Abstract: Objective To compare the surgical effect of three-dimensional (3D) versus 2D laparoscopic surgery in ureter
lithotomy. Methods From January 2014 to 2015 May, 45 patients with ureteral calculi were randomly allocated into 2 groups to
undergo ureter lithotomy under 3D laparoscopy (25 cases) and 2D laparoscopy (20 cases). The time used for each surgical
process (including the exposure, D-J tube discharge, suture and other surgical procedures) was recorded and compared
between the two groups. Results The operation was completed smoothly in all the 45 patients. In this cohort, the wound
drainage tube was removed in a mean of 3.0 ± 0.8 days after the operation, the catheter was removed after a week, and the
double J tube was removed at 1 month. Follow-up intravenous pyelography at 3 months after the operation reveal ureteral
stricture in none of the cases. Comparison of the surgical data showed that the time used in each surgical process was
significantly shorter in the 3D group than in the 2D group (P<0.05). 3D laparoscopic surgery allowed more precise operation
by providing a good sense of depth as in an open surgery to reduce the operation time. Conclusion As a minimally invasive
surgical technique, 3D laparoscopic surgery facilitates more precise and easier operation compared with 2D laparoscopy in
ureter lithotomy.