Evolution of Laparoscopy through the Ages

Abstract

Abstract The field of laparoscopic surgery has experienced tremendous growth in the last three decades. The important events among them have been the invention of incandescent bulbs by Thomas Edison, the development of lens scopes (1870–1980s), the invention of rod lens system by Hopkins (1950s), the fiberoptic cold light transmission (1960s), and the computer chip video camera (1980s). Technological advancements have produced progressively smaller laparoscopic instruments and higher quality imaging that allow laparoscopic surgeons to perform precise dissection with minimal bleeding through most dissection planes, and the major limitations of standard laparoscopy procedures are overcome with these advances. The introduction and evolution of minimally invasive surgery has drastically changed the entire scenario of the ways in which surgeons are treating the patients. With the introduction of various innovative technologies like high-definition television, video systems, integrated digital reporting, head-mounted displays, surgical robotics, virtual reality training, and the integration of various modalities, such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, the surgeon has better knowledge of the disease, thereby, treating the patient more effectively. In this review article, we explore the evolution of laparoscopy through the ages, thereby, making way for further development in the field of minimal access surgery.