Although 2D laparoscopic surgery is a quality procedure that produces satisfactory results, with the advancement of the medical field aiming to restore patients to normalcy as much as possible, laparoscopic surgery has been improved from 2D to 3D laparoscopic surgery. This technology offers wide, long, and deep views, allowing the treating physician to see images clearly and treat a variety of diseases. Dr. Aranya Yantapan, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology surgery at Phyathai 2 International Hospital, as an experienced surgeon in gynecological surgeries, provides knowledge about this highly developed innovation.
Deeper Mechanism of 3D Technology
The operation of 3D laparoscopic surgery is similar to 2D laparoscopic surgery. Therefore, the patient’s preparation for surgery is not different from before. However, the doctor must wear glasses similar to those used when watching 3D movies to see the depth of the images. The doctor will make three abdominal incisions, each about 1 centimeter long. The incision for inserting the camera will be no longer than 2 centimeters. Then, the doctor will insert the 3D camera and begin the surgery until completion. This 3D laparoscopic surgery provides Full-HD clarity and can be broadcast live to other conference rooms so that medical students or other specialists can study the surgery or provide suggestions for future improvements. Participants watching the live broadcast must also wear 3D glasses.
Advantages of 3D Laparoscopic Surgery
3D laparoscopic surgery is considered a new technology that is very important to the medical field because it benefits patients. When using 3D laparoscopic surgery, doctors can see images more clearly and sharply. Previously, with 2D laparoscopic surgery, only the width and length of the image could be seen, but not the depth. This limitation could cause errors in surgeries requiring precision or in complex areas.
However, 3D laparoscopic surgery allows surgeons to see images in wide, long, and deep views, reducing problems in complex surgical areas and minimizing errors during surgery. New surgeons unfamiliar with 2D laparoscopic surgery will gain proficiency and accuracy when using 3D laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, the surgical wounds are smaller, reducing surgery and recovery time. Some patients can return to work or normal life the day after 3D laparoscopic surgery. Since the wounds are small, not exceeding 2 centimeters, this helps reduce complications, benefiting daily wage earners and fitting the current Thai social structure, where families are often nuclear and individuals have many responsibilities, making long recovery leaves difficult. The cost is also not excessively high. Phyathai Hospital aims to make 3D laparoscopic surgery accessible to all social levels, and considering its effectiveness, it is cost-effective.
Diseases Suitable for 3D Laparoscopic Surgery
In the past, patients often misunderstood that 3D laparoscopic surgery was only for cosmetic surgery, mainly on the face, or for those who care about beauty. In reality, 3D laparoscopic surgery can be used for all diseases and on all parts of the body.
However, 3D laparoscopic surgery is especially suitable for tumor or cancer surgeries, particularly gynecological tumors, because these surgeries are quite complex due to the proximity and overlap of organs. Additionally, 3D laparoscopic surgery is appropriate for patients with extensive adhesions. Using conventional surgery or 2D laparoscopic surgery may not clearly show tumors, nearby organs, or adhesion layers. Using 3D laparoscopic surgery allows visualization of the depth and thickness of these structures, enabling more precise imaging and surgery.
Limitations of 3D Laparoscopic Surgery
3D laparoscopic surgery is not suitable for everyone. There are some limitations, such as patients with heart disease who cannot undergo 3D laparoscopic surgery because this type of surgery requires continuous insufflation of gas into the abdominal cavity. Also, patients at risk of blood vessel blockage, such as those with a history of blood clots or fat embolism, are at increased risk because the gas insufflation may cause blockages in blood vessels.
Moreover, patients with tumors larger than 24 centimeters, cancer beyond stage 2, or uterine cancer beyond 16 weeks or 4 months of pregnancy cannot undergo 3D laparoscopic surgery. The larger the tumor, the higher the difficulty and risk of complications during surgery. Patients who bleed easily but have difficulty stopping bleeding, as well as those with genetic disorders, are also not candidates for 3D laparoscopic surgery. However, these limitations depend on the experience and confidence of the treating physician.
Therefore, 3D laparoscopic surgery is a new innovation that greatly benefits people at all levels by reducing injury, recovery time, and complications, while increasing comfort and providing many benefits to patients. The expertise of the doctors at Phyathai Hospital, who have undergone extensive training, ensures that patients can trust the safety and successful outcomes of the treatment.
Dr. Aranya Yantapan
Specialist in Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
