Evaluation of Three Laparoscopic Modalities: Robotics versus Three-Dimensional Vision Laparoscopy versus Standard Laparoscopy

Purpose: Standard laparoscopy has undergone many recent advances with the advent of three-dimensional visual systems and robotic surgical systems. In evaluating the usefulness of these new systems, it is difficult to objectively measure their advantages in the operating room. Therefore, we designed a trial using three different laparoscopic modalities to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each modality. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven subjects were entered into the study. Three different laparoscopic modalities were tested. These included standard laparoscopy with two-dimensional cameras, the 3Di Endosite visual system, and the daVinci Robotic Surgical System. A standard laparoscopic trainer was utilized and testing consisted of three different tasks: peg transfer, ring manipulation, and cannulation. Results: Of the 27 subjects, 16 (60%) reported some degree of laparoscopic experience. The number of pegs transferred with standard laparoscopy and the Endosite 3Di system was significantly greater ...