[Operative laparoscopy: genuine surgical advance or simple temptation by the feasible?]

Laparoscopic surgery appears now to be not just a series of simple modifications to operative techniques, but more truly a revolution. This is due to three factors: the simultaneous diagnosis of lesions, establishment of the prognosis and actual treatment: greater respect for the anatomy and physiological processes; the shift in the theatre of operations which is now represented by the pelvis itself and not the operating room we were used to. This surgical revolution has achieved a number of indisputable advances, especially where the adnexa are concerned. Tubo-peritoneal infertility, of course, for which Raoul Palmer developed laparoscopy; the approach relies on a thorough knowledge of the tubal condition. Ectopic pregnancy where laparoscopic treatment has become the standard. Ovarian cysts which raise the specific problems of discovering, and even more important, overlooking malignancy. Endometriosis for which surgical treatment has become appropriate again thanks to endoscopy. This revolutionary cycle is not yet complete for subperitoneal surgery is now being addressed. Hysterectomy, so highly symbolic for the gynecologist, is now regularly carried out in this manner. Even cancer surgery may now employ endoscopy, with second-look laparoscopy for ovarian cancer and above all lymphadenectomy techniques which were developed for a large part in France and will no doubt bring about a total change in the strategies for surgical treatment of cancer. Once the technical difficulties have been resolved radical hysterectomy has the potential to become the reference thanks to its precision and radicality. Prolapse too can draw benefit from endoscopic surgery. This is already the case for colpocervical suspension and other factors concerning prolapse are under study. We must not forget that this surgery must not only comply with the standard rules for surgery, but must also benefit from regulated and rigorous training. Collaboration with the engineers and equipment manufacturers is yet another new element with which French medicine is not yet very familiar.