Quantitative comparison of operative skill using 2- and 3-dimensional monitors during laparoscopic phantom tasks

Comparative study of the three-dimensional perception of videos recorded on a "Do it yourself" three-dimensional recording assembly versus the conventional recording system

PURPOSE

To develop an indigenous "Do it yourself" (DIY) three-dimensional (3D) ophthalmic surgery recording system and validate the perception of stereopsis using it.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of practicing ophthalmologists with post-postgraduation experience of at least 5 years for perception of stereopsis for three different surgeries was performed; cataract, retinal detachment, and intravitreal drug injection were recorded on DIY assembly, viewed on VRBOX and using laptop videos and pseudo 3 d videos as control.

RESULTS

The laptop videos and 3D VR Box videos received higher ratings for stereopsis than the pseudo 3D videos. The parameters that received significantly higher ratings on the 3D VR Box viewing were instrument's position relative to the ocular surface in cataract surgery, anterior chamber depth during capsular staining, ophthalmic visco-surgical device injection, capsulorhexis, phaco tunnel depth, movement of nuclear fragments in the anterior chamber, and intra-ocular lens tilt in the capsular bag during cataract surgery ( P < 0.05). In scleral buckling surgery, the parameters that were significantly rated higher on VR Box were globe contour, separation of the scleral plane from muscle, and explant plane ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the depth of the needle in the vitreous cavity while administering intravitreal drug injection was also rated significantly higher on VR Box ( P < 0.05). However, the ratings for the depth of corneal incision, depth of scleral incision, overall color, and overall quality were not different statistically when compared between laptop and VR Box viewing.

CONCLUSION

DIY 3D recording assembly offers a superior means of appreciating depth at various stages of cataract surgery, scleral buckling, and intravitreal drug injection when compared to laptop viewing and can serve as an effective tool for skill transfer.

Surgeon Preference and Clinical Outcome of 3D Vision Compared to 2D Vision in Laparoscopic Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Objective

To assess the added value of 3-dimensional (3D) vision, including high definition (HD) technology, in laparoscopic surgery in terms of surgeon preference and clinical outcome.

Background

The use of 3D vision in laparoscopic surgery has been suggested to improve surgical performance. However, the added value of 3D vision remains unclear as a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing 3D vision including HD technology in laparoscopic surgery is currently lacking.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines with a literature search up to May 2023 using PubMed and Embase (PROSPERO, CRD42021290426). We included RCTs comparing 3D versus 2-dimensional (2D) vision in laparoscopic surgery. The primary outcome was operative time. Meta-analyses were performed using the random effects model to estimate the pooled effect size expressed in standard mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The level of evidence and quality was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Overall, 25 RCTs with 3003 patients were included. Operative time was reduced by 3D vision (-8.0%; SMD, -0.22; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.06; P = 0.007; n = 3003; 24 studies; I 2 = 75%) compared to 2D vision. This benefit was mostly seen in bariatric surgery (-16.3%; 95% CI, -1.28 to -0.21; P = 0.006; 2 studies; n = 58; I 2 = 0%) and general surgery (-6.7%; 95% CI, -0.34 to -0.01; P = 0.036; 9 studies; n = 1056; I 2 = 41%). Blood loss was nonsignificantly reduced by 3D vision (SMD, -0.33; 95% CI, -0.68 to 0.017; P = 0.060; n = 1830; I 2 = 92%). No differences in the rates of morbidity (14.9% vs 13.5%, P = 0.644), mortality (0% vs 0%), conversion (0.8% vs 0.9%, P = 0.898), and hospital stay (9.6 vs 10.5 days, P = 0.078) were found between 3D and 2D vision. In 15 RCTs that reported on surgeon preference, 13 (87%) reported that the majority of surgeons favored 3D vision.

Conclusions

Across 25 RCTs, this systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated shorter operative time with 3D vision in laparoscopic surgery, without differences in other outcomes. The majority of surgeons participating in the RCTs reported in favor of 3D vision.

