New applications of laparoscopy in gastrointestinal surgery.

Although laparoscopy has been available since the turn of the century, the technique did not become widely accepted for gastrointestinal surgery until it was used in cholecystectomy. Since then, various gastrointestinal operations have been performed using laparoscopic guidance. Laparoscopic operations must conform to principles for open general surgery, especially in cases of oncologic resection. Procedures for treatment of conditions such as hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux, intractable peptic ulcer disease, bypass for malignant pancreatic obstruction and repair of rectal prolapse have received immediate acceptance. Other procedures, such as Whipple's operation and colectomy for cancer, have met with a more guarded response.