Influence of 3D laparoscopic surgery on surgeon's visual pattern and mental workload

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Human Factors in Medicine

Background:

• Previous research indicates superior surgeon performance in three-dimensional (3D) versus two-dimensional (2D) surgery.
• The specific impact of 3D laparoscopic surgery on surgeon visual perception remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of 3D laparoscopic surgery on depth perception and visual search strategies of surgeons.
• To compare visual characteristics between 3D and 2D laparoscopic surgery using eye movement analysis.

Main Methods:

• Ten participants performed simulated laparoscopic procedures in both 3D and 2D virtual environments.
• Eye movement signals, including fixation rate and saccade speed, were recorded and analyzed to assess visual differences.

Main Results:

• Surgeons demonstrated a significantly higher average fixation rate in 3D laparoscopic surgery compared to 2D (p<0.05).
• Saccade speed was also faster in 3D laparoscopic surgery, suggesting more efficient visual scanning (p<0.05).
• Analysis indicated more efficient visual search and lower mental workload for surgeons using 3D laparoscopic techniques.

Conclusions:

• 3D laparoscopic surgery offers enhanced visual search efficiency for surgeons.
• The findings highlight the advantages of 3D technology in improving visual performance and reducing cognitive load during laparoscopic procedures.