3-D vision improves performance in a pelvic trainer

Background and Study Aims: Experienced endoscopic surgeons have adapted to the absence of depth perception while using two-dimensional (2-D) visualiza tion. However, three-dimensional (3-D) vision may prove useful at least at the beginning of the learning curve in celioscopic training. Methods: In a pelvitrainer with a fixed camera, two skill tests were design ed to assess the performance of three groups of operators: "non-surgeons", "non-celioscopist surgeons", and "trained celioscopists", In the first test , the candidate had to touch with a needle a sequence of dots distributed o n a 7.1-cm(2) area. In the second test, a 6-0 C-1 needle had to he passed c onsecutively through two 1-mm holes made in a thin vertical plastic wall. E ach test was performed ten times, using either 2-D vision (five times) or 3 -D vision (five times) interspersed in a random manner. Results: In both tests and within Each group, performance was related to th e experience of the operator, with the trained celioscopists' group obtaini ng the best results and the non-surgeons the worst, In every situation, inc luding the trained celioscopists' group, 3-D vision significantly improved performances. No significant difference was observed between the results of the non-celioscopist surgeons' group using S-D vision and those of the tra ined celioscopists' group using 2-D vision. Conclusions: 3-D vision improves the performance and accuracy of endoscopic surgeons. It provides a visual perception "close to reality", and helps ce lioscopic beginners to accelerate their training.