Laparoscopic upper gut surgery.

Australian surgeons have been prominent in the introduction, development, and consolidation of laparoscopic surgery of the upper gut. In doing this, some of the very best principles of surgical innovation have been in evidence: preliminary animal work in which to test hypotheses and techniques, followed by careful application and documentation in the clinical setting, randomized clinical trials and finally academic reporting and ongoing development. This review documents the introduction of laparoscopic surgery for gastroesophageal reflux, hiatus hernia, achalasia, gastroesophageal malignancy, obesity, and a range of emergency conditions in Australia. Those involved are regarded as world leaders in their field. A vital component of this success has been the close cooperation between surgeons and gastroenterologists within the Gastroenterological Society of Australia.