American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 163, 1295-1301, Copyright © 1994 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Laparoscopic general surgery: current status and future potential
DB Jones and NJ Soper
Washington University Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, St. Louis, MO 63110.
In the 1990s, a sweeping change has occurred in general surgery driven by
patients demanding cosmetically appealing incisions and speedier
recuperation. Established surgeons have swarmed to academic and
industry-sponsored courses to learn basic laparoscopic techniques.
Hospitals have been forced to redesign operating suites and retrain nurses
to keep pace with the technological changes. Industry has responded to
powerful market forces with new high-tech equipment and a substantial
investment for research and development. More and more, surgeons are
collaborating with gastroenterologists, sonographers, and interventional
radiologists with the hope of advancing minimally invasive surgical
techniques. This article highlights the current status of laparoscopic
surgery in the United States and foretells exciting advances for the future
[1].