Laparoscopy in Urology

All the surgical disciplines are undergoing a period of fundamental change as minimally invasive techniques, colloquially known as key–hole surgery, become commonplace. The last 5 years have seen a revolution in the practice of general surgery, with the widespread adoption of laparoscopic biliary tract surgery as a preferred option for the treatment of gallstone disease. The same revolution has taken place in other surgical disciplines, most notably in pioneering many of the new, minimally invasive procedures. This book, written and edited by two leading authorities, provides a detailed account of all aspects of laparoscopy in urology. The opening chapter describes the historical development of laparoscopic urology; this is followed by sections on instrumentation, development and application, with later chapters describing the general principles of laparoscopic techniques, the role of anaesthesia and, in particular, day–case anaesthesia, together with a detailed discussion on complications and the metabolic reaction to operative laparoscopy. The remainder of the text is devoted to specific laparoscopic procedures, including laparoscopy for the non–palpable testicle, laparoscopic varicocelectomy, laparoscopic herniorrhaphy, transperitoneal nephrectomy, partial cystectomy and many other procedures which are now central to the practice of laparoscopic urology. Each chapter follows a set format: introduction (describing the background and historical development by key figures), laparoscopic instrumentation, operative technique with discussion on results, complications and future developments. Every chapter is fully referenced and complemented by clear line and photographic illustrations. This book will be welcomed by urologists in both practice and training who require practical guidance on laparoscopic urological procedures.