Neurosurgery is a complex and high-risk specialty that requires acute technological developments and regular literature updates. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have significant potential to enhance neurosurgery training and improve procedural knowledge and technical skills. The UpSurgOn neurosurgeon program uses neuron-simulation to familiarize young neurosurgeons with the anatomy of the brain, and VR workshops have been launched in Nairobi due to the difficulty in obtaining cadavers for training. The ease of set-up and accessibility of VR training allows for cost savings and broader access. Neuro-navigation is another modern technology utilized to increase accuracy and improve surgical practice. As technology continues to advance, neurosurgeons must keep up with the latest developments to provide the best possible outcomes for patients.
The Role of Virtual Reality in Advancing High-Risk Neurosurgery Practice
The field of neurosurgery is one of the most complex and high-risk specialties in healthcare. Even the slightest margin of error can have catastrophic outcomes for patients. Therefore, the need to continually enhance procedural knowledge and technical skills has led to the adoption of new technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).
According to Dr. Mogere, a neurosurgeon at Aga Khan University Hospital, VR and AR can significantly enhance neurosurgery by providing acute technological developments and regular literature updates. “We benefit from the most demanding clinical conditions. We deal with the most complicated problems with often catastrophic outcomes when things don’t go well. And also extremely rewarding when things go well,” he said.
Dr. Beverly Cheserem, a consultant neurosurgeon and an associate professor at Aga Khan hospital, explained the value of VR in the field of neurosurgery. “Kenya is the third in Africa this year doing neuron simulation, a special project founded in Italy where rather than using cadavers, we’re using augmented and virtual reality. Kenya is the leader in technology in the region, so we are able to use our smartphones and we have people using virtual reality to simulate theatre,” she said.
One example of the use of VR in neurosurgery training is the UpSurgOn neurosurgeon program, a neuron-simulation program designed to help young neurosurgeons familiarize themselves with the anatomy of the brain. In Africa, it is difficult to obtain cadavers for use in training, which led to the virtual reality workshops launched in Nairobi.
The value of VR lies in its ease of set-up. Unlike an anatomy lab, VR training can be conducted in a standard lab, and participants can use their smartphones. This not only reduces costs but also makes the training more accessible.
In conclusion, the field of neurosurgery requires acute technological advancements and regular literature updates. VR and AR provide an opportunity for neurosurgeons to improve their procedural knowledge and technical skills. The use of VR in training, such as the UpSurgOn program, allows young neurosurgeons to familiarize themselves with the anatomy of the brain, leading to the development of a new generation of tech-savvy professionals in the field.
Advancing Neurosurgery Practice with Digital Technology
With the rise of a digitally-savvy generation, it is crucial to teach neurosurgery in a way that aligns with their daily lives. This is especially important as neurosurgery requires a significant amount of technological expertise. By utilizing modern technologies, such as neuronavigation, accuracy and quality of surgical practice can be increased.
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