Cape Town - Latest studies show that minimally invasive 3D laparoscopic surgery which guarantees a dramatically enhanced vision, has resulted in immensely improved surgical performances and less stress for surgeons, Urolocare Hospitals said on Thursday.
Prior to the introduction of 3D technology, surgeons faced the challenge of limited 2D vision which resulted in poor hand-eye coordination, variable amplification, mirrored movement, misorientation, motion limitations and a reduced depth perception of the operative field.
"Thanks to the film industry introducing advanced 3D technology a decade ago, the medical industry developed 3D vision for minimally invasive surgery, dramatically improving the restrictions of 2D technology and resulting in improved outcomes for both surgeons and patients," Urolocare Hospitals said in a statement.
According to Urolocare Hospitals, the studies were found in Vietnam and India and that these studies also indicated that additional benefits of 3D laparoscopic surgery include decreased operative time, decreased blood loss, less suturing and stenting time.
Dr Francois Boezaart from The Urology Hospital in Pretoria said 3D technology ensures perfect depth perception.
"With any surgery, vision is paramount. With open surgery, it's difficult to see around the corner and 2D surgery also presents challenges. But with 3D laparoscopy, you can put the camera exactly where you want to see and be assured of a high definition, magnified image," Boezaart said.
The Urology Hospital which is the only urology centre of excellence in Africa with over 20 urologists uses 3D laparoscopic surgery for various conventional procedures.
"Including including radical prostatectomies (removal of the prostate), radical nephrectomies (removal of the kidney), gynaecological procedures or general surgical procedures such as hernia repairs. Robotic-assisted surgery may be considered for more complex procedures," said Boezaart.