ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Since the introduction of the laparoscope for the more common uses such as gynecological surgery, the field of laparoscopic general surgery has expanded gradually to more operations. As with any developing field, the laparoscopic procedures being adapted to general surgical applications have undergone many refinements over the last decade or more. We should, however, not forget the past historical accomplishments of our colleagues, who have provided us with the basis of the current clinical developments. There are many areas where minimal access surgery can still be developed and advanced. This chapter is an introduction to the realm of this surgery. Laparoscopic general surgery is no longer considered to be ‘‘experimental’’. Nearly every open procedure has been performed with the laparoscopic method with success. Now that the surgical arena has accepted this approach to many procedures, we should continue to advance its techniques while also not forgetting the past.
