Laser visual guidance versus two-dimensional vision in laparoscopy: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND: During laparoscopy, the surgeon’s loss of depth perception and spatial orientation is problematic. Laser visual guidance (LVG) is an innovative technology that improves depth perception to enhance the visual field. In this trial, we examined the effect of LVG on surgical novices’ motor skills, quality of task performance, and cognitive workload. METHODS: We designed a randomized controlled trial following the CONSORT statement. Thirty-two surgical novices completed the Training and Assessment of Basic Laparoscopic Techniques (TABLT) test. The first attempt allowed participants to familiarize themselves with the exercises. We then randomized the participants, and they completed a test session using either LVG or conventional two-dimensional vision. RESULTS: We found no significant difference between using the LVG tool and conventional 2D vision; however, both the mean completion time and movements used were less in the LVG group: Mean time used in the LVG group was 1288 s (95 % CI 1188–1388) versus 1354 s (95 % CI 1190–1518) (p = 0.45); mean angular path length used in the LVG group was 24,049° (95 % CI 20,761–27,336) versus 26,014° (95 % CI 22,059–29,970) (p = 0.42); mean path length in the LVG group was 4560 cm (95 % CI 3971–5,149 cm) versus 5062 cm (95 % CI 4328–5797), (p = 0.26). Moreover, the mean TABLT performance score was higher in the LVG group compared with the 2D group, although not significant: 379 (95 % CI 352–405) versus 338 (95 % CI 288–387) (p = 0.14). No significant difference was found between the groups’ cognitive workloads. CONCLUSION: We found no significant improvement of laparoscopic motor skills when using LVG, although a tendency toward improved performance was seen. LVG could have the potential to help novice surgeons acquire basic laparoscopic; however, further development of the concept and validation is needed to confirm this.