Transvaginal rigid-hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery technique for anterior resection treatment of diverticulitis: a feasibility study. Surg Endosc. 2011;25:3034-3042. [PMID: 21487875 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-011-1666-5]

Feasibility and Technique for Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Liver Resection: A Porcine Model

INTRODUCTION

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a challenging minimally invasive procedure. Although laparoscopic techniques for liver resection are gaining acceptance worldwide, few studies have investigated NOTES liver resection. We used a porcine model to assess the feasibility and safety of transvaginal NOTES liver resection (TV NOTES LR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine female pigs underwent TV NOTES LR. A nonsurvival acute porcine model with general anesthesia was used in all cases. Using hybrid NOTES technique, we placed only 1 umbilical 12-mm umbilical trocar in the abdominal wall, which was used to create pneumoperitoneum. A laparoscope was then advanced to obtain intra-abdominal visualization. A 15-mm vaginal trocar was inserted under direct laparoscopic vision, and a flexible endoscope was introduced through the vaginal trocar. A long, flexible grasper and endocavity retractor were used to stably retract the liver. The liver edge was partially transected using energy devices inserted through the umbilical trocar. To transect the left lateral lobe, a flexible linear stapler was inserted alongside the vaginal trocar. A specimen extraction bag was deployed and extracted transvaginally. Blood loss, bile leakage, operative time, and specimen size were evaluated. Necropsy studies were performed after the procedures.

RESULTS

Eighteen transvaginal NOTES partial liver resections and 4 transvaginal NOTES left lateral lobectomies were successfully performed on 9 pigs. Mean operative time was 165.8 minutes, and mean estimated blood loss was 76.6 mL. All TV NOTES LRs were performed without complications or deaths. Necropsy showed no bile leakage from remnant liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Our porcine model suggests that TV NOTES LR is technically feasible and safe and has the potential for clinical use as a minimally invasive alternative to conventional laparoscopic liver resection.

Robotic gastrectomy with transvaginal specimen extraction for female gastric cancer patients

AIM: To describe the application of complete robotic gastrectomy with transvaginal specimen extraction (TVSE) for gastric cancer patients.

METHODS: Between July and November 2014, eight female patients who were diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma underwent a TVSE following a full robot-sewn gastrectomy. According to the tumor location, the patients were allocated to two different groups; two patients received robotic total gastrectomy with TVSE and the other six received robotic distal gastrectomy with TVSE.

RESULTS: Surgical procedures were successfully performed in all eight cases without conversion. The mean age was 55.3 (range, 42-69) years, and the mean body mass index was 23.2 (range, 21.6-26.0) kg/m². The mean total operative time and blood loss were 224 (range, 200-298) min and 62.5 (range, 50-150) mL, respectively. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.6 (range, 3-5) d. The mean number of lymph nodes resected was 23.6 (range, 17-27). None was readmitted within 30 d of postoperation. During the follow-up, no stricture developed nor was any anastomotic leakage detected.

CONCLUSION: It is possible to perform a TVSE following a full robot-sewn gastrectomy with standard D2 lymph node resection for female gastric cancer patients.

Transrectal Rigid-Hybrid Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Sigmoidectomy for Diverticular Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Our goal was to evaluate the feasibility of transrectal rigid hybrid natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) sigmoidectomy (trNS) in a series of consecutive prospective patients with diverticular disease. The NOTES for left colectomy offers patients reduced pain and easier recovery. Limited data are available for trNS, which is considered safe for various indications. However, the technique is not standardized, and patients in the reported series are highly selected.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients scheduled for trNS were entered into a prospective registry on an intention-to-treat basis. The primary endpoint was trNS feasibility, and secondary endpoints were morbidity, pain, length of stay, and inflammatory response. A medial-to-lateral dissection with full mobilization of the splenic flexure and total intracorporeal anastomosis was performed. The rectum was covered with a wound protector for transrectal extraction.

