What is augmented reality surgery?

Augmented reality surgery uses computer-generated imagery to provide the surgeon with information that would otherwise be unavailable. The computer-generated images may be either fused with the image on the monitor or projected directly onto the patient's body during the operation, allowing the doctor to virtually see inside the patient. However, an image on a monitor is two-dimensional. A head-mounted display that combines the computer-generated images and the image of the patient allows the surgeon to see a three-dimensional field as well as different views by simply turning her or his head instead of adjusting the endoscope, making it more like traditional open surgery.