In the near future, several general surgery procedures are destined to become simpler, safer, less painful, more ergonomic and/or more convenient. We will find ourselves viewing endoscopic images in brand new ways. We will soon be hosting new types of procedures that can help patients in need. And almost for certain, high technology is in our futures, including robotic surgery and high-speed command and control systems for our ORs. Those are a few conclusions I reached after touring the exhibit hall at the 2003 Society of American Gastroenterological Surgeons meeting in Los Angeles. If you do general surgery but didn't get to attend, here's a report.