Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2018 Feb;32(2):582-588.
doi: 10.1007/s00464-017-5654-2. Epub 2017 Jun 22.

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

Hitoshi Harada  1 , Shingo Kanaji  2 , Masayasu Nishi  2 , Yoshito Otake  3 , Hiroshi Hasegawa  2 , Masashi Yamamoto  2 , Yoshiko Matsuda  2 , Kimihiro Yamashita  2 , Takeru Matsuda  2 , Taro Oshikiri  2 , Yasuo Sumi  2 , Tetsu Nakamura  2 , Satoshi Suzuki  2 , Yoshinobu Sato  3 , Yoshihiro Kakeji  2
Affiliations

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

Hitoshi Harada et al. Surg Endosc. 2018 Feb.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: 2D laparoscopy; 3D laparoscopy; Learning effect; Novice; Task performance; Training.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Drs. Hitoshi Harada, Shingo Kanaji, Masayasu Nishi, Yoshito Otake, Hiroshi Hasegawa, Masashi Yamamoto, Yoshiko Matsuda, Kimihiro Yamashita, Takeru Matsuda, Taro Oshikiri, Yasuo Sumi, Tetsu Nakamura, Satoshi Suzuki, Yoshinobu Sato, and Yoshihiro Kakeji have no commercial association that might create a conflict of interest in connection with any of the products mentioned in this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Setup for recording performance of participants. A The apparatus consisted of a monitor, position tracker, and training box including a phantom task. B Device for task 1 (touching markers on the flat disk with a rod). C Device for task 2 (straight rod transfer through single loop). D Device for task 3 (curved rod transfer through two loops)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Diagram of study design
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
A Comparison between 2D and 3D systems regarding average scores (operative times, path length of forceps, technical errors) of all participants. B Learning curves of 2D start group and 3D start group. During early phase of training, the performance of the 3D start group was superior to the 2D start group. However, during the later phase of training, the performance of the 3D start group became worse than the 2D start group
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. Taffinder N, Smith SG, Huber J, Russell RC, Darzi A. The effect of a second generation 3D endoscope on the laparoscopic precision of novices and experienced surgeons. Surg Endosc. 1999;11:1087–1092. doi: 10.1007/s004649901179. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Bhayani SB, Andriole GL. Three-dimensional (3D) vision: does it improve laparoscopic skills? an assessment of a 3D head-mounted visualization system. Rev Urol. 2005;4:211–214. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Nicolau S, Soler L, Mutter D, Marescaux J. Augmented reality in laparoscopic surgical oncology. Surg Oncol. 2011;20:189–201. doi: 10.1016/j.suronc.2011.07.002. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Storz P, Buess GF, Kunert W, Kirschniak A. 3D HD versus 2D HD: surgical task efficiency in standardised phantom tasks. Surg Endosc. 2012;26:1454–1460. doi: 10.1007/s00464-011-2055-9. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Usta TA, Ozkaynak A, Kovalak E, Ergul E, Naki MM, Kaya E. An assessment of the new generation three-dimensional high definition laparoscopic vision system on surgical skills: a randomized prospective study. Surg Endosc. 2015;29:2305–2313. doi: 10.1007/s00464-014-3949-0. - DOI - PubMed

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources

-