Technological requirements

Abstract

Recent advances in laparoscopic surgery have changed the approach to some surgical endocrine diseases. Lateral or retroperitoneal adrenalectomy, localization and enucleation of pancreatic endocrine tumors, and selective gonadectomy for endocrine tumors of the ovary represent some of the emerging indications for laparoscopic techniques. Careful selection of laparosopic equipment and instruments is important for the safety and efficacy of these procedures. Laparoscopic contact urtrasonography may help identify occult lesions and helps overcome the lack of tactile sensation. In the future, advanced graphics, three dimensional reconstruction of surgical anatomy from preoperative diagnostic images, and its integration with the intraoperative view, will contribute to the planning of surgery and guidance of surgical dissection. Copyright © 1997by W. B. Saunders Company.