Three-dimensional imaging improves surgical performance for both novice and experienced operators using the da Vinci Robot System

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of 3-dimensional vision on the performance of resident and experienced surgeons using the da Vinci Robot System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). Methods: Four tasks were performed by 12 surgeons with varying experience. Performance times and errors were recorded using both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional vision for each task. Results: Performance time and error rates for all 4 skills confirm a significant advantage using 3-dimensional vision. Performance times were reduced by 34% to 46% using 3-dimensional imaging for all participants with statistical significance. Error rates were reduced by 44% and 66%. Conclusion: Independent of the biornechanical advantages of the da Vinci Robot System, 3-dimensional vision allows for significant improvement in performance times and error rates for both inexperienced residents and advanced laparoscopic surgeons. (c) 2007 Excerpta Medica Inc. All rights reserved.