Impact of 3D laparoscopic surgical training on performance in standard 2D laparoscopic simulation: a randomised prospective study

Abstract

Aims Laparoscopic surgery has been created under the concept of 2-dimensional (2-D) imaging, which is known to cause inconveniences for any operator, especially novices. Latest studies have proposed potential benefits offered by innovative 3D technology. To date there is no research dedicated to quantify an impact of training using 3-D over conventional practice. The goal of this study is to analyse the influence of 3-D training on beginner's performance in 2-D laparoscopic simulation. Methods A Total of thirty-two (32) medical students (novices) were selected and equally divided in Group A and Group B to complete 3 FLS tasks: Peg transfer, Pattern cutting, and Intra- corporeal suturing, using validated 2-D and 3-D models. The phase 1 comprised 5 attempts, in which group A applied the 3-D system, and group B the 2-D system. The second phase consisted of 3 attempts using exclusively the 2-D system for both groups. The mean value of time completion (seconds), mean error rate, and efficiency improvement (%) were assessed. Student T-test was used to calculate the results. Results Group A took overall less time to absorb laparoscopic skills compared to its counterpart, Group B, which is statistically significant in advance laparoscopic skills such as pattern cutting (p = 0.02) and applying suture (p = 0.00). Conclusion Implementation of 3-D training for novices has shown benefits, whilst executing laparoscopic skills under 2-D vision. Key statement The initiation of laparoscopic training using 3-D imaging should be considered for novice's training in order to optimise the learning curve.