Advanced endoscopic imaging: 3-d laparoscopic endoscopy

Video imaging technology has significantly enhanced the performance of minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, a major limiting factor for the endoscopic surgeon is to work in a 3-dimensional field while viewing a two-dimensional video image. Advances in electronic video imaging have resulted in satisfactory image quality yet the lack of depth perception with standard 2-dimensional video system results in the surgeon having to rely on indirect evidence to assess the third dimension. To gauge depth, one may have to rely on touching the tissues with endoscopic instruments or estimate the relative movement of the instruments in relation to the intra-abdominal organs. These maneuvers result in a reduction in the speed of surgery and may cause unnecessary tissue trauma. Recently a number of manufacturers have developed three-dimensional (3-D) video systems which significantly improve visualization and enhance the ability of the surgeon to perform delicate endoscopic dissection and suturing. These 3-D video systems may also improve the education of surgeons-in-training as they would have a better understanding of 3-dimensional anatomy during laparoscopic surgery.