Articulated Instruments and 3D Visualization: A Synergy? Evaluation of Execution Time, Errors, and Visual Fatigue

Objective. The introduction of advanced endoscopic systems, such as the Storz Image1S and the Olympus Endoeye, heralds a new era of 3-dimensional (3D) visualization. The aim of this report is to provide a comprehensive overview of the neurophysiology of 3D view, its relevance in videoscopy, and to quantify the benefit of the new 3D technologies for both rigid and articulated instruments. Method. Sixteen medical students without any laparoscopic experience were trained each for a total of 27 hours. Proficiency scores were determined for rigid and articulated instruments under 2D and 3D visualization conditions. Results. A reduction in execution time of 14%, 28%, and 36% was seen for the rigid instruments, the da Vinci, and Steerable instruments, respectively. A reduction in errors of 84%, 92%, and 87% was seen for the rigid instruments, the da Vinci, and Steerable instruments, respectively. Conclusion. 3D visualization greatly augments endoscopic procedures. The advanced endoscopic systems employed in the recent study caused no visual fatigue or discomfort. The benefit of 3D was most distinct with articulated instruments.