[Future of surgery]

Most current surgical techniques were developed in the 20th century, especially during the past 50 years. Open heart surgery, vascular surgery, neonatal surgery, organ transplantation and artificial organs, microsurgery, intravenous hyperalimentation, and, more recently, endoscopic surgery emerged during the past five decades. Many of the dreams of surgeons in the past have now been realized. These advances in surgery were made possible by the development of new technologies and instrumentation, but most importantly were initiated by the pioneering spirit of surgeons. This will continue on in the next century, since history shows that classical or conventional treatment modalities are constantly changing and being replaced by new ones based on new ideas and technologies. In this age of molecular biology, gene therapy, computer science, and the Internet, the pace of change in medicine and surgery will accelerate. Systems for training and communications, and even medical ethics, will inevitably change. We may not be able to predict precisely the future changes in surgery and surgeons, but we must be prepared for them and steer the future of surgery for the benefit of patients.