There are numerous textbooks detailing almost every aspect of the different laparoscopic procedures. However, in this era of evidence-based medicine, a text focusing on the controversies - from the laparoscopic as well as the general surgeon's point of view - is missing.

This book is not intended to be yet another textbook of laparoscopy; instead, its main purpose is to address unsettled issues of controversy. This will significantly enhance evidence-based knowledge of this developing field, stimulate thinking and discussions in rounds and meetings, assist surgeons in their decision making and stimulate further research.

This book is not aimed only at laparoscopic surgeons - with their steadily increasing number - but also at general surgeons and surgical trainees. It will define and sharpen points of controversy by internationally recognized authors, and thus provide 'state of the art' quality to each topic.

Education and Training

Commentary
Access to the Abdomen
Commentary
Establishing Pneumoperitoneum: The Ideal Gas and Physiological Consequences
Commentary
Laparoscopy in the Acute Abdomen
Commentary
Laparoscopy in Special Conditions: Previous Abdominal Surgery, Pregnancy and Liver Disease
Commentary
Laparoscopy in Abdominal Trauma
Commentary
Laparoscopy in Abdominal Malignancy
Commentary
Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery
Commentary 1
Commentary 2
Needlescopic Surgery
Commentary
Robotic Surgery
Commentary
Hiatal Hernia
Commentary
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Commentary
Achalasia
Commentary
Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy
Commentary
Gastric Resection for Advanced Gastric Cancer
Commentary
Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) for Morbid Obesity
Commentary
Vertical Banded Gastroplasty for Morbid Obesity
Commentary
Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity
Commentary
Biliopancreatic Diversion for Morbid Obesity
Commentary
Cholecystectomy
Commentary
Choledocholithiasis
Commentary
Cystic Parasitic and Nonparasitic Liver Disease
Commentary
Liver Surgery for Solid Tumors
Commentary
Splenectomy
Commentary 1
Commentary 2
Adrenalectomy
Commentary
Donor Nephrectomy
Commentary
Pancreatic Surgery
Commentary
Colorectal Surgery
Commentary
Appendectomy
Commentary
Incisional and Ventral Hernia Repair
Commentary
Inguinal Hernia Repair
Commentary
Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
Commentary.