SURGEONS used high-tech glasses to operate on a cancer patient for the first time with the aid of augmented reality.

HoloLens2 allowed the team led by Abul Ahmed to ‘see through’ the patient’s skin by superimposing pre-operative scans on to the patient and studying the underlying anatomy without making an incision.

A pre-planned surgical model was downloaded into the wearer’s headset and then moved using hand gestures and voice commands, so the virtual holographic leg was aligned with the bony anatomical landmarks and skin of the patient.

Chef Linda Malik, from Hillingdon, was the first patient to undergo the new approach.

Linda, 64, said: “It is the first time I’ve ever had surgery, let alone understand what HoloLens are. Mr Ahmed promised I wouldn’t miss my cruise holiday so I put my trust in him and the team.”

The mother of three was diagnosed with cancer of the jaw after Northwick Park Hospital discovered a troublesome tooth hid a more serious issue.

The 12-hour procedure involved two surgical teams working in tandem.

One team removed the neck glands, diseased jawbone and prepared for the new implant, while the second harvested bone from the lower leg which was sculpted into a replacement jaw, along with an attached vein and artery.

The final stage was to reconnect the blood supply to the reconstructed jaw, plumbing in the vein and artery to provide a continuous flow of blood to and from the jaw.

Linda, a mother of three, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing my kids and four grandchildren. I’m relieved the procedure went well and want to thank everyone at the hospital.”