The knowledge generated through this project is not confined to the operating theatre. Credit: Son Espases Hospital
The University Hospital Son Espases, based in Palma de Mallorca, has emerged as a national leader in cancer surgery thanks to a groundbreaking project that combines artificial intelligence, 3D reconstruction, and virtual reality.
The innovative programme is transforming how some of the most complex surgical procedures are planned and performed in Spain’s public health system.
The driving force behind this initiative is Dr Álvaro García Granero, a surgeon widely recognised for his pioneering work in medical innovation. Together with his team, he has spent years developing a methodology that allows professionals to “rehearse” operations before entering the operating theatre.
“If Formula 1 drivers simulate the circuit before a race, why shouldn’t we do the same in surgery?” he asked during the presentation of the project, which will be showcased on Friday, 6 June, during the third edition of Innovation Day.
The initiative began with the generation of three-dimensional anatomical models from imaging tests such as MRI scans. Thanks to the application of AI in medical imaging, the team managed to produce automatic 3D reconstructions in which each organ is represented individually. “This allows us to explore the patient’s anatomy with millimetric precision — like switching from a paper map to Google Maps, but for the human body,” explains Dr García Granero.
Virtual reality environments
The true breakthrough came when these models were integrated into virtual reality environments. Today, surgeons can virtually “walk through” a patient’s body before operating, anticipating potential complications, planning detailed strategies, and significantly reducing risk.
This approach is not just innovative — it has delivered remarkable clinical results. The team has published two studies focusing on colon and rectal cancer, showing a significant reduction in surgical time, an increase in minimally invasive procedures, and improved oncological outcomes. In colon cancer cases, for instance, while international literature cites a 10% rate of affected margins (residual cancer cells post-surgery), Son Espases has achieved a rate of 0%.
Thanks to this technology, the hospital has been able to take on cases previously deemed inoperable by other centres. Virtual reality surgical planning enables interdisciplinary coordination, joint strategy design, and the avoidance of unnecessary removal of healthy structures — leading to more precise, less aggressive surgeries and better outcomes for patients.
Luis Alegre, director of Innovation and Projects at Son Espases, highlighted one of the day’s most anticipated moments: the Salut Innova 2025 awards ceremony, which celebrates talent and creativity in the healthcare sector. This year, 26 projects were submitted — a figure that reflects the dynamism of the Balearic health innovation ecosystem. Students from the Francesc de Borja Moll Integrated Vocational Training Centre will also be participating, underscoring the event’s commitment to early education and future healthcare professionals. Partners of the event include IdISBa, the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), and companies such as Ambu and Mölnlycke.
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