Usefulness of three-dimensional thoracoscope for prone position thoracoscopic esophagectomy improves mediastinal lymph node dissection and prognosis for esophageal cancer

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the superiority of 3D flexible thoracoscope against 2D thoracoscope for lymph node dissection (LND) and prognosis for prone-position thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE) in esophageal cancer.

METHODS

Three hundred and sixty-seven esophageal cancer patients who underwent prone-position TE with 3-field LND between 2009 and 2018 were evaluated. 2D and 3D thoracoscope was used in 182 (2D group) and 185 cases (3D group), respectively. Short-term surgical outcomes, numbers of retrieved mediastinal lymph node (LN), and rates of LN recurrence were compared. Risk factors for mediastinal LN recurrence and long-time prognosis were also evaluated.

RESULTS

No differences in postoperative complications were observed between the groups. The numbers of retrieved mediastinal LN were significantly higher, and the rates of LN recurrence were significantly lower in the 3D group compared to 2D group. Use of 2D thoracoscope was a significant independent factor of middle mediastinal LN recurrence by multivariable analysis. Survival was compared by cox regression analysis, and the 3D group had a significantly better prognosis than the 2D group.

CONCLUSIONS

Prone position TE using 3D thoracoscope may improve the accuracy of mediastinal LND and prognosis without increasing postoperative complications for esophageal cancer.

Three-dimensional visualization system is one of the factors that improve short-term outcomes after minimally invasive esophagectomy

PURPOSE

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been increasingly used, but many reports have stated that recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy after MIE is a major complication associated with postoperative pneumonia. Prevention of RLN palsy clearly has been a challenging task. The study aim was to determine if a three-dimensional (3-D) stereoscopic vision system can reduce the RLN palsy rate after MIE.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of MIE (McKeown esophagectomy) using a 3-D or 2-D stereoscopic vision system to treat 358 patients in the prone position between April 2010 and March 2019. The patients who underwent 3-D MIE (3-D group) or 2-D MIE (2-D group) were matched by using propensity score matching. After matching, the perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, 154 patients were analyzed (77 patients, 3-D group; 77 patients, 2-D group). There were no significant differences in the patients' baseline characteristics in the matched cohort. There were no significant differences in the rates of pneumonia (Clavien-Dindo (C-D) grade ≥ II, 3-D vs. 2-D, 11 (14%) vs. 12 (16%)), anastomotic leakage (C-D grade ≥ II, 10 (13%) vs. 18 (23%)) and mortality. The rates of left RLN palsy (C-D grade ≥ IIIa, 1 (1.3%) vs. 7 (9.1%), P = 0.029), right RLN palsy (C-D grade ≥ I, 2 (3%) vs. 8 (10%), P = 0.049), comprehensive complication index (CCI®) (8.5 vs. 14.3, P = 0.011), and postoperative hospital stay period (median: 25 vs. 30 days, P = 0.034) were significantly lower in the 3-D group than in the 2-D group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In MIE, the 3-D viewing system was one of the factors that reduced postoperative morbidities such as the rates of each RLN palsy and CCI®, leading to shorter postoperative hospital stay.

A laparoscopic study investigating 3D vs 2D imaging systems using a pelvitrainer model with experts, non-experts, and students

BACKGROUND

Vision is an essential element of laparoscopic surgery that defines the outcome of an operation in regards to time, mistakes and precision. A 3-dimensional (3D) perspective may improve vision during an operation. Therefore, this study was designed to compare 3D versus 2-dimensional (2D) perspectives using a pelvitrainer model.

METHODS

Fifty candidates were divided into 3 categories based on different experience levels. The candidates were randomised into two groups, with each group performing the same 4 standardised tasks. Group A approached the tasks first with 3D high definition and in a second turn with 2D high definition. Group B carried out the tasks with the systems in reverse order. Task completion time and the number of mistakes made for each task were recorded. After completing the tasks, participants answered questions concerning the two systems.

RESULTS

Group A was, on average, 20% faster at all four tasks and made approximately 18% fewer mistakes in two of the tasks in comparison to group B. The experts significantly benefited from the 3D system in terms of accuracy compared to non-experts and students. The students demonstrated a significantly greater benefit from the 3D system when performing non-linear, continuous movements. Loss of concentration occurred at the same rate for subjects using the 2D and 3D systems. Nausea and dizziness were reported only when working with the 3D system. 91% found the 3D system advantageous for accomplishing the tasks.

