Hysteroscopy: where have we been, where are we going? Honorary luncheon address.

A quiet resurgence of interest in an old endoscopic technique began in the late 1960s. Today hysteroscopy, both diagnostic and operative, has become an integral part of the gynecologist's technique. The question, "Hysteroscopy: where have we been, where are we going?" can be addressed by an examination of the past, present and future. Tribute will be paid to the pioneers. The clinical applications as practiced today are described. Critical appraisal of the risks and benefits of these procedures will permit predictions to be made about the future of gynecologic hysteroscopy.