BRIEF NOTE
Este estudo apresenta a viabilidade da utilização da realidade virtual (VR) para teleproctoring em cirurgia endoscópica da coluna vertebral. A evolução das tecnologias digitais permitiu aprimorar técnicas cirúrgicas por meio do teleproctoring, possibilitando que especialistas orientem procedimentos em tempo real, utilizando plataformas interativas e dispositivos vestíveis como smartglasses e headsets. A cirurgia endoscópica da coluna representa uma alternativa minimamente invasiva às técnicas tradicionais, mas possui desafios significativos relacionados ao campo de visão reduzido e menor percepção de profundidade. Nesse contexto, a realidade virtual surge como ferramenta promissora, otimizando a visualização intraoperatória e permitindo supervisão remota detalhada. Neste relato de caso, um paciente de 74 anos com hérnia discal L3-L4 submeteu-se à discectomia endoscópica assistida por teleproctoring usando o Meta Quest 3. Especialistas em São Paulo supervisionaram remotamente o procedimento realizado em Goiânia, interagindo em tempo real sem interrupções. A evolução pós-operatória foi excelente, com alívio total da dor e restauração funcional expressiva. Embora o estudo destaque benefícios claros, limitações técnicas, como instabilidade de conexão e qualidade de transmissão, foram identificadas, sugerindo a necessidade de sistemas redundantes. Essa tecnologia pode acelerar a adoção de técnicas minimamente invasivas e melhorar significativamente o treinamento e a execução de procedimentos neurocirúrgicos.
This study presents the feasibility of using virtual reality (VR) for teleproctoring in endoscopic spine surgery. Advances in digital technologies have enhanced surgical techniques through teleproctoring, allowing specialists to remotely guide procedures in real-time using interactive platforms and wearable devices such as smartglasses and headsets. Endoscopic spine surgery represents a minimally invasive alternative to traditional techniques but faces significant challenges related to reduced visual fields and decreased depth perception. Virtual reality emerges as a promising tool, optimizing intraoperative visualization and enabling detailed remote supervision. In this case report, a 74-year-old patient with an L3-L4 disc herniation underwent endoscopic discectomy assisted by teleproctoring using Meta Quest 3. Specialists located in São Paulo remotely supervised the procedure performed in Goiânia, interacting in real-time without interruptions. Postoperative evolution was excellent, with complete pain relief and significant functional restoration. Although the study highlights clear benefits, technical limitations such as connection instability and transmission quality were identified, suggesting the need for redundant systems. This technology may accelerate the adoption of minimally invasive techniques and significantly enhance training and execution of neurosurgical procedures.
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1Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
2Spine Department, Hospital São Luiz, Rede D’Or, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
3Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Received Mar 30, 2025 Accepted Apr 17, 2025
