In putting together this manual of endoscopic surgery, we have sought to cover the three essential components of the new surgical approach: the technological aspects, the basic endoscopic surgical skills, and the operative techniques. Visualization of the operative field, exposure and execution of remote manipulations are dependent on op timal function of the ancillary apparatus without which endoscopic surgery cannot be practised. Familiarity of the surgeon with the basic physical principles of the various de vices employed in this technology-dependent form of surgery ensures safe use, pro longed equipment life and smooth execution of surgical endoscopic interventions. Equally important is the acquisition of the basic skills of endoscopic surgical practice, since these differ in several important respects from those of conventional open surgery. Mastery of the craft of endoscopic surgery requires a determined commitment to training and is no easy option, but once acquired is rewarded by the extreme profes sional satisfaction experienced when one witnesses the remarkable progress of patients who have undergone major surgical interventions, with minimal discomfort and pain, lower morbidity and rapid return to gainful employment. The new approach has taken the "sting" out of surgical treatment and made it more acceptable to our patients. Quite apart from cost considerations, this aspect alone justifies the extra effort and invest ment needed for the further advancement of endoscopic surgery. Our task in compiling this operative manual was thus an ambitious one.
