Exploring the impact of virtual reality on education, surgical planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration for clinicians in head and neck oncology

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) technologies are transforming the landscape of oncology, particularly in the education and surgical planning of head and neck cancers. We conducted a narrative literature review using Scopus®, PubMed® to identify relevant studies enhancing surgical training, therapeutic planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our findings reveal that VR provides immersive learning environments that significantly improve surgical skill development, including hand-eye coordination in procedures like ear surgeries. Moreover, VR facilitates the visualization of complex anatomical structures and vascular anatomy, aiding in preoperative tumor contouring and flap design for reconstructive surgery. The integration of VR with 3D printing allows for the creation of patient-specific models, enhancing preoperative planning by accurately representing tumors and surrounding tissues. Additionally, VR enhances collaborative decision-making in tumor boards by enabling multidisciplinary teams to visualize medical images in a shared virtual space. Despite its potential, further research is needed to assess the full impact of VR technologies on surgical outcomes and educational efficacy in head and neck oncology decision making. This review underscores the importance of continued exploration into VR applications to optimize patient care and improve training methodologies in surgical practices.