ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of 3D simulation technique in thoracoscopic lobectomy.MethodsFrom June 2015 to January 2018, 124 patients with left lower lobe resection underwent thoracoscopy with single-port thoracoscopic surgery, including 64 males and 60 females, aged 42–83 years. They were randomly divided into two groups including an experimental group (preoperatively given 3D simulation surgery in 59 patients) and a control group (preoperatively not given 3D simulation surgery in 65 patients). The clinical effect between the two groups was compared.ResultsAll patients recovered without any death during hospitalization. In the experimental group, the operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay were significantly less than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative drainage volume, and duration of drainage tube retention and analgesic drug usage between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusion3D simulation technique for thoracoscopic lobectomy has advantage in short operation time, minor trauma and quick recovery. It has a guiding role in the preoperative planning of lung cancer surgery and is worthy of popularization and application.