Technologic innovations in surgery: a philosophic reflection on their impact on operations for cancer.
Technologic advances this past half-century have clearly had a positive effect on our ability to both diagnose and treat human cancer as well as on the operative treatment of other diseases. However, the impact of these innovations on the surgical treatment of cancer is not as clear as it is for many other problems that are managed surgically. This review is an "opinion piece" that attempts to assess the successes and failures of technologic innovations that have been introduced for the purpose of improving the operative treatment of cancer.
Lawrence
Walter
W
Department of Surgery, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0011, USA. wlawrence@mcvh-vcu.edu
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008026:Ligation; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods*; D013537:Sutures
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents