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Virtual surgery refers to a virtual reality simulation of surgical procedures.

Such simulations are used to practice often dangerous surgical procedures without the
need for an actual patient. The virtual reality simulation is used as an analog for the
actual surgery where doctors can practice on a virtual patient before performing the
surgery.

Types of surgeries commonly simulated are laparoscopic surgery where the surgeon
cannot physically see the operation being performed. Virtual surgery uses a computer
screen displaying a 3-dimensional graphic of the organs being operated on. Various
surgical tools or gloves are connected to motion sensors and haptic or tactile feedback
mechanisms where the user can physically feel the difference in simulated tissue and
organs. The user can "perform surgery" upon the virtual organs by manipulating the
tools, which are also displayed on the screen as the user moves them, and the tools also
provide force-feedback and collision detection to indicate to the user when they are
pushing on or moving some organs or tissue. By inputting data from computerized
tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans the patient can be
replicated in the virtual environment. The advantages of this type of simulation is
surgeons can practice operations multiple times without the use of cadavers or animals.
Surgery simulation would give an objective evaluation of a surgeon dexterity combined
with a more intensive training activity. It would allow the simulation of rare pathological
cases and could simulate the interaction with several organs. Complications can be
introduced during the surgery testing the user on real world scenarios. Virtually trained
students may be more proficient and make fewer errors, and would thus be better
prepared to assist during surgery.

The first virtual surgery (where actual surgery followed the virtual practise) was
performed on 17 August 2009 when Dr David Clarke in Halifax, Nova Scotia removed a
brain tumour 24 hours after removing a simulated tumour