = 36 and n = 14 holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), respectively. Prostate size, patient age, and recorded procedure duration were comparable. Mean lever angle of the individual normalized motion patterns was considerably lower (19.28 ± 0.54° [SEM]) in the advanced than in the beginners' group (24.52 ± 1.00°; p = 0.0001). Further parameters such as velocity and motion variation demonstrated additional differences between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the feasibility of motion tracking in HoLEP. Pronounced differences exist between different stages of surgeon experience with this procedure. The method can easily be adopted to aide young surgeons in resectoscope handling and identification of improvable motion patterns. Damage to the pelvic floor and surrounding tissue may thus be reduced.

Reasons for new MIS. Let's be fair: iTIND, Urolift and Rezum.

PURPOSE: To review and discuss the literature regarding iTIND, Urolift and Rezum and investigate the precise clinical indications of all three different approaches for their application in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed-Medline and Cochrane Library databases were screened to identify recent English literature relevant to iTIND, Urolift and Rezum therapies. The surgical technique and clinical results for each approach were summarized narratively. RESULTS: iTIND, Urolift and Rezum are safe and effective minimally invasive procedures for the symptomatic relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH. iTIND requires the results of ongoing prospective studies, a long-term follow-up and a comparison against a reference technique to confirm the generalizability of the first pivotal study. Urolift provides symptomatic relief but the improvements are inferior to TURP at 24 months and long-term retreatments have not been evaluated. Rezum requires randomized controlled trials against a reference technique to confirm the first promising clinical results. However, clinical evidence from prospective clinical trials demonstrates the efficacy and safety of these procedures in patients with small- and medium-sized prostates. CONCLUSIONS: Although iTIND, Urolift, and Rezum cannot be applied to all bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) cases resulting from BPH, they provide a safe alternative for carefully selected patients who desire symptom relief and preservation of erectile and ejaculatory function without the potential morbidity of more invasive procedures.

Cerebral oxygenation in 45-degree trendelenburg position for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a single-center, open, controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Within the last decade, robotically-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has become the standard for treating localized prostate cancer, causing a revival of the 45° Trendelenburg position. In this pilot study we investigated effects of Trendelenburg position on hemodynamics and cerebral oxygenation in patients undergoing RALP. METHODS: We enrolled 58 patients undergoing RALP and 22 patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) (control group) in our study. Demographic patient data and intraoperative parameters including cerebral oxygenation and cerebral hemodynamics were recorded for all patients. Cerebral function was also assessed pre- and postoperatively via the Mini Mental Status (MMS) exam. Changes in parameters during surgery were modelled by a mixed effects model; changes in the MMS result were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Preoperative assessment of patient characteristics, standard blood values and vital parameters revealed no difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a 45° Trendelenburg position causes no difference in postoperative brain function, and does not alter cerebral oxygenation during a surgical procedure lasting up to 5 h. Further studies in larger patient cohorts will have to confirm these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial Registry; DRKS00005094; Registered 12th December 2013-Retrospectively registered; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00005094 .

Current Disposable Ureteroscopes: Performance and Limitations in a Standardized Kidney Model.