RESULTS

Of 95 elective sigmoidectomies, 81% (n = 77) were enrolled for either transvaginal NOTES resection (n = 37) or trNS (n = 40). There was no difference in body mass index or indication between patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy (LAS), transvaginal resection, or trNS, although trNS patients were younger. Mainly because of a mismatch of bulky specimen and narrow pelvis, 17.5% of trNS were converted to LAS. Major morbidity was 10%, including 2 septic complications. During the study, the anastomosis technique was changed from double stapled end-to-end to side-to-end anastomosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Transrectal rigid hybrid natural orifice translumenal endoscopic sigmoidectomy is feasible and safe in a high proportion of unselected consecutive patients with diverticular disease undergoing elective treatment. Intracorporeal side-to-end anastomosis is the preferred technique, and trNS should be offered for elective sigmoidectomy presupposing advanced laparoscopic experience.

Transvaginal cholecystectomy vs conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder disease: A meta-analysis

AIM: To compare the results of transvaginal cholecystectomy (TVC) and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) for gallbladder disease.

METHODS: We performed a literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, MetaRegister of Controlled Trials, Chinese Medical Journal database and Wanfang Data for trials comparing outcomes between TVC and CLC. Data were extracted by two authors. Mean difference (MD), standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratios and risk rate with 95%CIs were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with the χ² test. The fixed-effects model was used in the absence of statistically significant heterogeneity. The random-effects model was chosen when heterogeneity was found.

RESULTS: There were 730 patients in nine controlled clinical trials. No significant difference was found regarding demographic characteristics (P > 0.5), including anesthetic risk score, age, body mass index, and abdominal surgical history between the TVC and CLC groups. Both groups had similar mortality, morbidity, and return to work after surgery. Patients in the TVC group had a lower pain score on postoperative day 1 (SMD: -0.957, 95%CI: -1.488 to -0.426, P < 0.001), needed less postoperative analgesic medication (SMD: -0.574, 95%CI: -0.807 to -0.341, P < 0.001) and stayed for a shorter time in hospital (MD: -1.004 d, 95%CI: -1.779 to 0.228, P = 0.011), but had longer operative time (MD: 17.307 min, 95%CI: 6.789 to 27.826, P = 0.001). TVC had no significant influence on postoperative sexual function and quality of life. Better cosmetic results and satisfaction were achieved in the TVC group.

CONCLUSION: TVC is safe and effective for gallbladder disease. However, vaginal injury might occur, and further trials are needed to compare TVC with CLC.

The transvaginal hybrid NOTES versus conventionally assisted laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease (TRANSVERSAL) trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is the consequence of further development of minimally invasive surgery to reduce abdominal incisions and surgical trauma. The potential benefits are expected to be less postoperative pain, faster convalescence, and reduced risk for incisional hernias and wound infections compared to conventional methods. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of transvaginal NOTES, and transvaginal access is currently the most frequent clinically applied route for NOTES procedures. However, despite increasing clinical application, no firm clinical evidence is available for objective assessment of the potential benefits and risks of transvaginal NOTES compared to the current surgical standard.

Methods

The TRANSVERSAL trial is designed as a randomized controlled trial to compare transvaginal hybrid NOTES and laparoscopic-assisted sigmoid resection. Female patients referred to elective sigmoid resection due to complicated or reoccurring diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon are considered eligible. The primary endpoint will be pain intensity during mobilization 24 hours postoperatively as measured by the blinded patient and blinded assessor on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include daily pain intensity and analgesic use, patient mobility, intraoperative complications, morbidity, length of stay, quality of life, and sexual function. Follow-up visits are scheduled 3, 12, and 36 months after surgery. A total sample size of 58 patients was determined for the analysis of the primary endpoint. The confirmatory analysis will be performed based on the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle.

Discussion

The TRANSVERSAL trial is the first study to compare transvaginal hybrid NOTES and conventionally assisted laparoscopic surgery for colonic resection in a randomized controlled setting. The results of the TRANSVERSAL trial will allow objective assessment of the potential benefits and risks of NOTES compared to the current surgical standard for sigmoid resection.

