泌尿器科における内視鏡下手術の展望

Future Aspect for Endoscopic Surgery in Urology

　内視鏡下手術は，コンピュータ，光学システム，ロボティックス，手術器具と，周辺機器の発展などにより，遺伝子産業と並んで21世紀の新しい医療産業領域を創出するであろう．泌尿器科領域においても，従来の尿路内視鏡とともに腹腔鏡は多くの分野で進展し，旧来の開創手術はますます適応が少なくなっていくと考えられる．

Along with the biogenetic field, the field of endoscopic surgery will create a huge medical market in the 21st century. The progress in endoscopic surgery depends on the invention and innovation of the supporting system brought by the advancement in computer, optic, robotic, education, and telecommunicating systems. In the next century, many open urological surgeries performed today will be replaced by less invasive modalities including endoscopic surgery.