Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional high-definition laparoscopy in cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized controlled study.

Background: While 3D laparoscopy increases surgical performance under laboratory conditions, it is unclear whether it improves outcomes in real clinical scenarios. The aim of this trial was to determine whether the 3D laparoscopy can enhance surgical efficacy in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCC).

Method: This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted between February 2015 and April 2017 in a day case unit of an academic teaching hospital. Patients scheduled for elective LCC were assessed for eligibility. The exclusion criteria were: (1) planned secondary operation in addition to LCC, (2) predicted to be high-risk for conversion, and (3) surgeons with less than five previous 3D laparoscopic procedures. Patients were operated on by 12 residents and 3 attendings. The primary endpoint was operation time. All surgeons were tested for stereoaquity (Randot® stereotest). The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02357589).

Results: A total of 210 patients were randomized; 105 to 3D laparoscopy and 104 to 2D laparoscopy. Median operation time as similar in the 3D and 2D laparoscopy groups (49 min vs. 48 min, p = 0.703). Operation times were similar in subgroup analyses for surgeon's sex (male vs. female), surgeon's status (resident vs. attending), surgeon's stereovision (stereopsis 10 vs. less than 10), surgeon's experience (performed 200 LCCs or below versus over 200 LCCs), or patient's BMI (≤ 25 vs. 25-30 vs. > 30). No differences in intra- or postoperative complications were noted between the 3D and 2D groups.

Conclusion: 3D laparoscopy did not show any advantages over 2D laparoscopy in LCC.