A HAMPSHIRE doctor has completed the UK’s first urology procedure using smart glasses technology to diagnose and treat a condition in the urinary tract.
Consultant urological surgeon, Professor Bhaskar Somani, used the smart glasses, combining augmented reality (AR) into a wearable device, at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital in Winchester Road, Chandler’s Ford.
The Surgery Assistance smart glasses are equipped with three cameras, a torch and earpiece, and share live video, audio and still photos which can then be watched in real-time and commented on remotely.
It allows surgeons to share what they are viewing with medical professionals anywhere in the world providing instant feedback and advice.
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This technology can be used for surgical and urological procedures including kidney stones and prostate surgery. Prof Somani used them during a cystoscopy procedure to look inside the bladder using a thin camera and look for and treat conditions affecting the bladder and urethra. His first-time use of the glasses was to capture his procedure for training and education purposes to allow medical professionals to observe and learn remotely at any time.
Prof Somani said: “Surgical teams consist of doctors with diverse levels of training and expertise, and sometimes members of those teams need to consult with a specialist on complex surgery they are performing while the patient is in the theatre to decide the best steps to take in their care.
"Historically, an on-call consultant at a hospital would have to head into the theatre and give their verdict. Now, thanks to smart glasses technology there is a much more efficient route forward which can improve the accuracy of a procedure, ultimately benefiting patient outcome.
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“For me, the use of smart glasses in urology procedures has opened a new avenue for training and educating the next generation of surgeons. Medical professionals can now experience procedures first-hand through a surgeon’s perspective and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to incorporate the use of smart glasses in my procedure at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital.”
Thelma Henderson, hospital director, said: “Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital remains committed to adopting innovative technologies that elevate patient care standards and help train young surgeons. With the help of these new technologies, such as Surgery Assistance smart glasses, we will continue to provide first-class services to our patients.”
For more information on services available at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital please call 02380 986329 or go to nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wessex.
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