Dr. Rotman's interest in laparoscopy dates back to his gynecology residency days in the 1970s. In 1980, together with Dr. Harrith Hasson, he started to use laparoscopy as a safe and effective way to perform pelvic and abdominal surgery. The first project was to improve access to the peritoneal cavity with a minimum of possible complications, and the result was the Modified Technique of Open Laparoscopy, now in use all over the world. New operative procedures demanded the creation and development of new techniques and instrumentation. These challenges resulted in the introduction of the Stable Access Cannula (SAC), instruments to facilitate intra-abdominal suturing and tying (Easy-Knot), and the creation of the SLAM (Simplified Laparoscopic Abdominal Morcellation) technique for removal of large specimens without resorting to abdominal or vaginal incisions. Dr. Carlos Rotman is the founder and director of the Oak Brook Institute of Endoscopy in Chicago, Illinois. Recognized in 1994 with the Golden Laparoscope Award by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists for their technique of Laparoscopic Pelvic Lymphadenectomy, as well as with many other national and international awards, the Institute and its members have enjoyed great recognition and respect for their pioneering and ongoing work, teaching, and research geared to improving the quality of life of patients worldwide. Despite maintaining successful private practices in the Chicago area, which draw patients from around the globe, the Institute's members focus on humanitarian missions to take their knowledge to underprivileged women in Latin America, the Middle East, Far East, and Europe. These missions have been and continue to be the Institute's and its founder's highest priority and pride.