UAB Department of Neurosurgery Assistant Professor Jakub Godzik, M.D., MS, and PGY-6 Neurosurgery Resident Nicholas Laskay, M.D., are among the authors of a recent paper published in Operative Neurosurgery titled “Optimizing Surgical Efficiency in Complex Spine Surgery Using Virtual Reality as a Communication Technology to Promote a Shared Mental Model: A Case Series and Review.”

Through this case series and review, the authors were able to demonstrate the benefits of using virtual reality (VR) in preoperative planning and expand their understanding of the various applications of VR in spine surgery.

To begin the case series, short procedural walkthroughs were created using a VR visualization platform and distributed to participating surgical teams prior to surgical interventions. Teams were then able to refine surgical goals before the intervention. After the intervention, participants completed a survey to measure their perceptions of the value of VR as a preoperative tool. Survey results demonstrated a positive opinion of VR, with most participants finding the tool useful.

The authors also reviewed existing literature on the use of VR in preoperative spine surgery planning and determined more research on the subject is needed.

“Virtual reality is not the future; it is the present. It is also not just a cool gaming gimmick but has the potential to fundamentally change how we communicate in medicine for the better. These efforts are just the beginning of our exploration in this field, and the goal is, and will always be, to deliver the highest quality care possible to our patients,” said Godzik.

Godzik added, “This paper by Dr. Laskay and others in our research group represents an early experience using VR technology to improve communication and surgical operations. It will serve as the foundation for positioning UAB as a leader in digital, both virtual and augmented, health technology.”

Additional authors of this study include UAB Department of Neurosurgery Professor James Johnston, M.D., PGY-7 Resident James Mooney, M.D., and PGY-5 Resident Matthew Parr, M.D.

*This is a multi-institutional study. Authors not mentioned are not directly affiliated with UAB Medicine or the UAB Heersink School of Medicine.