Abstract:To prospectively compare the clinical effects of 3D and 2D laparoscopic cholecystectomy for complicated gallstone disease. Methods The prospective and randomized study was conducted. From January 2014 to January 2016, clinical data of patients with complicated gallbladder mastectomy were continuously collected. Patients were randomly divided into 3D laparoscopic group and 2D laparoscopic group based on random number table. The surgeries were performed by the same group of surgeons. The two groups were compared for surgical outcomes and long-term follow-up. Results According to the enrollment criteria, a total of 96 patients were included with 48 cases of 3D group and 48 cases of 2D group. Surgical comparison: All patients were successfully completed the operation with no perioperative death or secondary surgery. The operative time [ (132.2 ± 76.4) vs (156.5 ± 89.3) min, P = 0.000] and intraoperative blood loss [(35.6 ± 35.4) vs (55.9 ± 44.1) ml, P = 0.000] of 3D group were lower than those of 2D group with statistical significance (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the rate of laparotomy (6.3% vs 10.4%, P = 0.203) and complication (20.8% vs 25.0%, P = 0.445). There were no significant differences in postoperative exhaust time [(48.7 ± 13.2) vs (49.6 ± 14.1) h, P = 0.692], time of abdominal drainage tube [(3.5 ± 1.1) vs (3.6 ± 1.3) d, P = 0.394] and hospital stay [(5.1 ± 1.5) vs (5.2 ± 1.7) d, P = 0.311] between 3D and 2D groups; Follow-up comparison: All patients were followed up for 12 ~ 40 months with a median follow-up of 28 months. In 3D group, there were 6 cases of dyspepsia, 4 cases of right upper quadrant discomfort and 2 cases of residual gallstones. In 2D group, there were 4 cases of dyspepsia, 5 cases of right upper quadrant discomfort and 1 case of residual gallstones. Conclusion Due to the high-definition vision and good sense of depth, it is safe and effective in gallbladder resection with 3D laparoscopy. 3D laparoscopy may help reduce intraoperative blood loss, shorten operative time, and is worthy of clinical application.