Review
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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 14, 2010; 16(38): 4792-4799
Published online Oct 14, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i38.4792
Current developments in natural orifices transluminal endoscopic surgery: An evidence-based review
Anthony Yuen Bun Teoh, Philip Wai Yan Chiu, Enders Kwok Wai Ng
Anthony Yuen Bun Teoh, Philip Wai Yan Chiu, Enders Kwok Wai Ng, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Author contributions: Teoh AYB, Chiu PWY and Ng EKW contributed equally to this work; Teoh AYB was responsible for background research and writing of the paper; Chiu PWY was responsible for the study concept and design; Ng EKW was responsible for critical revision of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Enders Kwok Wai Ng, FRCS (Edin), Professor, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China. endersng@surgery.cuhk.edu.hk
Telephone: +852-26322627 Fax: +852-26377974
Received: April 17, 2010
Revised: June 15, 2010
Accepted: June 22, 2010
Published online: October 14, 2010
Abstract

Tremendous advances have been made in recent years addressing the key obstacles to safe performance and introduction of human natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Animal studies have focused on identifying optimal solutions to these obstacles, in particular methods of creating transluminal access, safe closure of the point of access, and development of a multitasking platform with dedicated instruments. Whether the performance data generated from these animal studies can be reproduced in humans has yet to be determined. Reports of human NOTES procedures are emerging, and the possibility of accomplishing human NOTES based on existing technology has been demonstrated. However, dedicated platforms and devices are still lacking to allow for pure NOTES procedures, and whether NOTES can deliver the postulated benefits of earlier recovery and improved cosmesis remains uncertain.

Keywords: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, Endoscopic surgery, Minimally invasive surgery, Vaginal surgery