Laparoscopic Appendectomy Performed by Junior SUrgeonS: Impact of 3D Visualization on Surgical Outcome

Laparoscopy has revolutionized the approach to a number of surgical problems causing a re-evaluation of several clinical strategies. Now it has become the standard treatment for majority of ailments including symptomatic gall stone disease, appendicitis, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), morbid obesity and colorectal disease. All these developments aim at minimizing perioperative morbidities, providing rapid postoperative recovery and enhancing patient's safety profile. One of the major limitations of conventional laparoscopy is lack of depth perception. Introduction of 3D imaging, has removed many of these technical obstacles. In 1993, Becker et al., reported that a 3D display might improve laparoscopic skills. Since then, many researchers have demonstrated benefit of 3D imaging . Starting from this, we can theorize an impact of 3D technologies on surgeon's learning curves. This concern is recently being demonstrated in experimental and clinical setting with improvement of hand-eye coordination, better laparoscopic skills and less time to learn surgical procedure. Usually junior surgeons (JS) start their activities with cholecystectomy and appendectomy but, despite an amount of literature regarding the first procedure, there is a 'black hole' regarding the use of 3D imaging in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA).

The investigators decided to investigate the impact of 3D visualization on surgeons' and surgical outcome during laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) performed by junior surgeons (JS). Operative details and clinical aspect are both take in account in order to looking for any advantages or concerns conferred on JS in performing LA.