[Historic review of minimally invasive surgery in Romania--a new surgical era]

The minimally-invasive surgery developed during the last decades, having an important place within the operating techniques of many surgical specialities once high-performing instruments and devices were created. It is represented by laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, arthroscopic and endoscopic techniques (diagnostical and therapeutical). The introduction and development of such techniques at the global level allowed for them to be introduced in our country in a rather short period of time after their usage abroad. This article consists of a brief description of the minimally-invasive surgery both at the global and national level.