Review describes characteristics of 3D printing, VR, and AR simulation for laparoscopic HBP surgery training

This narrative systematic review synthesizes advancements in simulation-based training modalities for laparoscopic hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. The review describes characteristics of three technologies: three-dimensional printing provides tactile fidelity for patient-specific anatomy replication but lacks dynamic physiological responses; virtual reality enables risk-free procedural repetition and AI-driven skill optimization but struggles with haptic authenticity; augmented reality bridges preoperative planning and intraoperative execution through real-time holographic navigation but faces challenges in cognitive load management.

No quantitative outcomes, effect sizes, or comparative effectiveness data are reported. The review does not include patient or trainee outcomes, validation data for transfer-to-practice metrics, or information about study populations, sample sizes, or follow-up periods. Safety and tolerability data are not reported.

Key limitations include the narrative nature of the review without quantitative synthesis or certainty assessment. The authors note that future advancements should prioritize hybrid simulation ecosystems integrating biomechanical realism with adaptive virtual interfaces, validated transfer-to-practice metrics, and ethical frameworks for emerging technologies.

For clinical practice, this review provides a descriptive overview of technological characteristics but offers no evidence regarding the effectiveness of these simulation modalities for improving surgical skills or patient outcomes. The findings should be interpreted cautiously as they represent a synthesis of technological features rather than validated training outcomes.