● Background The introduction of minimal access surgery Mas) into common practice began in 1985, when laparoscopic cholecystectomy was first performed to remove a diseased gallbladder. In the immediate years thereafter, a small number of surgeons in the U.S. pioneered the development of laparoscopic techniques for this and other surgical applications. Recognizing the importance of their potential to improve patient care Columbia University was one of the very first U.s academic institutions to support the development of minimal access technologies and techniques⚫ Background The introduction of minimal access surgery (MAS) into common practice began in 1985, when laparoscopic cholecystectomy was first performed to remove a diseased gallbladder. In the immediate years thereafter, a small number of surgeons in the U.S. pioneered the development of laparoscopic techniques for this and other surgical applications. Recognizing the importance of their potential to improve patient care, Columbia University was one of the very first U.S. academic institutions to support the development of minimal access technologies and techniques