A randomized, controlled trial comparing the clinical outcomes of 3D versus 2D laparoscopic hysterectomy

Introduction: There have been a few clinical studies on the use of three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy with different results. Aim: To compare the surgical outcomes of 3D versus two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign or premalignant gynecologic diseases. Material and methods: In this double-blind trial, 68 patients were randomly assigned to either the 3D or 2D groups at a 1 : 1 ratio. The only difference between the two groups was the laparoscopic vision system used. The primary outcome was operative blood loss and operative time. The other surgical outcomes including failure of the intended surgery, length of hospital stay, and operative complications were also assessed. Results: The baseline characteristics did not statistically significantly differ between the groups. The mean operative blood loss was not significantly different between the 3D group (74.4 +/- 51.6 ml) and the 2D group (79.2 +/- 55.4 ml) (p = 0.743). The operative time was similar in both groups (84.5 +/- 20.5 min vs. 87.8 +/- 24.4 min, p = 0.452). Moreover, no differences were observed between the groups in other surgical outcomes. Conclusions: The 3D imaging system had no surgical advantage in laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign or premalignant gynecologic diseases. However, 3D laparoscopy did not have any negative effects on surgical outcomes and did not increase the surgical risk.