Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional laparoscopic right colectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) vision technology is increasingly validated for surgical skill enhancement in simulated environments.
• Clinical applications of 3D vision in laparoscopic surgery have been reported across various specialties.
• This study investigates the efficacy of 3D vision in laparoscopic right colectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare patient outcomes and safety between 3D and 2D vision laparoscopic right colectomy.
• To evaluate secondary outcomes including surgeon comfort and patient-related factors.
• To conduct a meta-analysis of available comparative studies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across major databases (PubMed, WOS, Google Scholar, Scopus).
• Inclusion of retrospective comparative studies evaluating 2D vs. 3D laparoscopic right colectomy.
• Primary endpoints focused on safety; secondary endpoints on patient and surgeon outcomes; meta-analysis using random-effects model.

Main Results:

• Two studies with 56 patients (2D) and 52 patients (3D) were included.
• 3D laparoscopic right colectomy demonstrated comparable safety and patient outcomes to 2D.
• No statistically significant difference in operating times or anastomosis leakage was observed.

Conclusions:

• 3D laparoscopic right colectomy yields equivalent patient outcomes to 2D procedures.
• Limited clinical data necessitates further investigation into 3D vision's benefits.
• Potential improvements in surgeon skills for complex tasks warrant additional clinical trials.