A British cancer patient is set to have his operation live streamed using virtual reality technology in a world first.

Viewers will be able to watch the ground-breaking surgery next month using a smartphone and virtual reality headset, making them feel as if they are in the operating theatre.

Using several specialist cameras placed above the operating table the surgery will be broadcast live from The Royal London Hospital on April 14 and will last between two and three hours.

Shafi Ahmed, who has championed virtual reality technology in surgery will perform the operation and called it a "gamechanger" for healthcare innovation and education.

The patient, a British man in his 70s who is suffering from cancer of the colon, is said to be "excited" about the prospect of having his operation watched by thousands of people across the globe.

The immersive broadcast will run a minute or so behind the surgery in case of any unforeseen complications.