Trial registration

The trial protocol was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS00005995) on March 27, 2014.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1745-6215-15-454) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Laparoscopic natural orifice specimen extraction-colectomy: A systematic review

Over the last 20 years, laparoscopic colorectal surgery has shown equal efficacy for benign and malignant colorectal diseases when compared to open surgery. However, a laparoscopic approach reduces postoperative morbidity and shortens hospital stay. In the quest to optimize outcomes after laparoscopic colorectal surgery, reduction of access trauma could be a way to improve recovery. To date, one method to reduce access trauma is natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE). NOSE aims to reduce access trauma in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The specimen is delivered via a natural orifice and the anastomosis is created intracorporeally. Different methods are used to extract the specimen and to create a bowel anastomosis. Currently, specimens are delivered transcolonically, transrectally, transanally, or transvaginally. Each of these NOSE-procedures raises specific issues with regard to operative technique and application. The presumed benefits of NOSE-procedures are less pain, lower analgesia requirements, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, better cosmetic results, and lower incisional hernia rates. Avoidance of extraction site laparotomy is the most important characteristic of NOSE. Concerns associated with the NOSE-technique include bacterial contamination of the peritoneal cavity, inflammatory response, and postoperative outcomes, including postoperative pain and the functional and oncologic outcomes. These issues need to be studied in prospective randomized controlled trials. The aim of this systematic review is to describe the role of NOSE in minimally invasive colorectal surgery.

Specimen retrieval approaches in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections: a literature-based review of published studies

OBJECTIVE

To review the published studies reporting various specimen retrieval incisions being used by colorectal surgeons in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections (LCR).

METHODS

Standard medical electronic databases were searched to find relevant articles and a summary conclusion was generated.

RESULTS

There were 43 studies reporting various approaches used for the purpose of specimen retrieval in 2388 patients undergoing LCR. The most common approaches were periumbilical midline incision (1260 reported case in the literature), transverse incision (583 reported cases in the literature) in the right- or left iliac fossa, depending on the side of colonic resection, and Pfannensteil incision (293 reported cases in the literature). Periumbilical midline incision was associated with the higher risk of developing incisional hernia (odds ratio 53.72; 95% confidence interval 7.48-386.04; Z = 3.96; P = 0.0001). In terms of surgical site infection (SSI), there was no difference between the three common approaches to specimen retrieval. Transanal and transvaginal approaches were associated with higher risk of SSI.

CONCLUSIONS

Midline, transverse and Pfannensteil incisions were the most commonly used approaches for specimen retrieval following LCR. Midline incision was associated with higher risk of incisional hernia. Risk of SSI was similar in all three common approaches. The transanal and transvaginal approaches pose a higher risk of SSI. These conclusions are based on the combined outcome of published case series, case reports and comparative studies. Randomized, controlled trials with longer follow-up are required before recommending the routine use of any approach for specimen retrieval in patients undergoing LCR.

Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) for colon resections--analysis of the first 139 patients of the German NOTES Registry (GNR)

BACKGROUND

The German NOTES registry (GNR) is the largest published database for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) worldwide. Although transvaginal cholecystectomy is the most frequent procedure in the GNR, the number of colorectal resections is increasing. The objective of this study was to analyze the first 139 colonic procedures of the GNR.

METHODS

All colonic procedures from the GNR were analyzed regarding patient- and therapy-related parameters. A multivariate analysis was conducted for transvaginal sigmoid resections regarding procedural time, hospital stay, conversion rate, and rate of complications.

RESULTS

From October 2008 to January 2013, 139 colon NOTES procedures (12 male, 127 female) were registered. Main diagnoses were sigmoid diverticulitis (85.6 %), colon carcinoma (9.4 %), and ulcerative colitis (3.6 %). Sigmoid resections (87.1 %), proctocolectomies (3.6 %), right-sided resections (2.9 %), left-sided resections (3.6 %), segmental resections (2.2 %), and 1 ileocecal resection (0.7 %) were performed. All procedures were conducted in transvaginal (87.8 %) or transrectal (12.2 %) hybrid technique, with a median of 3 percutaneous trocars. Conversions to laparoscopic technique were necessary in 3.6 % (none to conventional technique). Intraoperative complications were recorded in 2.9 % and postoperative complications in 12.2 %. The institutional case number in transvaginal sigmoid resections correlated negatively with procedural time (p = 0.041) and the number of percutaneous trocars (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The analysis of the first 139 colon NOTES operations of the GNR shows the feasibility of co on operations in hybrid technique, especially for transvaginal sigmoid resection as the most frequent procedure.

Complications of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: a series of 102 patients

OBJECTIVE

To review the complications encountered in our facility and in previously published studies of transvaginal (TV) natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) to date.

