Laparoscopic urogynaecology started to develop following the first report of a laparoscopic colposuspension in 1991. The place of laparoscopic treatment of urinary incontinence has yet to be established and, as for all new techniques, case reports, case series and small randomized studies have been reported. Larger randomized studies with adequate power have yet to be reported. Current opinion is divided as to the success of these new operations. Assessment of outcome is further clouded by large variations in technique, such that like is not always compared with like. The present review assesses the recent literature and the place of the traditional colposuspension performed via the laparoscopic route.