Laparoscopy: new applications of an established technique

The safety and cost-effectiveness of any new procedure is, of course, brought into question in this era of heightened fiscal concerns. In general, a review of initial results with laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection appears to reveal sufficient patient benefits to warrant further work with these less invasive techniques. The principal benefits include the following: Decreased patient morbidity, early and latent; Shorter hospitalization; Faster recovery and return to normal daily functions; Equivalent efficacy to open surgical alternatives; Overall cost-effectiveness Cosmetic effect; minimizes loss of body image; Reproducible results. Perfecting the skills necessary for complicated laparoscopic surgery requires a commitment of time and work on the part of the surgeon. This is not a procedure that will be learned by auditing a few cases. Laparoscopic surgery requires diligence in mentally and physically preparing the skills needed for surgery and caution in the application of these skills. Nurses can help to minimize this learning curve by taking an active interest in the current and future practice of laparoscopic surgery and by sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm.