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Unlike urology and gynecology, which have revolutionized prostate and hysterectomy cases through the use of surgical robots, abdominal laparoscopy hasn't widely adopted the technology. Dr. Gorjala suggests that a time-consuming docking process — it takes 10 or 15 minutes to set up and take down the robot for surgery, and it can only operate in one specific area at a time — as well as the equipment's cost without additional reimbursement limits its widespread use.
Three-dimensional imaging isn't limited to robotic surgery, though. Laparoscopic systems that incorporate cameras re-engineered with a pair of lenses and polarized sunglasses for surgical personnel to wear offer to bring depth perception to any surgery viewed through a monitor's screen.
Whether 3D will join HD on the list of must-have technologies is still an open debate. "There's a huge difference between operating in 2D and 3D," says Dr. Gorjala. While laparoscopy specialists become accustomed to mentally translating flat images into deep ones, "everyone realizes the need for 3D." (He admits, however, that the glassesassisted 3D effect has at times made him feel dizzy and nauseated.)
Dr. Baxt concedes 3D visualization is impressive, but argues that it's most valuable to novice surgeons. "In my view, the more experienced you are, the less you'd have to use it. You learn the depth of field, the visual cues. The 3D flattens the learning curve for the new guy, but it wasn't a quantum leap for me."
Keep in mind, too, that getting the best view of laparoscopic surgery
