Effects of the Three-Dimensional Vision System on Surgical Performance, Muscular Fatigue, and Pain During Urologic Laparoscopic Tasks: Results of Objective Assessments and a Mini Questionnaire Survey.

BACKGROUND: The three-dimensional (3D) vision system was released to the medical market to improve laparoscopic outcomes. We analyzed the muscular pain and fatigue, and the performance outcomes after several laparoscopic urologic tasks were completed with the 3D vision system.

METHODS: A total of 49 participants with different surgical expertise levels were enrolled in the study. All the participants performed some laparoscopic urologic tasks using two-dimensional (2D) and 3D vision systems separately. A mini questionnaire survey was also completed by the participants. The duration and quality of the tasks and the muscular fatigue and pain were objectively determined. All the parameters were compared between the 2D and 3D systems.

RESULTS: Although all the tasks were completed in significantly shorter times with the 3D vision system in each expertise level, maximal shortening was seen in the residents. The overall quality scores were significantly higher with the 3D vision system. However, a maximal increase was seen in the residents. The muscular pain of the participants was lower with 3D vision system. The overall handgrip strength significantly increased from 41.2 to 42.4 kg after the tasks with the 3D vision system, but the difference was significant in only the residents. Twenty-seven participants (56.2%) declared that the 3D system contributed to their performance, and most of the participants (83.3%) preferred the 3D system in the questionnaire survey.

CONCLUSION: 3D technology may be effective for use in urologic laparoscopic training programs of novice surgeons. It may also contribute to the skills of specialists and experts, shortening the surgical time, which may decrease the surgical morbidity.