Laparoscopic tissue approximation

Although many extirpative urologic laparoscopic procedures are starting to be generally accepted, there is limited application of recontructive urolog ic laparoscopic procedures. Difficulties with laparoscopic tissue approxima tion account for a large portion of the slow development of rccontructive l aparoscopic urology. In this paper, the current state of laparoscopic tissu e approximation is reviewed, research efforts in this area are summarized, and future directions are considered. The discussion addresses available te chniques and devices, as well as those in development for future applicatio n.