The utility of augmented reality in lateral skull base surgery: A preliminary report.

Objective: To discuss the utility of augmented reality in lateral skull base surgery.

Patients: Those undergoing lateral skull base surgery at our institution.

Intervention(s): Cerebellopontine angle tumor resection using an augmented reality interface.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Ease of use, utility of, and future directions of augmented reality in lateral skull base surgery.

Results: Anecdotally we have found an augmented reality interface helpful in simulating cerebellopontine angle tumor resection as well as assisting in planning the incision and craniotomy.

Conclusions: Augmented reality has the potential to be a useful adjunct in lateral skull base surgery, but more study is needed with large series.