are evident
when sutur-
ing or sepa-
rating fine
tissue in the
abdomen,
since the 3D
lets me see
the layers of
tissue more
easily. That
said, I think
3D systems
offer a bigger benefit to newer surgeons or residents, since they may
help reduce the steep learning curve that often comes with perform-
ing laparoscopy using 2D images. If you're considering 3D, keep in
mind that systems can cost well over $150,000. That may seem expen-
sive, but these platforms are ideal for smaller facilities that want the
technology but not the cost of a $2 million robot.
And while 3D is making a splash, 4K is what some are hailing to be the
next biggest thing. Promising a lifelike look inside the body, this ultra-
HD is meant to offer 4 times the resolution of traditional full-HD sys-
tems. It's not widely available yet, as manufacturers continue to perfect
monitors and cameras practical for minimally invasive suites that won't
bust your budget, but that doesn't mean many surgeons aren't excited
for this next wave of visualization. Many say the images are like looking
at something with the naked eye. While I haven't seen 4K personally, I
imagine the same principle applies with this latest visualization improve-
ment — the better the image, the better my performance. OSM
1 2 1
M A R C H 2 0 1 5 | O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T
"If I can see better, I can do a better job."
— Dale Burleson, MD
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
Dr. Burleson (admin@tcrsurgeons.com) is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon in his 20
th
year
of practice. He has performed more than 2,000 laparoscopic and robotic operations on the colon and
rectum. He practices in Plano, Texas, and is a partner in Texas Colon and Rectal Specialists.