Objectives: Due to the increasing fragility of the instruments and rising concerns about the sterility of reprocessable scopes, several single-use devices for flexible ureteroscopy have been introduced. In this study, we compare currently available disposable digital and fiberoptic flexible ureteroscopes with a contemporary reusable fiberoptic device. Materials and Methods: LithoVue™, Pusen Uscope® (UE3011, UE3022), Flexor®Vue™, and a reusable fiber optic flexible ureteroscope (BOA vision®) were tested in kidney models. The setup included (1) visualization of all calices (correct assignment of colored pearls) and (2) the extraction of human calculi with a standard disposable extraction device (NGage®). We documented the effective visualization, stone extraction, and times to completion. In addition, the surgeons' workload and performance were determined using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index. Results: In visualizing and identifying calices, the LithoVue and both generations of the Uscope performed similarly, but time to completion was significantly longer for all single-use devices in comparison with the Boa Vision. LithoVue retracted stones almost as well as the reusable scope (97% vs 95%/82%/96% stone clearance), while accessibility was impeded using Uscope UE3011, as reflected by the retrieval time per stone (73 vs 102 seconds/stone). This disadvantage has, however, been overcome with the new Uscope Generation UE3022, showing a retrieval time of only 65 seconds per stone, excelling over the reusable scope in this category. The Uscope UE3022 image quality was also rated best, but showed no significant difference. Conclusions: In comparison with disposable ureteroscopes available, LithoVue offers performance and characteristics similar to a reusable device, while the FlexorVu's performance does not yet yield satisfactory results for clinical use. The first generation of Uscope exhibits potential, but requires further technical improvements to match the performance of a reusable device. With the new-generation UE3022, Pusen has made significant improvement and offers a quality comparable with the LithoVue's.

Use of Artificial Intelligence for Medical Literature Search: Randomized Controlled Trial Using the Hackathon Format.

BACKGROUND: Mapping out the research landscape around a project is often time consuming and difficult. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates a commercial artificial intelligence (AI) search engine (IRIS.AI) for its applicability in an automated literature search on a specific medical topic. METHODS: To evaluate the AI search engine in a standardized manner, the concept of a science hackathon was applied. Three groups of researchers were tasked with performing a literature search on a clearly defined scientific project. All participants had a high level of expertise for this specific field of research. Two groups were given access to the AI search engine IRIS.AI. All groups were given the same amount of time for their search and were instructed to document their results. Search results were summarized and ranked according to a predetermined scoring system. RESULTS: The final scoring awarded 49 and 39 points out of 60 to AI groups 1 and 2, respectively, and the control group received 46 points. A total of 20 scientific studies with high relevance were identified, and 5 highly relevant studies ("spot on") were reported by each group. CONCLUSIONS: AI technology is a promising approach to facilitate literature searches and the management of medical libraries. In this study, however, the application of AI technology lead to a more focused literature search without a significant improvement in the number of results.

"Three horse shoe-like incision" holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: first experience with a novel en bloc technique for anatomic transurethral prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the performance of a novel holmium laser enucleation technique in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2015 and August 2017, 114 consecutive patients underwent modified HoLEP [3 horse shoe-like incision HoLEP (3 HSI HoLEP)] for LUTS performed by an experienced urologist (A.M.). The surgical intervention and short postoperative course were analyzed. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life score, maximum urinary flow rate (Q max), postvoid residual urine (PVR), and clinical and sociodemographic data were assessed preoperatively. The patient cohort was compared with existing data regarding clinical outcome parameters after surgical LUTS therapy. RESULTS: The mean size of the prostatic gland was 86.3 ± 46.5 mL. The mean total operative time was 49.6 min (15-280 min). IPSS, Q max, and PVR were 20.7, 10.8, and 112.7 mL, respectively, prior to the intervention in the 3 HSI HoLEP group. The complication rate for Clavien category-III complications was 4.4%; no category IV complications were recorded. Seven of 114 patients experienced urinary retention after catheter removal during the hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The presented procedure provides several improvements over the standard modality. The prostatic gland is enucleated en bloc in an anatomical manner without longitudinal incisions of the urethra. This method is fast, safe, and may be easier to learn. However, this is the first description recorded. Future multicenter, controlled studies should clarify the long-term outcomes and surgical performance of 3 HSI HoLEP.

In Vitro Effects of a Novel Coating Agent on Bacterial Biofilm Development on Ureteral Stents.

