Evaluating a Novel 3D Stereoscopic Visual Display for Transanal Endoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Crossover...

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Background:

• Transanal endoscopic surgery (TES) is a key treatment for rectal tumors.
• Current TES visualization methods (2D, 3D, stereoendoscope) can lead to surgeon discomfort.
• A novel 3D stereoscopic viewer was developed to improve the TES experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare surgical performance using a novel 3D stereoscopic viewer against existing TES visualization technologies.
• To evaluate the impact of the novel viewer on surgical efficiency, accuracy, and surgeon workload.

Main Methods:

• Forty participants performed a simulated TES task using four visual displays: novel stereoscopic viewer, traditional stereoendoscope, 3D monitor, and 2D monitor.
• Performance was assessed by time taken, path length, and accuracy.
• Surgeon workload and participant feedback were collected via questionnaires.

Main Results:

• The novel viewer demonstrated significantly improved accuracy, reduced task workload, and higher participant satisfaction compared to 2D and 3D displays.
• Surgical time and path length were comparable to the traditional stereoendoscope.
• No significant differences in time or path length were observed between the novel viewer and the traditional stereoendoscope.

Conclusions:

• The novel 3D stereoscopic viewer provides surgical performance in TES comparable to the traditional stereoendoscope.
• It offers superior outcomes in accuracy and reduced physical/mental demands compared to standard 2D and 3D displays.
• Early clinical adoption in 5 TES patients indicates promising translation.