Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes Using Three-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

This study investigated the oncological and technical advantages of three-dimensional (3D) versus two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery. This study included 68 gastric cancer patients who had undergone laparoscopic distal gastrectomy at Korea University Ansan Hospital (3D group,  = 34; 2D group,  = 34). The surgical outcomes and duration of each phase were compared between the groups. The total operative time with 3D laparoscopy was significantly shorter than with 2D laparoscopy (227.8 ± 39.0 versus 249.6 ± 45.3 minutes;  = .037). There were no significant differences between the groups in the number of gauze pads used, time to first postoperative flatus, and number of harvested lymph nodes (2.0 [1.0-2.0] versus 2.0 [1.0-2.0];  = .692; 4.0 [4.0-4.0] versus 4.0 [4.0-4.0] days;  = .196; 40.8 ± 16.6 versus 44.0 ± 15.7;  = .412, respectively). The time from omentectomy to right gastric artery ligation and the duration of the reconstruction phase were shorter with 3D than with 2D laparoscopy (62.6 ± 14.5 versus 71.9 ± 18.8 minutes;  = .027; 32.3 ± 7.6 versus 47.7 ± 16.8 minutes;  < .001). In a procedure requiring spatial perception, the operative time was shortened by introducing 3D laparoscopy. Despite the anticipation of a better view for lymph node dissection, the 3D image showed no advantage. Further study may be required by novice surgeons.