CONCLUSIONS

Irrespective of experience level, 3D laparoscopy shows advantages in saving time, increasing accuracy and reducing mistakes. These benefits were also accompanied by subjective advantages that were noted by the participants. However, the more complex the task, the less significant the benefit of the 3D system and some people feel handicapped by the eyewear.

Three-dimensional laparoscopic vision improves forceps motion more in the depth direction than in the horizontal direction: An analysis of data from prospective randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic vision can improve depth perception. However, it is a question whether 3D vision can improve motion in the depth direction. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of 3D vision on forceps motion in the depth and horizontal directions.

METHODS

All data were obtained from our previous two studies, where, in total, 40 novices and 20 moderately experienced surgeons participated. A simple phantom task was performed in a training box. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Specifically, one group performed the task five times initially under a two-dimensional (2D) system, and the other group started under a 3D system. Both groups then performed the same task five times under the alternative system. Performances were recorded by an optical position tracker. We separately evaluated forceps motion in the x-, y-, and z-axis directions.

RESULTS

Compared with the findings for 2D vision, the forceps path lengths were significantly decreased among novices and moderately experienced surgeons in almost all tasks under 3D vision. In a comparison of the path length ratio (3D/2D) in each direction, larger reduction was observed for the depth direction among novices, whereas no significant directional difference was noted among moderately experienced surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

For novices, 3D laparoscopic vision improves depth perception and may give shorter forceps movement in the depth direction even for simple tasks.

Three-dimensional imaging improved the laparoscopic performance of inexperienced operators: a prospective trial

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3-D) high-definition (HD) stereovision and two-dimensional (2-D) ultra-high-resolution (4K) monitors have recently become available for laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic performance between inexperienced participants using 3-D/HD and 2-D/4K monitors and those using conventional 2-D/HD monitors.

METHODS

The study enrolled 66 participants with no previous surgical experience or medical training. They were randomly divided into three equal groups, each using a different type of monitor (2-D/HD, 2-D/4K, or 3-D/HD), to perform three phantom tasks using a laparoscopic simulator: Task 1, touching markers on a non-flat surface; Task 2, bimanual peg transfer; and Task 3, passing a straight rod through a loop. Each task was performed three times. The performance scores (operative time, path length of the forceps, and technical errors) were compared for each monitor type and by age group (< 30 vs. > 30 years).

RESULTS

For all three tasks, scores using the 3-D monitor were significantly better than those using either 2-D monitor, with no difference between the 2-D/4K and 2-D/HD monitors. Using the 2-D monitors, the performance of Task 3 by the participants > 30 years was worse than that by the younger participants; however, there was no difference between the age groups when using the 3-D monitor.

CONCLUSION

Participants with no prior experience using a 3-D monitor showed better laparoscopic performance than those using 2-D monitors, even with 4K resolution. This improvement was more marked in older participants, suggesting a greater loss of depth perception in a 2-D environment.

Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional high-definition laparoscopy in transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy improves technical efficacy in laboratory environment, but evidence for clinical benefit is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether the 3D laparoscopy is beneficial in transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP).

METHOD

In this prospective, single-blinded, single-center, superior randomized trial, patients scheduled for TAPP were randomly allocated to either 3D or two-dimensional (2D) TAPP laparoscopic approaches. Patients were excluded if secondary operation was planned, the risk of conversion was high, or the surgeon had less than five previous 3D laparoscopic procedures. Patients were operated on by 13 residents and 3 attendings. The primary endpoint was operation time. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02367573).

