VISUAL INTEGRATION OF DATA AND BASIC MOTOR-SKILLS UNDER LAPAROSCOPY -INFLUENCE OF 2-D AND 3-D VIDEO-CAMERA SYSTEMS

Background: The qualities of visual perception and of motor reaction t o the visual stimulus have never been studied in reference to the type of video-camera system (2-D vs 3-D) used during laparoscopy. Methods: The study was designed in two parts. The first evaluated the ability of the eye to discriminate how objects are spaced relative to one anot her. The second investigated the motor reaction to the visual stimulus in an environment where depth was the preponderent cue. The tests wer e per formed in a pelvi-trainer in which were inserted different modul es built either for visual observation (Part 1) or for evaluation of m otor ability (Part 2). Variables studied dur ing Part 1 were the time required to do the test and the number of errors committed during its performance. The variable evaluated during Part 2 was the time needed to terminate the test, Each of these two parts of the study were compl eted alternating the 2-D and 3-D systems. A total of 304 observations were recorded. Statistics used were the paired t-test, the independent group t-test, and the Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons test. Results : Results of Part 1 of the study confirm that visual perception varies significantly among individuals (n = 10) (p < 0.05) and that a true 3 -D video-camera system facilitates visual perception when compared to a 2-D system (p < 0.001). Results of Part 2 of the study also show sig nificant differences among participants (n = 9) (p < 0.05). The true 3 -D system allowed significantly faster motor performances than the 2-D system (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our experiment shows that the 3-D sys tem allowed significant improvements in the execution of the evaluated parameters. Also noted were significant differences among participant s in term of visual and motor skills.