Results:
A range of operative procedures undertaken using 2D and 3D endoscope was performed. The majority of cases in the two groups were pituitary adenomas, (12 cases in each group 46.2%), followed by recurrent pituitary adenomas 6 cases in each group as shown in table (1).
In the clinical study the operative time was recorded for each case starting from touching the skin of patient till the end of the operative procedure of each. The mean operative time in the 2D group was 2.92±1.51 hours, while in 3D was 1.88±0.65 hours. Comparing the two groups regarding the operative time, there was a highly significant increase in operative time in 2D group compared to 3D group (p <0.05) as shown in table (2).
Regarding the frequency of navigation system use intraoperatively, the mean frequency of using the navigation system in 2D group was 5.0±3.31, while in 3D group was 2.50±2.04. Consequently, there was a highly significant increase in number of navigation system utilization in 2D group more than the 3D group (p <0.05) as demonstrated in table (3).
The incidence of intraoperative complications during use of the 2D endoscope was higher than intraoperative complications while using the 3D endoscope which was not statistically significant. The most common complications reported in 2D group were cavernous bleeding in 11 cases (42.3%) followed by C.S.F. leak in 6 patients (23.1%), while in 3D group were 7 cases (26.9%) followed by cavernous bleeding in 5 patients (19.2%).
There was no reported discomfort to the surgeon while using 2 D endoscope however, 3 surgeons reported headache/ migraine while using the 3D endoscope. This was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
In the cadaveric study, the mean time while using 2D endoscopy was 19.67±1.53 minutes, while in 3D endoscope it was 21.33±4.93 minutes. This did not reach statistical significance.