A technique for real-time digital measurements in laparoscopic surgery.
BACKGROUND
The current techniques for the measurement of intracorporeal targets in laparoscopic surgery are relatively cumbersome and imprecise.


METHODS
A structured light technique was used to obtain the length and width of two defects and an object in a laparoscopic training box. These measurements were compared against two current and standard laparoscopic techniques of intracorporeal measurement: the introduction of a plastic ruler and the use of an opened end of a laparoscopic instrument to approximate 2 cm. The time needed to measure the defects and object was recorded.


RESULTS
Structured light-derived measurements were closest to the criterion standard, followed by plastic ruler measurements, then by instrument-end measurements. Digital measurements were quickest, followed by the instrument-end method, then by the plastic ruler.


CONCLUSIONS
This report describes a novel structured light technique for laparoscopic measurement of intracorporeal targets capable of producing results superior to those of current techniques.
McKinlay
R
R
University of Maryland College of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Shaw
M
M
Park
A
A
D000465:Algorithms; D003199:Computer Systems; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008029:Lighting; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D012107:Research Design; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted