The Department of Surgery at Command Hospital (Eastern Command), Kolkata, has successfully performed the first Virtual Reality Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery (VRALS) in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), enhancing precision, reducing surgeon fatigue, and improving outcomes in minimally invasive procedures.
Glimpse:
This landmark procedure integrates VR technology with traditional laparoscopy to provide immersive visualization, better hand-eye coordination, and greater efficiency particularly in complex cases. The milestone reinforces AFMS’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge tools for superior care to service members, veterans, and families, with potential for wider rollout across military hospitals.
In a groundbreaking advancement for military healthcare, Command Hospital (Eastern Command) in Kolkata has conducted the Armed Forces Medical Services’ (AFMS) inaugural Virtual Reality Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery (VRALS). The procedure marks the integration of immersive VR with minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, setting a new standard for precision and safety in surgical care.
VRALS combines real-time laparoscopic imaging with virtual reality overlays, allowing surgeons to navigate anatomy with enhanced depth perception, reduced fatigue, and superior ergonomic control. Benefits include improved hand-eye coordination, minimized physical strain during prolonged operations, and heightened accuracy translating to safer procedures and faster patient recovery.
This innovation underscores the AFMS’s proactive adoption of advanced technologies to elevate healthcare delivery for armed forces personnel and their dependents. Command Hospital Kolkata, a key tertiary-care facility, continues to lead in research and clinical excellence within the military medical ecosystem.
The successful implementation paves the way for broader VR integration in AFMS facilities, promising transformative impacts on surgical training and complex interventions.
“VR-assisted surgery reduces fatigue, boosts hand-eye coordination, and enhances efficiency delivering greater accuracy and safety for better patient outcomes.”
By
HB Team