RESULTS

Total 278 patients were randomized between 5th February 2015 and 23rd October 2017. Median operation time was shorter in the 3D group (56.0 min vs. 68.0 min, p < 0.001). 10 (8%) patients in 3D group and 6 (5%) patients in 2D group had clinically significant complications (Clavien-Dindo 2 or higher) (p = 0.440). Rate of hernia recurrence was similar between groups at 1-year follow-up. In the subgroup analyses, operation time was shorter in 3D laparoscopy among attendings, residents, female surgeons, surgeons with perfect stereovision, surgeons with > 50 3D laparoscopic procedures, surgeons with any experience in TAPP, patients with body mass indices < 30, and bilateral inguinal hernia repairs.

CONCLUSION

3D laparoscopy is beneficial and shortens operation time but does not affect safety or long-term outcomes of TAPP.

Comparison of a 3D head-mounted display (HMS-3000MT) and 3D passive polarizing display with 2D technique for first laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair by novice surgeons

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy improves the surgical skills of novice surgeons and positively affects the learning curve in experimental settings. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 3D passive polarizing display (3DPPD) and a novel 3D head-mounted display (3DHMD; HMS-3000MT) on the performance of the first laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair by novices and compare both systems with standard high-definition 2D (HD2D) laparoscopy.

METHODS

Patients with symptomatic inguinal hernia underwent transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach hernia repair using 3DHMD, 3DPPD, or a conventional HD2D laparoscopic system. All surgeries were performed for the first time by three laparoscopically novice surgeons. Operative performance was compared in terms of the time taken for mesh placement and peritoneal suturing under standardized conditions. Additionally, visual perception parameters and adverse effects were assessed.

RESULTS

The use of both 3D techniques shortened the time required for mesh placement and peritoneal suturing compared with the conventional HD2D approach. Generally, 3D laparoscopy was superior to HD2D laparoscopy in terms of visual perception parameters such as depth perception, sharpness, ghosting, and contrast. However, compared with the use of HD2D laparoscopy, the use of 3DHMD significantly impaired a surgeon's comfort, with the greatest impairment caused by ear discomfort, headaches, and facial and physical discomforts.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3DHMD and 3DPPD systems showed clear improvement in first hernia repair laparoscopy by novice surgeons in terms of surgical performance, as well as visual perception; however, the 3DHMD system was not superior to the 3DPPD system. The reduction in training time for new surgeons is obviously advantageous. In this respect, the 3D equipment may be a worthwhile investment.

The use of 3D laparoscopic imaging systems in surgery: EAES consensus development conference 2018

BACKGROUND

The use of 3D laparoscopic systems is expanding. The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) initiated a consensus development conference with the aim of creating evidence-based statements and recommendations for the surgical community.

METHODS

Systematic reviews of the PubMed and Embase libraries were performed to identify evidence on potential benefits of 3D on clinical practice and patient outcomes. Statements and recommendations were prepared and unanimously agreed by an international surgical and engineering expert panel which were presented and voted at the EAES annual congress, London, May 2018.

RESULTS

9967 abstracts were screened with 138 articles included. 18 statements and two recommendations were generated and approved. 3D significantly shortened operative time (mean difference 11 min (8% [95% CI 20.29-1.72], I² 96%)). A significant reduction in complications was observed when 3D systems were used (RR 0.75, [95 CI% 0.60-0.94], I² 0%) particularly for cases involving laparoscopic suturing (RR 0.57 [95% CI 0.35-0.90], I² 0%). In 69 box trainer or simulator studies, 64% concluded trainees were significant faster and 62% performed fewer errors when using 3D.

CONCLUSION

We recommend the use of 3D vision in laparoscopy to reduce the operative time (grade of recommendation: low). Future robust clinical research is required to specifically investigate the potential benefit of 3D laparoscopy system on complication rates (grade of recommendation: high).

The use of 3D laparoscopic imaging systems in surgery: EAES consensus development conference 2018

BACKGROUND

The use of 3D laparoscopic systems is expanding. The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) initiated a consensus development conference with the aim of creating evidence-based statements and recommendations for the surgical community.

METHODS

Systematic reviews of the PubMed and Embase libraries were performed to identify evidence on potential benefits of 3D on clinical practice and patient outcomes. Statements and recommendations were prepared and unanimously agreed by an international surgical and engineering expert panel which were presented and voted at the EAES annual congress, London, May 2018.

