[An update on minimally invasive surgery]

Minimally invasive surgery is a highly technological specialty of surgical practice, and requires training and retraining for traditional surgeons. The development of new instruments and new technologies during the last few years has allowed complex procedures that were previously considered unsuitable for minimally invasive surgery, but it has to be recognized that training, accreditation, and case load are fundamental for programs in advanced procedures. This article reviews some of these items including innovative surgical technologies related to minimally invasive surgery.