could make a significant difference in the ultimate alignment of the
implanted IOL and correction of the astigmatism, according to Dr.
Packer.
To appreciate the ergonomic benefit of using a 3D heads-up during
ophthalmic surgery, sit up straight, lean forward in your chair, extend
your arms slightly out over your desk and hold the position. Keep
holding. A little longer. Now imagine sitting like that for hours on end
until your back, shoulder and neck muscles start to scream. That's
what high-volume cataract surgeons who operate with a microscope
deal with on a daily basis. The debilitating pain from repetitive strain
injuries has even forced some surgeons to put down the scalpel for
good.
Heads-up 3D surgery frees surgeons from the physical confines of the
surgical microscope and has those who use it breathing a huge sigh of
relief. It could even extend their careers. "Your eyes are not tied to a
pair of oculars that have to be in a particular place," says Dr. Packer.
"There's a lot more freedom of movement in terms of your own posi-
tioning."
Closer to reality
Robotic-assisted surgery is now more commonly used during urologic
and abdominal procedures. The 3D views that an increasing number
of surgeons are enjoying from the robot's control console is one of the
significant benefits of operating with robotic assistance. In addition,
many younger general surgeons are being trained with the robot and
are accustomed to operating with the 3D imaging, according to Gerald
Andriole, MD, chief of the division of urologic surgery at Washington
University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo.
Dr. Andriole's research showed that laparoscopic surgeons, especial-
ly those who are less experienced, performed laparoscopic tasks —
1 0 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8
