Laparoscopic microsurgery: current and future status

The successful introduction of microsuturing and microinstruments for operative laparoscopy has allowed the convergence of laparoscopy and traditional microsurgery, resulting in the evolution of the 'new microsurgery'. This more dynamic approach overcomes the limitations of open microsurgery by providing continuous magnification and the benefits of a closed environment, making laparoscopy a complete surgical tool. The test model for microsurgery is tubal anastomosis, which is very dependent on operative technique to attain well-established pregnancy rates. Our cumulative pregnancy results for laparoscopic microsurgical tubal anastomosis of 76% at 12 months, 70% at 9 months, 67% at 6 months and 44% at 3 months, compares favorably to the best results achieved by traditional open microsurgery. With this validation the technique is now employed as a complete solution for all tubal surgery. The ability to effect microsurgical repair of the ureter, bladder, bowel and vessels has expanded the surgical repertoire, allowing radical excision of deep endometriosis, severe enterolysis, and adhesiolysis.