The benefits of stereoscopic vision in robotic-assisted performance on bench models.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have failed to establish clear advantages for the use of stereoscopic visualization systems in minimal-access surgery. The aim of this study was to objectively assess whether stereoscopic visualization improves performance on bench models using the da Vinci robotic system.


METHODS
Eleven surgeons carried out a series of four tasks. Positional data streamed from the da Vinci system was analyzed by means of a previously validated custom-designed software-package. An independent blinded observer scored errors. Statistical analysis included the Wilcoxon signed rank test. A p < 0.05 was deemed significant.


RESULTS
We found significant improvements in all tasks and for all parameters (p < 0.05). In addition, a significantly lower number of errors was scored using the stereoscopic mode as compared to the standard two-dimensional image (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Robotic-assisted performance on bench models is more efficient and accurate using stereoscopic visualization.
Munz
Y
Y
Department of Surgical Oncology and Technology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Hospital, London, England, United Kingdom. yaron.munz@ic.ac.uk
Moorthy
K
K
Dosis
A
A
Hernandez
J D
JD
Bann
S
S
Bello
F
F
Martin
S
S
Darzi
A
A
Rockall
T
T
D003626:Data Display; D003867:Depth Perception; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation