Advances in laparoscopic urology, Part I. History and development of procedures.

Many of the recent applications of laparoscopy to urologic surgery have demonstrated the feasibility of these techniques to complete the intended diagnostic or therapeutic objectives and provide the patient with a more comfortable and shorter recuperative period. Ongoing laboratory and clinical research continues to expand the field of laparoscopic urologic surgery in terms of therapeutic and reconstructive techniques. The second part of this review will explore the more innovative applications of laparoscopic urology and the impact this may have on the practice and art of urology.