The promise of endoscopic surgery rests in the delivery of the benefits of traditional open surgery, with improved visualisation, minimisation of recovery, cost reduction and faster return to activities of daily living. Gynaecologists, traditionally vaginal surgeons, have embraced minimal access and endoscopic treatments as the preferred modality in a number of conditions, such as the management of ectopic pregnancy. This paper explores the emergence of endoscopic surgery and the role of gynaecologists in the development and the dissemination of this modality in Australia.
Methodology
A systematic narrative review of the literature utilizing historical research methods to chronicle the evolution of endoscopic surgery was conducted. Relevant primary and secondary reference sources, including electronic, paper-based and human sources about the emergence of endoscopic surgery were identified through a systematic search of electronic databases of published literature, historical archival material and snowballing techniques.
Historic discrepancies and bias were subject to historiographic critique where identified, including the collation of ‘key historical moments’ in the emergence of the Australian status quo.
Results
The origins of endoscopic surgery can be traced as far back as 37000 years before present. The challenges of prohibition, diagnosis and therapy, as well as the technical challenges of, access, lighting and imaging, have been successfully managed until the first procedure was performed in Australia in 1961. Key literary discrepancies exemplify the fluidity of history in the emergence of endoscopic surgery. The evolution of endoscopy in Australia illustrates the emergence of a subspecilasised knowledge and skill sets with subsequent integration into general training. Parallels can be drawn between the introduction of robotic surgery and the emergence of laparoscopic surgery in Australia.