title: Using three-dimensional laparoscopy as a novel training tool for novice trainees compared with two-dimensional laparoscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic skills training is an essential component of general surgery training. This study proposes the use of three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy as the initial training tool for beginners to shorten the learning curve.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study evaluates the surgical performance and subjective experience of junior and senior trainees with 3D versus two-dimensional laparoscopy. Peg transfer task was used as the objective time measurement. A subjective evaluation of the 2 systems using a questionnaire was also used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean difference in the juniors was 16.33 seconds, while in the seniors it was only 3.46 seconds (P = .036). The time difference between groups was much smaller in the 3D than the two-dimensional (P = .14 vs .02) laparoscopy. In the subjective evaluation, the novice group also scored significantly higher for the 3D system in the bimanual dexterity category (P = .004, .007).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D laparoscopy for laparoscopic skills training in novices.
authors: Department of General Surgery, University of British Columbia, 950 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E3, Canada.
authors: Chieh Jack
authors: CJ
authors: Chiu
authors: Department of General Surgery, University of British Columbia, 950 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E3, Canada.
authors: Kristel
authors: K
authors: Lobo Prabhu
authors: Department of General Surgery, University of British Columbia, 950 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E3, Canada.
authors: Clara Chia-Hua
authors: CC
authors: Tan-Tam
authors: Department of General Surgery, University of British Columbia, 950 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E3, Canada.
authors: Ormond Neely M
authors: ON
authors: Panton
authors: Department of General Surgery, University of British Columbia, 950 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E3, Canada. Electronic address: Adam.Meneghetti@vch.ca.
authors: Adam
authors: A
authors: Meneghetti
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D059032:Learning Curve; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies
keywords: Novices; Surgical education; Three-dimensional laparoscopy