One of these innovations, Dr. Kaouk describes, is 3D laparoscopy. 3D Laparoscopy combats some of the limitations of traditional laparoscopy by introducing two side-by-side (stereoscopic) cameras to the laparoscope (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Description of 3D Laparoscopic Image specifications.
Each camera creates its own respective image and relays this image to one of the lenses of an eyepiece. Dr. Kaouk mentioned that due to the cumbersome nature of eyeglasses during an operation (i.e. fogging, uncomfortable weight), 3D head-mounted displays are more frequently used to visualize the 3D laparoscopic images.
Although this technology is promising, Dr. Kaouk indicated that there has been no definitive proof that 3D laparoscopy improves surgical outcomes. Some studies have done systematic reviews and shown minor benefits to 3D laparoscopy, but a more comprehensive analysis is still needed to put this technology at the forefront of clinical practice. Furthermore, Dr. Kaouk indicates that robotic technology is the most widespread form of 3D laparoscopy, and more developments are needed for 3D laparoscopy to compete with 3D robotic vision.
Presented by: Jihad Kaouk, MD, Professor, and Director, Center for Robotic and Image Guided Surgery Vice Chair, Surgical Innovations, Glickman Urologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic
Written by: Mitchell O’Leary, Department of Urology, University of California-Irvine, medical writer for UroToday.com. at the 36th World Congress of Endourology (WCE) and SWL - September 20-23, 2018 Paris, France