OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical value of three-dimensional (3D) high-definition (HD) laparoscope in laparoscopic radical resection of gastric cancer.

METHODSFrom January to December, 2013, 40 patients underwent radical resection of gastric cancer with 3D HD laparoscopy (3D group) and another 40 patients received 2D HD laparoscopy (2D group). The duration of surgery, intra-operative blood loss, learning curve, and costs during hospitalization were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe average operation duration of 3D group was 2.8=0.6 h, significantly shorter that in the 2D group (3.2=0.8 h, P<0.05); the intraoperative blood loss in the 3D group was significantly less than that in the 2D group (110=18 ml vs 120=21 ml, P>0.05). The mean hospitalization cost was 75 000=16 000 RMB Yuan in 3D group, similar to significantly lower than that of 71 000=13 000 RMB Yuan in 2D group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION3D HD laparoscopy can provide three-dimensional vision and better sense of depth to facilitate precise operation and shorten the operation time. The high-definition 3D vision also allows surgeons to quickly improve surgical skills and shorten the learning curve.