ABSTRACT
Technologic innovations constantly influence current surgical practice. Minimally invasive surgery has been particularly influenced by the development of newer technology and refinement of existing technology. Development of sophisticated and miniaturized optical systems led to the beginnings of minilaparoscopic surgery. Initially, minilaparoscopy was used primarily as a diagnostic tool in gynecologic surgery. Amongst the initial minilaparoscopes was a system developed by Medical Dynamicsa in Englewood, Colorado. The system consisted of optical fibers, incorporated in fiber-optic bundles known as “optical catheters.” Utilizing this technology, Dorsey and Tabb reported their experience with minilaparoscopic myomectomy, adhesiolysis, and biopsy and laser coagulation of endometriosis tissue in 1991 (1). More recently, numerous therapeutic applications of minilaparoscopy have been described in general surgery, endocrine surgery, gynecology, thoracic surgery, and urology.
