Three-Dimensional (3D) Laparoscopy Versus Two-Dimensional (2D) Laparoscopy: A Single-Surgeon Prospective Randomized Comparative Study

Background: Visual information is crucial for performing laparoscopic surgery. While surgeons lose depth perception and spatial orientation in conventional 2D laparoscopy, the 4th generation 3D system gives a better depth perception. Objective: In this sstudy, we aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy of 4th generation 3D-HD visualization technology applied in laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. Methods: One hundred and twenty patients with colon adenocarcinoma were recruited in this study. Patients were randomized on the day of surgery by a random computer-generated allocation list to undergo either a 3D-HD display or 2D-HD imaging system laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. In total, 60 patients underwent laparoscopic colon resection by 3D-HD laparoscope (3D group) and 60 patients underwent 2D-HD laparoscope (2D group). After the insertion of the access ports, both surgical procedures were divided in component tasks, and the execution times were compared. Data analysis was done using SPSS (version 15.0). Quantitative and qualitative variables were compared applying Student t test and Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: Two groups were homogenous in terms of demographic data. Operation time was significantly shorter for the 3D group than for the 2D group (123.2±34.2 min vs. 142.2±23.5 min, P=0.018). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, the number of retrieved lymph nodes, postoperative recovery, and postoperative complications (P>0.05). Conclusion: The 4th generation 3D-HD vision system reduced the operating time compared to 2D-HD vision system. It seems that use of the 3D-HD technology can significantly enhance the possibility of achieving better intraoperative results.