RESULTS

9967 abstracts were screened with 138 articles included. 18 statements and two recommendations were generated and approved. 3D significantly shortened operative time (mean difference 11 min (8% [95% CI 20.29-1.72], I² 96%)). A significant reduction in complications was observed when 3D systems were used (RR 0.75, [95 CI% 0.60-0.94], I² 0%) particularly for cases involving laparoscopic suturing (RR 0.57 [95% CI 0.35-0.90], I² 0%). In 69 box trainer or simulator studies, 64% concluded trainees were significant faster and 62% performed fewer errors when using 3D.

CONCLUSION

We recommend the use of 3D vision in laparoscopy to reduce the operative time (grade of recommendation: low). Future robust clinical research is required to specifically investigate the potential benefit of 3D laparoscopy system on complication rates (grade of recommendation: high).

The effect on surgical skills of expert surgeons using 3D/HD and 2D/4K resolution monitors in laparoscopic phantom tasks

BACKGROUND

Recently, several new imaging technologies, such as three-dimensional (3D)/high-definition (HD) stereovision and high-resolution two-dimensional (2D)/4K monitors, have been introduced in laparoscopic surgery. However, it is still unclear whether these technologies actually improve surgical performance.

METHODS

Participants were 11 expert laparoscopic surgeons. We designed three laparoscopic suturing tasks (task 1: simple suturing, task 2: knotting thread in a small box, and task 3: suturing in a narrow space) in training boxes. Performances were recorded by an optical position tracker. All participants first performed each task five times consecutively using a conventional 2D/HD monitor. Then they were randomly divided into two groups: six participants performed the tasks using 3D/HD before using 2D/4K; the other five participants performed the tasks using a 2D/4K monitor before the 3D/HD monitor. After the trials, we evaluated the performance scores (operative time, path length of forceps, and technical errors) and compared performance scores across all monitors.

RESULTS

Surgical performances of participants were ranked in decreasing order: 3D/HD, 2D/4K, and 2D/HD using the total scores for each task. In task 1 (simple suturing), some surgical performances using 3D/HD were significantly better than those using 2D/4K (P = 0.017, P = 0.033, P = 0.492 for operative time, path length, and technical errors, respectively). On the other hand, with operation in narrow spaces such as in tasks 2 and 3, performances using 2D/4K were not inferior to 3D/HD performances. The high-resolution images from the 2D/4K monitor may enhance depth perception in narrow spaces and may complement stereoscopic vision almost as well as using 3D/HD.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to a 2D/HD monitor, a 3D/HD monitor improved the laparoscopic surgical technique of expert surgeons more than a 2D/4K monitor. However, the advantage of 2D/4K high-resolution images may be comparable to a 3D/HD monitor especially in narrow spaces.

The learning effect of using stereoscopic vision in the early phase of laparoscopic surgical training for novices

Background

Recently to improve depth perception, the performance of three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic surgeries has increased. However, the effects of laparoscopic training using 3D are still unclear. This study aimed to clarify the effects of using a 3D monitor among novices in the early phase of training.

Methods

Participants were 40 novices who had never performed laparoscopic surgery (20 medical students and 20 junior residents). Three laparoscopic phantom tasks (task 1: touching markers on a flat disk with a rod; task 2: straight rod transfer through a single loop; and task 3: curved rod transfer through two loops) in the training box were performed ten times, respectively. Performances were recorded by an optical position tracker. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group performed each task five times initially under a 2D system (2D start group), and the other group performed each task five times under a 3D system (3D start group). Both groups then performed the same task five times. After the trial, we evaluated the performance scores (operative time, path length of forceps, and technical errors) and the learning curves for both groups.

Results

Scores for all tasks performed under the 3D system were significantly better than scores for tasks using the 2D system. Scores for each task in the 2D start group improved after switching to the 3D system. However, scores for each task in the 3D start group were worse after switching to the 2D system, especially scores related to technical errors.

Conclusions

The stereoscopic vision improved laparoscopic surgical techniques of novices from the early phase of training. However, the performance of novices trained only by 3D worsened by changing to the 2D environment.