Augmented reality-assisted single-incision laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Comparison with pure single incision laparoscopic technique

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate augmented reality-assisted single-incision laparoscopic adrenalectomy (AR-SILA) and compare with pure SILA. Materials and Methods: Between January 2009 and March 2012, a total of 19 patients had received SILA. Eight cases were AR-SILA and the others were pure SILA. Results: Eight AR-SILA procedures and 11 SILA were successfully completed. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index, and tumor size. Operative times were shorter in the AR-SILA group (102.5 ± 12.8 vs. 150.9 ± 46.3, P = 0.005). The mean blood loss in the AR-SILA group was slightly less than that in the SILA group (60.0 ± 25.6 vs. 109.1 ± 80.1, P = 0.129). There was neither postoperative mortality nor morbidity at the time of discharge and during follow-up. Conclusion: AR-SILA provides important intraoperative information for surgeons to recognize where the pathological lesions and vessels are located beyond the surgeon's direct vision. It made SILA safer and easier.