[Laparoscopic surgery in urology: current status and trends in 1993]

Laparoscopic surgery in Urology is in a testing and development phase. The technique is currently used by some urologists to evaluate nonpalpable testes and to perform varicocelectomy or pelvic lymphadenectomy. Other standard open surgical procedures are experimentally being performed with the laparoscope. Owing to technologic advances laparoscopic surgery might become a part of routine urological care. We review the current impact of laparoscopy on Urology, we emphasize the advantages but also the risks of this new approach, and we discuss the benefit of these surgical procedures..