Recent advances in laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Laparoscopic surgery has developed beyond recognition in the last two decades. The momentum for this surgical revolution came in the mid-1980s, particularly after the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by Mouret in 1987. The aim of this chapter is to address recent innovations in technology and instrumentation as well as developments in the various subspecialities of general surgery. The reader should also gain an insight into future developments including robotic surgery and Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES).