The comparison of high definition versus stereoscopic display on standardized fundamental laparoscopic skill procedures

The objective of this study was to determine whether or not a standard definition stereoscopic, 3D display could improve trainees' performance on a standard Fundamentals of Laparoscopy (FLS) task. Thirty-two procedurally naïve volunteers were recruited for the study. Subjects were randomized to begin the trials on either the 3D or 2D display and performed 10 trials on a peg transfer task (SAGES). Subjects alternated between 3D and 2D displays for each trial. Time to completion of task, and the number of dropped objects were recorded for each trial, and a subjective evaluation of the subjects' preference in display monitor was collected. Mean time for peg transfer was significantly faster with the 3D monitor than the 2D monitor (114.22 s. versus 133.05 s.; SE: 3.82; P < 0.0001). The number of dropped objects was significantly reduced in trials using the 3D monitor (3.09 versus 4.25; SE: 0.34 P = 0.035). Complaints related to the stereoscopic display monitor included teary eyes (18.75%) and dizziness (12.5%). Nevertheless, 81.25% of subjects preferred the 3D display monitor. The 3D stereoscopic monitor display significantly improves performance of laparoscopic surgery skills on a standardized FLS peg transfer task.