Objective: To review basic physics of different surgical modalities and their clinical applications and outcomes.
Design: The relevant literature and personal experience were used to prepare the manuscript.
Results: Operative laparoscopy is safe and effective whether using sharp dissection, electrosurgical, or laser energy. The newer surgical modalities, including the vibrating ultrasound scalpel and argon beam coagulator, need further evaluation.
Conclusions: The results of laparoscopic surgery are independent of the surgical modality used. The surgeon's skill and experience, his or her preference of the technique, and proper patient selection play a more important role.