Laparoscopic surgery in urology

Abstract

In recent months, laparoscopy has been used for such urological procedures as varicocelectomy, pelvic lymph node dissection and even nephrectomy. It would appear that laparoscopic surgery is going to make an important contribution to the field of endourology. In order to assess the current status and value of laparoscopic techniques to urologists, we have reviewed the history of laparoscopy in general and urologic laparoscopy in particular.

Editorial: History, advantages, complications, and limits of minimally invasive urologic pelvic surgery

“…Initially, laparoscopy was confined to the gynecological field, but it was later adopted by urology in 1976, when Cortesi used it for undescended testis. However, early experiences were fraught with difficulties, which included long operative times, surgical failures, and a high rate of complications (1,2). In laparoscopic procedures, many of the latter were due to surgeons being unfamiliar with the technique (2,3).…”