Augmented Reality Improves Patient Understanding Before Sinus Surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a commonly performed procedure for patients with paranasal sinus disease, yet preoperative counseling often relies on two-dimensional CT images that can be difficult for patients to interpret. Although augmented reality tools are increasingly used in scientific research, medical training, and surgical settings, their effectiveness as tools for educating patients before surgery has been examined in only a few high-quality studies, leaving their potential role largely unexplored.

To help address this gap, a prospective randomized pilot study evaluated the use of the augmented reality application VSI HoloMedicine on the Microsoft HoloLens 2 as a tool for patient education prior to endoscopic sinus surgery. The study compared this approach with conventional patient education using CT images displayed on a PC screen, focusing on patient-reported visualization and perceived usefulness.

Here’s an in-depth look at how the study was designed and what it found.

Study Design and Educational Workflow

The study was conducted over a six-month timeframe and enrolled 20 patients with indications for endoscopic sinus surgery. Patients were randomized into two subgroups, and all patients received education using conventional CT-based methods and VSI HoloMedicine. The subgroups differed only in the order in which the two educational approaches were delivered.

After each educational session, patients filled out a questionnaire. This design allowed for direct comparison of patient perceptions after each method while ensuring that all participants were exposed to both forms of education.

Visualization and Patient Preference

Patient-reported visualization ability was significantly improved when VSI HoloMedicine was used. In a direct comparison of the two approaches, 90% of patients reported that VSI HoloMedicine was more helpful in informing their decision to proceed with surgery, and 95% of patients identified the augmented reality tool should be used as the standard for patient education.

These findings suggest that augmented reality tools can enhance patients’ understanding and visual imagination of paranasal sinus surgery compared with conventional CT image review.

Limitations and Future Directions

As a pilot study with a small sample size, the results should be interpreted cautiously. Outcomes were based on questionnaire responses assessing visualization and patient preference, and no conclusions can be drawn regarding other potential effects such as long-term understanding or postoperative outcomes. Larger studies will be required to further evaluate the role of augmented reality tools in preoperative patient education.

Key Takeaway

VSI HoloMedicine appears to be a promising way to educate patients prior to paranasal sinus surgery. By improving patients’ understanding and visual imagination of the surgical procedure, this augmented reality–based education may enhance patient benefit.

Reference:
Schewe, H., von Lücken, HJ., House, P.M. et al. Application of the augmented reality tool VSI holomedicine for improved patient education before sinus surgery – a prospective randomised pilot study. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-21449-w