Chronological Advances in Minimal Access Surgery

Laparoscopy, also known as minimally invasive surgery
(MIS) or minimal access surgery, is a revolutionary
procedure that has benefitted both the patients and the
doctors. The earliest recorded references to endoscopy date
to ancient times with Hippocrates. In his description, there
is explanation of rectum examination with a speculum.
Hippocrates advised injecting a large quantity of air into
the intestines through the anus in intestinal obstruction. He
advocated the insertion of suppository that was 10 digits long.
These descriptions suggest that Hippocrates was well aware
of ileus with intestinal obstruction and thought that there
were several possible etiologies, including fecal impaction,
intussusceptions, and sigmoid volvulus. Moreover,
Hippocrates treated these life-threatening conditions with
minimally invasive approaches