Augmented reality (AR) is a novel technology adopted in prostatic surgery with the aim to improve the preservation of neurovascular bundles (NVBs) and avoid Positive surgical margins (PSM).We prospectively enrolled patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) on the basis of positive mpMRI-targeted fusion biopsy.Prior to the intervention, patients enrolled were addressed to undergo 3D virtual model reconstruction based on preoperative mpMRI
images. Finally, the surgeon performed RARP with the help of the 3D model projected in AR inside the robotic console (AR-3D guided RARP).
Patients who underwent AR RARP were compared to those who underwent “standard RARP” in the same period.
Overall, PSM rates were comparable
between the two groups; PSMs at the level of the index lesion were significantly lower in patients referred to AR-3D group (5%) than those in the control group (20%; p = 0.01).The novel technique of AR-3D guidance for IFS analysis may allow for reducing PSMs at the level of the index lesion.