ABSTRACT
The development and increased acceptance of laparoscopic techniques for a variety of extirpative and reconstructive procedures have revolutionized the practice of urology. As highlighted in multiple chapters of this text, urologic laparoscopy has provided multiple patient-related benefits including decreased pain, shortened convalescence, earlier return to work, and improved cosmesis. Conventional laparoscopy can limit surgical performance secondary to visualization of threedimensional images on a flat two-dimensional screen, limited instrument maneuverability, and reduced dexterity in comparison to open surgery. Furthermore, training opportunities to learn laparoscopic urology are relatively limited. In addition, laparoscopic techniques such as intracorporeal suturing can be more difficult to perform than corresponding tasks in open surgery. The increased difficulty of conventional laparoscopy has prompted a variety of technologic enhancements designed to address performance deficiencies of the standard techniques and possibly increase clinical applicability.
