Introduction: Video-assisted telescope operating monitor (VITOM®) with 3D Visualization technology was developed and has been used with favorable results by several surgical specialties. Our study aims to be a preliminary report for initial experience using the VITOM® 3D system for microsurgical varicocelectomy on varicocele patients.
Methods: We performed 35 microsurgical varicocelectomy procedures using the VITOM® 3D system on varying types and grades of varicoceles. The surgeon had the option of using either a 2.5 or 3.5 magnifying loupe in addition to the exoscope for each operation evaluated. The exoscope is a standalone camera head with an integrated 3D telescope and remote control with zoom and focus functions. It is connected to the 3D monitor via a mechanical holding arm. During the procedure, surgeons, assistants, and observers were able to view the 3D high-definition stream displayed on a 26-inch 3D monitor at a convenient viewing angle and distance. The varicocele ligation was performed using a Carl Zeiss Meditec AG microscope.
Results: There were 35 patients with varicocele aged 31.51 years old on average, which were included in this report. Most patients had grade 3 bilateral varicocele (n = 13, 37.1%). All procedures were performed without any intraoperative complications. After the procedures, only a few patients suffered from postoperative complications. Three patients suffered scrotal edema (8.6%), while another had hydrocele (2.9%). The postoperative pain results were also very minimal from .89 1 day after the operation to .26 3 days after the operation.
Conclusion: The VITOM® 3D system showed promise in microsurgical varicocelectomy.
Keywords: microsurgery; surgical technique; varicocele; varicocelectomy.