State of the art of video technique for endoscopic surgery.

The importance of video technique as the only interface to the operation area during minimally invasive surgery is emphasized; therefore the use of more professional techniques is demanded. An overview is given over today's semiprofessional and professional video standards, their signal processing, performance and shortcomings. As an outlook, the most advanced developments in videotechnology that may be used in endoscopic surgery in future are outlined. The advantages of high-quality 3-chip cameras are stressed and the specific features of a camera more suitable for minimally invasive surgery are discussed.