OBJECTIVES: Ureteral stenting is a widely used method for noninvasive urinary drainage in ureteral obstruction. However, biofilm development due to transient bacteriuria can cause severe complications such as incrustation with subsequent obstruction as well as recurrent urinary tract infection. Apart from local ailment such as dysuria, this increases both stent replacement frequency and incidence of complications. In this work, we investigated in vitro the bacterial adhesion to a surface-attached and cross-linked poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAA) hydrogel network, which is known for its nonfouling and protein-repellent characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To mimic the conditions encountered in vivo, PDMAA-coated and uncoated cyclic olefin polymer (COP) slides as well as polyurethane (PU)-coated glass slides were incubated in sterile human urine for 48 hours. Colonization was then simulated by adding known uropathogens, cultivated from clinical urine samples (such as Escherichia coli). After further incubation for 24 and 48 hours, slides were washed, and the remaining adherent bacteria were solubilized by ultrasound. CFUs were counted after plating and incubation for 48 hours of the resulting solution. RESULTS: PDMAA reduced adherent E. coli about fivefold on coated PU glass slides as well as in PDMAA-coated COP slides. With adherent Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella pneumoniae there was a tendency to decreased biofilm formation, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: PDMAA reduces surface adherence of the most common uropathogen significantly. Assessment of clinical relevance and of the effect on further uropathogens needs further experimental and clinical evaluations. German Clinical Trial Register ID: DRKS00013264 (approved WHO primary register).

[Current trends in flexible ureteroscopy: an update]. / Aktuelle Trends in der flexiblen Ureterorenoskopie ­ ein Update.

Flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) has become a success story in urology. Since its implementation into the treatment of urolithiasis, fURS has demonstrated excellent clinical performance and safety. In recent years, the spread of disposable ureteroscopes has shaped the field of endoscopic stone treatment. However, the primary advantage of these devices is that they improve the workflow in urology theatres (no sterilisation, no repair costs) and possibly minimise bacteria transfer in working channels rather than being a real technological "game changer". Novel disruptive improvements such as automatic laser lithotripsy or intrarenal pressure and temperature control in real time are still waiting to enter the clinical routine. These innovations might take fURS to the next level and disruptively change endoscopic stone treatment.

[Augmented reality and virtual reality in the operating theatre status quo und quo vadis]. / Augmented Reality und Virtual Reality im Operationssaal ­ Status Quo und Quo vadis.

INTRODUCTION: Virtual reality (VR) is an artificially simulated environment permitting interaction. On the other hand, augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of reality created by the use of technology to overlay digital information on an image of something being viewed through a device. Both technologies have partially been implemented in clinical daily routine. Surgical applications of VR and AR are currently evaluated. Yet it is still unclear which possibilities these new and versatile applications offer for physicians. INTENTION: The goal of this article was to assess current and future use of AR und VR, with a special focus on surgery. We also summarised obstacles for AR and VR use as well as potential clinical improvements through these new technologies. METHODS: Systematic literature research in PubMed with inclusion of reviews referring to AR and VR, especially focused on articles on surgery. Keywords were Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Telementoring and Telesurgery. Furthermore we briefly analysed the investment volume and investment strategy in medicine from the ten largest private technology companies of the USA. RESULTS: The keyword "Augmented Reality" leads to 1222 articles and 119 reviews, while "Virtual Reality" offered 7766 articles and 878 reviews. In recent years, the amount of published articles has increased. 45 articles were included. Multiple AR- and VR-applications are already integrated in surgical daily routine. The next promising applications will concern the possibility of intraoperative overlap with radiological imaging via AR-tools, as well as telementoring and the use of AR and VR in surgical and anatomical education. The expected - but unproven - advantages include cost savings, reduction in complications, comprehensive knowledge acquisition and improvement in surgical results. In addition, we notice enormous financial investment by technology companies in this sector. CONCLUSION: Due to their tremendous potential, AR and VR technologies will be increasingly integrated into surgery. However, the benefit of these new technologies for relevant endpoints are currently unclear. This should be examined in rigorous clinical trials. Physicians should play a key role in this technological revolution to exploit the potential of AR and VR for their patients.