It’s time for colonoscopy and gastroscopy in 3D

Minimally-invasive surgery (MIS) benefits from 3D visualization with improved image quality and depth perception. Now, a 3D solution for gastroscopy and colonoscopy is available, by simply connecting a device to the hospital’s existing flexible endoscopy equipment with a 3D monitor.

This solution is presented by MedicalTek (MDTK), a Taiwanese company specialized in the field of medical image development. Its 3D visualization system MonoStereo® is compatible with many endoscopy systems. The system adds a third spatial dimension to endoscopy while keeping 2D operation functions such as zooming in and out as well as rotation.

Viewing stereoscopic 3D images can cause dizziness and nausea in some persons after a certain period. To solve this issue, MonoStereo offers a unique function which allows surgeons or physicians to adjust the 3D effect in 5 intensity settings. This way, doctors may now choose their preferred 3D level to fit their comfort.

The clinical benefits of 3D visualization in gastroenterology are not yet universally acknowledged. Since 2018, MedicalTek has been devoted to promoting research and studies to prove the clinical benefits of 3D in therapeutic endoscopic procedures for gastroenterological application. The studies were conducted in Taiwan, France, Japan and India. Dr Gabriel Rahmi, medical doctor specialized in endoscopy at the Georges Pompidou European Hospital, spent several months to investigate the performance of 3D endoscopy visualization. According to his report, the MonoStereo 3D system proves beneficial for therapeutic endoscopic procedures.

Diagnostic and interventional endoscopy are fast-growing minimally-invasive alternatives to classical surgical techniques. This trend is accompanied by significant equipment investments, complex assets management and cost caused by obsolescence.

Dr. Wu Wen Chieh, director of the Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Center of Taiwan at Yuan Sheng Hospital utilized the MonoStereo 3D endoscopic visualization system to perform 527 gastroscopy and 86 colonoscopy examinations and surgeries to survey the clinical response of the system. Dr. Wu observed that polypectomy procedures with a snare can be performed in less time when utilizing the 3D imaging system. The added depth and angle accuracy facilitate the estimation of relative distances between surgical instruments and lesions as well as the insertion of biopsy clips or needles into accurate position to prevent additional mucosal injuries. Dr. Wu also reports beneficial effect of the system in ARMS (anti-reflux mucosectomy), esophageal radiofrequency ablation, ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection), EMR (Esophageal Mucosal Resection), and Stretta procedures.

Following up on this evaluation, Taiwan Yuan Sheng Hospital has set up a 3D clinic. Patients now may view medical images of their colonoscopy and gastroscopy examinations with 3D glasses. The 3D image is displayed on a 42-inch 3D TV to explain the results after the examination, so patients can better understand what happened inside of their stomach. Therefore, MedicalTek believes that utilizing 3D images in this way increases the doctor-patient relationship.

‘In conclusion, the plug-in MonoStereo 3D endoscope visualization system is a smart investment’, MedicalTek states. It allows hospitals and clinics to perform surgery with 3D visualization while keeping the cost for equipment transition to a minimum. Due to the superb compatibility, MonoStereo functions well with many prevalent flexible, rigid and other endoscopes as well as cameras and monitors. The system offers a seamless connection, without any workflow change during surgery or examination, resulting in enhanced procedure safety. As of today, more than 200 MIS and gastroenterological procedures have been performed with MonoStereo 3D endoscopy visualization system by hundreds of surgeons around the world.

20.11.2019