Three-dimensional (3 D) imaging techniques have been developed in the medical field.
In laparoscopic surgery, such techniques are widely used; they provide the surgeon
with spatial information and increase the safety of surgical techniques [1]
[2]
[3]. In gastrointestinal endoscopy, Sakata et al. reported the efficacy of 3 D imaging
for improved detection of colonic lesions using simulated 3 D colonoscopy [4]. However, to create a conventional 3 D image, two optical axes are required.
A novel 3 D imaging processor (HD-3D-A; Shinko Optical, Tokyo, Japan), which can create
3 D virtual video images from conventional two-dimensional (2 D) endoscopic video
images, has been developed recently [5]. This imaging processor is connected to a monocular endoscopic system and converts
conventional endoscopic images into a pair of images, as if they were obtained from
two different points that match the operator’s convergence angle [4] ([Fig. 1]). This system can be used in combination with a conventional endoscope, and 3 D
images can be easily viewed using 3 D glasses and a 3 D monitor.
Fig. 1 Explanation of a 3 D image system. The 2 D endoscopic image can be converted to a
3 D image in real time.
Here for the first time, we report the use of this 3 D system in gastrointestinal
endoscopy. In gastrointestinal endoscopy, the 3 D image also provides the endoscopist
with space perception, helping them to evaluate the status of the intestinal tract
space ([Video 1]). In addition, we can more precisely visualize the shape of a gastrointestinal tumor
using a 3 D image compared with a 2 D image ([Video 1]). During colonoscopy, 3 D images provide visual cues to the next fold and aid in
easy insertion to the cecum. Although further studies are required to demonstrate
the efficacy of a 3 D system in gastrointestinal endoscopies, we believe this system
may have additional benefits compared with a conventional 2 D endoscopy.
Video 1 Three-dimensional (3 D) colonoscopy in a patient with a colonic adenoma. This video
is presented in a side-by-side format. The 3 D version can be viewed using the 3 D
video equipment.
Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AQ_2AJ
Endoscopy E-Videos is a free access online section, reporting on interesting cases and new techniques
in gastroenterological endoscopy. All papers include a high quality video and all
contributions are freely accessible online.
This section has its own submission website at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/e-videos
