PubMed1976
A short survey is given on description and evaluation of progress and developmental trend of laparoscopy. Important technical improvements are the cold light via the glass fibre light conductor, optics of high value, the colour photography with electronic flash-light, colour films and colour television, new accessory instruments and belongings. Now as ever hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, jaundice, ascites, portal hypertension, suspicion of cirrhosis and metastases are regarded as main indications. The laparoscopy deserves a greater consideration in unclear abdominal symptoms, in gynaecological diseases, for the proof of the affection of liver and spleen in lymphogranulomatosis, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis (with aimed liver biopsy). The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the differential diagnosis of the jaundice competes with the laparoscopy, but it is not able to supersede it. The laparoscopic judgment of the pancreas and the importance of visible changes of the fine structed. Among the contraindications of the laparoscopy the hiatal hernia has lost its significance.