For example, the endoscopic stapling devices, because they are small, can get around little corners. In response, we are able to make incisions that are smaller. Sooner or later our open procedures will be small-incision procedures. That's happening in thoracic surgery. Endoscopic pulmonary resections are being done through a small counter-incision that is just big enough to get the instruments in and out, but not big enough to require that we cut lots of muscle and spread the ribs wide apart.
Visualization is the key.
If you can see it, you can do it. Yes, I believe video technology was the benchmark. The key thing is you can see better. By the way, it's been educational as well. We used to read about anatomy of the gall bladder, but we would never see those little anatomic differences.