The RA4Pro project sees the collaboration between the Augmented and Virtual Reality Laboratory (AVR Lab) of the Universitỳ of Salento and the Urology Operating Unit of the ‘Vito Fazzi’ Hospital in Lecce, with the aim of developing and testing a system based on Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence to support prostate surgery both during biopsy and prostatectomy surgery performed with the Da Vinci robot. A navigator will be created to be used for biopsy planning and surgical planning. In addition, artificial intelligence algorithms will be used to identify suspicious areas, reducing the number of samples needed and increasing the accuracy of the procedure. During surgery, an Augmented Reality application, which can be integrated into the Da Vinci robot, will provide the surgeon with crucial information in real time through visual and acoustic cues. 

Project objectives:

  • To optimise the oncological radicality of surgery;
  • Preserving anatomical structures fundamental to urinary continence and erectile function;
  • Reduce postoperative hospital stay.

Biopsy guidance systems, supported by artificial intelligence algorithms, can improve tumour identification and reduce the number of samples needed resulting in fewer complications and post-procedural pain. Intraoperative support based on augmented reality can help trainee surgeons accelerate their learning curve.