Minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery is becoming increasingly commonplace, as technology has enabled a minimally invasive approach to be offered as a feasible alternative to conventional open surgery for a number of important surgical procedures. This comprehensive, but concise and practically oriented introduction to the subject was first published in 2004 and will be of value to all anaesthetists with an interest in minimally invasive techniques. It begins by covering the key aspects of basic physiology, moves on to patient preparation and positioning, monitoring, the anaesthetic procedures themselves (including possible complications and contraindications and easy-to-follow 'how to' guides for a number of key procedures) and, finally, post-operative pain. Written by a leading expert in the field, from a well-known European centre of excellence, it is essential reading for anaesthetists and intensivists at all levels of expertise.