Laparoscopic approaches in urology.

The use of laparoscopy was one of the most important steps in the progress of medicine, and has developed through the 20th century. Gynaecologists took the initial lead in introducing this technology, followed by general surgeons. Since the first laparoscopic nephrectomy in 1990, most ablative and reconstructive urological surgery has been attempted laparoscopically. Laparoscopic urological surgical approaches include conventional transperitoneal and extraperitoneal; in this review the different approaches, with the relevant anatomical considerations, are discussed.