Laparoscopy in the trauma patient

The first laparoscopic exam of the abdominal viscera was done by Keillng in 1902. Since that time, laparoscopy has been used more extensively in abdominal and pelvic disorders by gynecologists and gastroenterologists than general surgeons. However, since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the 1980s by Mouret in France and Muhe in Germany, laparoscopy has been embraced by the general surgeon and has exponentially increased in number and types of procedures being done. New technology, such as the enhancement of video image along with better instrumentation, has further accelerated the acceptance of "minimally invasive" surgery in all surgical specialties.