Laparoscopic surgery in urology: current applications.

Urologic applications of laparoscopy have increased exponentially in the past few years, and newer techniques continue to be described. This article considers the latest advances in the field and attempts to place laparoscopy in proper perspective in urologic therapy. From modest diagnostic maneuvers, urologic laparoscopy has progressed to ablation of large solid organs and complex reconstructive procedures. Reproducible clinical success has been achieved in localization of undescended testicles, varicocelectomy, dissection of pelvic lymph nodes, drainage of lymphoceles, and nephrectomy. Clinical reports on use of this technique for orchiectomy, ureterolysis, nephropexy, partial nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, bladder diverticulectomy, dissection of retroperitoneal lymph nodes, and ileal conduit urinary diversion have been published. Exciting and rapid development of more advanced techniques is under way in the laboratory. Even at this early stage, when urologic applications of minimally invasive surgery are still being defined, it is likely that laparoscopy will have a lasting impact on the practice of urology.