Acquiring basic and advanced laparoscopic skills in novices using two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D) and...

To compare the performance of novices in laparoscopic peg transfer and intra-corporeal suturing tasks in two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D) and ultra-high definition (4K) vision systems.

Twenty-four novices were randomly assigned to 2D, 3D and 4K groups, eight in each group. All participants performed the two tasks on a box trainer until reaching proficiency. Their performance was assessed based on completion time, number of errors and number of repetitions using the validated FLS proficiency criteria.

Eight candidates in each group completed the training curriculum. The mean performance time (in minutes) for the 2D group was 558.3, which was more than that of the 3D and 4K groups of 316.7 and 310.4 min respectively (P < 0.0001). The mean number of repetitions was lower for the 3D and 4K groups versus the 2D group: 125.9 and 127.4 respectively versus 152.1 (P < 0.0001). The mean number of errors was lower for the 4K group versus the 3D and 2D groups: 1.2 versus 26.1 and 50.2 respectively (P < 0.0001).

The 4K vision system improved accuracy in acquiring laparoscopic skills for novices in complex tasks, which was shown in significant reduction in number of errors compared to the 3D and the 2D vision systems. The 3D and the 4K vision systems significantly improved speed and accuracy when compared to the 2D vision system based on shorter performance time, fewer errors and lesser number of repetitions.