Editorial
Copyright ©2010 Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jan 16, 2010; 2(1): 3-9
Published online Jan 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i1.3
Natural orifice transesophageal thoracoscopic surgery: A review of the current state
Brian G Turner, Denise W Gee
Brian G Turner, Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
Denise W Gee, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
Author contributions: Turner BG and Gee DW are solely responsible for all contributions to the article.
Correspondence to: Denise W Gee, MD, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States. dgee@partners.org
Telephone: +1-617-6434459 Fax: +1-617-7241117
Received: June 8, 2009
Revised: October 7, 2009
Accepted: October 14, 2009
Published online: January 16, 2010
Abstract

Since the concept of Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) was introduced, it has continued to gain significantly in popularity and enthusiasm for its potential clinical applications. The ability to perform conventional laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures without the creation of scars and perhaps faster and less painful recovery has prompted a worldwide devotion to further this field. While intra-abdominal NOTES has rapidly transitioned from animal models to human trials, applying the NOTES concept to perform thoracic procedures has been slower to gain momentum. The goal of this review is to summarize the current state of transesophageal NOTES thoracoscopy by looking at its potential for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions as well as the challenges in transitioning to human trials.

Keywords: Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery; Transesophageal; Thoracoscopy; Mediastinoscopy; Esophagotomy; Natural orifice; Endoscopy