Introduction: This study investigated the oncological and technical advantages of three-dimensional (3D) versus two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: This study included 68 gastric cancer patients who had undergone laparoscopic distal gastrectomy at Korea University Ansan Hospital (3D group, n = 34; 2D group, n = 34). The surgical outcomes and duration of each phase were compared between the groups. Results: The total operative time with 3D laparoscopy was significantly shorter than with 2D laparoscopy (227.8 ± 39.0 versus 249.6 ± 45.3 minutes; P = .037). There were no significant differences between the groups in the number of gauze pads used, time to first postoperative flatus, and number of harvested lymph nodes (2.0 [1.0-2.0] versus 2.0 [1.0-2.0]; P = .692; 4.0 [4.0-4.0] versus 4.0 [4.0-4.0] days; P = .196; 40.8 ± 16.6 versus 44.0 ± 15.7; P = .412, respectively). The time from omentectomy to right gastric artery ligation and the duration of the reconstruction phase were shorter with 3D than with 2D laparoscopy (62.6 ± 14.5 versus 71.9 ± 18.8 minutes; P = .027; 32.3 ± 7.6 versus 47.7 ± 16.8 minutes; P < .001). Conclusion: In a procedure requiring spatial perception, the operative time was shortened by introducing 3D laparoscopy. Despite the anticipation of a better view for lymph node dissection, the 3D image showed no advantage. Further study may be required by novice surgeons.
Keywords: 2D laparoscopy; 3D laparoscopy; gastric cancer; laparoscopic gastrectomy.