[Laparoscopic surgery in the future--where are the limits?]

Laparoscopic surgery has established itself in gallbladder, adrenal and colorectal surgery as well as in anti-reflux and buriatric surgery. The technique has also been increasingly applied to hepatic, pancreatic and gastric surgery. The progress has taken place at the price of increased surgery costs, but is compensated by shortened hospitalization. Robot-assisted laparoscopy may facilitate the technical execution of surgery in hepatic and pancreatic surgery and additionally make possible the benefits of preoperative imaging, intraoperative localization of the tumor, and optimal determination of the margins of resection.