The History of Minimally Invasive Surgery

The foundation of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) lies in the evolution of surgical endoscopy. Endoscopic and MIS techniques often replace open procedures and are associated with decreased morbidity and faster patient recovery. As surgeons have rapidly adopted laparoscopic and robotic platforms, surgical endoscopy remains mainly limited to specialists practicing MIS and gastroenterologists. This review explores the origins of MIS, its current uses across different subspecialties, and its impact on the future of surgical practice.