Comparison of 3D endoscopy with 2D endoscopy in sinus surgery

Introduction Imaging and camera technologies with resolutions ranging from “Full HD“ to “4K” are the current standard for endoscopic sinus surgery. In contrast to these 2D imaging techniques, emerging 3D endoscopes provide a 3-dimensional picture which, in conjunction with 3D glasses, intends to offer additional information of depth, anatomical details and orientation in the surgical field. This study compares the standard 2D-endoscopic surgical technique with the new commercially available 3D-endoscopic technique.

Material and Methods In this prospective randomized interventional multicenter study on a total of 80 referred patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and without prior surgery, a bilateral FESS procedure was performed in four clinical centers. Surgery time was measured. A questionnaire containing 20 items was subsequently completed by the surgeon subjectively rating imaging and handling.

Results In most cases, 3D imaging was rated equal or a little worse to 2D imaging.

In the questionnaire items "Recognition of details", "Depth perception", "3D effect" and "Weight of the endoscope", 3D outperformed 2D techniques. Mean duration of surgery was 26.1 min for 2D and 27.4 min. for 3D without statistical significance (P=0.219).

Conclusion/Discussion 3D endoscopy features improved depth perception and recognition of anatomic details, which can offer advantages in complex anatomical situations and for teaching purposes. In direct comparison 2D outperformed 3D techniques in overall imaging quality.

The use of 3DPoster-PDF A-1024.pdf

Conflict of interest

Der Erstautor gibt keinen Interessenskonflikt an.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021