ENDOUROLOGY & LAPAROSCOPY

Evolution of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery
Boland JP, Kusminsky RE, Tiley EH, Tierney JP
Department of Surgery, Robert C. Bryd Health Science Center, University of West Virginia, Charleston, West Virginia, USA
J Endourol. 2005; 19: 133-5

• The authors described the history of the first hand assisted splenectomy and nephrectomy, as well as, then the development of hand assisted devices and laparoscopic equipment. The use of laparoscopic endo-GI staplers was not universally accepted among surgeons creating controversy, instrument that became standard in all major laparoscopic ablative surgery.
  This manuscript also helps us to understand the importance of societies, associations and their specific publications to better disseminate information, ideas and technology.
  
  
• Editorial Comment
  Since the first laparoscopic procedure was performed in intrabdominal organs, technology and techniques evolved including the hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery. This paper describes the complexity of developing new surgical techniques and the roadblocks that one may encounter despite the efficient surgical team and willingness of a group of surgeons and their institution. The authors also illustrate the importance of specific societies that can promote the dissemination of ideas and information.

Dr. Fernando J. Kim
Assistant Professor of Urology
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Denver, Colorado, USA