Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Uses AR for Endometriosis Surgery

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has become the first facility to offer an augmented reality experience designed to prepare patients for endometriosis surgery.

The hospital is implementing augmented reality (AR) technology during pre-surgical consultations to help patients visualize a condition that is often invisible but life-altering.

Developed by Medical iSight, the system allows patients to use a headset to view anatomically precise 3D models. This technology overlays digital images onto the real world, providing a visual representation of what may be occurring inside the patient’s body.

Enhancing Pre-Surgical Consultations

The primary goal of the AR tool is to assist patients in making sense of complex surgical procedures. By providing a shared virtual view, doctors can show patients precisely which areas of endometriosis are targeted for removal during surgery.

Medical professionals state that this visual aid makes complex medical information easier for patients to understand. The hospital intends for this approach to support patients in feeling more informed and confident when making decisions regarding their treatment.

The technology was launched around March 27, 2026, as part of Endometriosis Action Month to enhance the care provided to women undergoing these procedures.

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an incurable condition that occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the body.

According to the World Health Organization, one in 10 women live with this condition.

The condition often results in chronic pain and can significantly disrupt a patient’s daily functioning and quality of life.

Patient Impact and Experience

Aga Mizgala, a 34-year-old patient at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, is among the first to utilize the AR system. Mizgala has lived with suspected endometriosis for approximately seven years.

Mizgala described the physical toll of the condition, stating that the pain feels like a million little needles.

The symptoms began as daily pelvic pain that persisted from the moment she woke up until she went to sleep. This chronic pain affected her ability to focus on her work and forced her to take time off.

I think it’s very helpful to actually see what the surgeon is talking about.

Aga Mizgala

Mizgala’s journey toward a solution included a diagnostic laparoscopy in 2023, though that specific procedure did not provide the answers she sought.

Reporting from the BBC indicates that the integration of AR into the consultation process aims to bridge the gap between a surgeon’s verbal explanation and a patient’s understanding of their own internal anatomy.