[Development of endoscopic surgery in the 21st century]

After its introduction by Dr. K. Semm in the 1970s and subsequent refinement of laparoscopic cholecystectomy by Dr. Erich Mühe 1985, endoscopic surgery is now commonly performed in clinical practice. Although some institutions have still not embraced these techniques, surgery has been transformed, not only technically but also conceptually, by endoscopic procedures. Less invasive surgery results in a better quality of life for patients. The theme of this centennial anniversary meeting of the Japanese Surgical Society comes from the words of Keio University founder Yukichi Fukuzawa: "Act now for the future." At this meeting, robotic surgery and telesurgery techniques will be presented, and attendees will be updated on the latest developments in the field, including three-dimensional monitoring, telecommunications, robotics, and other new forms of instrumentation and technology.