Therapeutic laparoscopy--operative laparoscopy--has been employed in increasing proportion to laparotomy for various gynecological pathologies. Although routinely used for sterilization procedures, acceptance first for tubal pregnancy and then for other adnexal surgery has been gained. Now advocates are using the laparoscope for assisted hysterectomy, lymph node dissections, and other questionable indications. Coupled with the emergence of rapidly changing technology is the problem of adequate teaching of postgraduate physicians and proper credentialing of individuals, especially in smaller community hospitals.