FROM KNIFE TO NEEDLE TO NOTHING: THE WANING OF THE WOUND

Abstract

During the last 25 years, probably urology was the surgical specialty that presented the most extraordinary technological development. In no specialty has the evolution from maximally invasive to minimally invasive to noninvasive surgery been better demonstrated than in the field of urology. Now, on the dawn of the third millennium, the wound itself is under attack. Literally shrinking to an unrecognizable size under the onslaught of modern day technology. This presentation is an update of where we are today and where we might be tomorrow due to advances in the following areas: Laparoscopy, microinstrumentation, robotics, telepresence, needle ablative surgery, and noninvasive technology. Key words: endourology; endoscopy; laparoscopy; minimally invasive surgery; urogenital system Braz j urol, 27: 209-214, 2001