Textbook of Laparoscopic Urology PDF

PREFACE

Laparoscopy is now a major domain in urologic surgery. The past decade has witnessed a literally logarithmic increase in the application and appropriateness of minimally invasive techniques for an entire spectrum of urologic surgical conditions. These advances have been fueled by many factors. Foremost is the natural order of change and progress. Change must not be adopted just because it is new or different. The reference standard, the tried and trusted open surgery, must not be cast aside until its novel, minimally invasive alternative has undergone a thorough, due-diligence evaluation. As such, laparoscopy is being incorporated into main-stream urology with appropriate caution and constructive critique. Second, the explosion of technological advances and novel imaging modalities have made possible minimally invasive techniques hitherto considered in the realm of science fiction. Finally, the surgical patient at the dawn of the 21st century, awash with information gleaned from the cyber-media, now has a better understanding of the available therapeutic options, rightfully leading to heightened expectations. This is only as it should be. The result is the emergence of a new surgical mentality, wherein the "big surgeons make big incisions" mindset is now aptly giving way to "the minimally invasive, maximally effective" mindset.

For minimally invasive oncologic surgeons, our work has only just begun. For laparoscopy to conclusively supplant open surgery where appropriate, stringent comparative analyses and joint research efforts need to occur in a spirit of healthy cooperation. These are ongoing. In this regard, combining the strengths of the two respected societies, the Society of Urologic Oncology and the Endourology Society, will go a long way towards advancing both fields. Our future is together.

This textbook aims to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art information about the field of urologic laparoscopic surgery. Encyclopedic in scope, its 101 chapters have been organized into eleven distinct sections: Basic Considerations; Equipment; Laparoscopy: General Techniques; Adult Laparoscopy: Benign Disease; Laparoscopic Urologic Oncology; Pediatric Laparoscopy; Hand-Assisted Laparoscopy; Laparoscopy: Developing Techniques; Laparoscopic Complications: Etiology, Prevention, Management; Laparoscopy: Select Aspects; and The Future. Depending on the individual topic, emphasis has been placed on basic concepts, patient selection, laparoscopic technique and caveats, published outcomes, controversies, and future horizons. To enhance readability, important information has been graphically represented in a stand-alone manner in the left-hand column of the page. For certain chapters, invited commentaries have been solicited to stimulate debate, providing a broader perspective. Schematic figures, multiple tables, and thorough bibliographies combine to provide the reader a complete picture within one cover. This will benefit the novice as well as the experienced urologist.

Leading authorities have provided their opinions and thoughts herein. Collectively, these distinguished authors, each selected for recognized expertise and pre-eminence, comprise the Who's Who in the discipline.

It is our hope that the Textbook of Laparoscopic Urology will mature into the standard reference text in the field. Future editions will keep pace with the rapidly changing landscape of minimally invasive urology. Personally, it has been a true privilege to be able to edit the textbook. I am deeply grateful.