BACKGROUND

TV NOTES is currently observed with critical eyes from the surgical community, despite encouraging data to suggest improved short-term recovery and pain.

METHODS

All TV NOTES procedures performed in female patients between 18 and 65 years of age were included. The median follow-up was 90 days. The TV appendectomies and ventral hernia repairs were pure NOTES, through a SILS port in the vagina, whereas TV cholecystectomies were hybrid procedures with the addition of a 5-mm port in the umbilicus.

RESULTS

A total of 102 TV NOTES procedures, including 72 TV cholecystectomies, 24 TV appendectomies, and 6 TV ventral hernia repairs, were performed. The average age was 37 years old and body mass index was 29 kg/m. Three major and 7 minor complications occurred. The first major complication was a rectal injury during a TV access port insertion. The second major complication was an omental vessel bleed after a TV cholecystectomy. The third complication was an intra-abdominal abscess after a TV appendectomy. Seven minor complications were urinary retention (4), transient brachial plexus injury, dislodgement of an intrauterine device, and vaginal granulation tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

As techniques in TV surgery are adopted, inevitably, complications may occur due to the inherent learning curve. Laparoscopic instruments, although adaptable to TV approaches, have yet to be optimized. A high index of suspicion is necessary to identify complications and optimize outcomes for patients.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Complications in Transvaginal Approach in Laparoscopic Surgery

Transvaginal access is the most popular natural orifice translumenal technique in the minimally invasive surgery. Reviews on non-gynecological transvaginal approach morbidities reveal that rates vary greatly. A systematic review of transvaginal approach in non-gynecological intraabdominal procedures was carried out to assess the risk of complications. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library from the inception of these databases to March 2012. The following keywords were searched: "transvaginal", "NOTES", "single incision", and "single port". From the total of 231 potentially eligible abstracts, 87 papers were retrieved and evaluated as fulfilling the eligibility criteria. The final analysis included 32 articles. The overall complications rate was 4.4 %, and complications related to the transvaginal port reached 2.4 %. Conversion rate to open surgery was 3.4 %. The incidence of postoperative urinary tract infection was 0.8 %. The mean operative time was 119 min. The mean hospital stay was 3.1 days (range 6 h-12 days). The technique of transvaginal access can offer several advantages for a patient and is associated with an acceptable rate of complications.

Totally laparoscopic anterior resection with transvaginal assistance and transvaginal specimen extraction: a technique for natural orifice surgery combined with reduced-port surgery

Background

Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) has been developed as a means of decreasing the incidence of surgical wound complications. However, NOSE performed using a conventional multiport technique has been reported previously. The current authors performed totally laparoscopic anterior resection with transvaginal specimen extraction (TVSE) using the reduced-port surgery (RPS) technique. The Alexis wound retractor (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA) and Free Access (Top Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) were attached to the transvaginal route for transvaginal assistance and smooth specimen extraction. The authors documented this simple and safe technique and its short-term results.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected for five patients who underwent totally laparoscopic anterior resection with TVSE for colorectal cancer between June 2012 and December 2012. A multiport access device (GelPOINT advanced-access platform; Applied Medical) was inserted into the navel, and a 5-mm port was inserted into the right lower quadrant to be used as a drain site. Transverse transvaginal posterior colpotomy then was performed. One ring of an Alexis ring pair was inserted into the peritoneal cavity through the vagina. The other white ring was placed outside of the vagina and then covered with a Free Access to maintain the pneumoperitoneum for insertion of a 12-mm port. Lymph node dissection and transection of the distal colon were performed with transvaginal assistance. The specimen then was extracted transvaginally. After the Alexis had been removed, the vaginal incision was closed transvaginally. End-to-end colorectal anastomosis was performed using the double-stapling technique.

Results

Transvaginal extraction was completed in all five cases. The median operation time was 235 min. One case was complicated by chyloperitoneum. The median hospital stay was 6 days. Only one patient required intravenous analgesics once on postoperative day 1. All the patients remained disease free.

Conclusion

Totally laparoscopic anterior resection using TVSE with RPS appears to be feasible, safe, and oncologically acceptable for selected cases.

Pure transvaginal ventral hernia repair in humans

INTRODUCTION

Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery procedures are at the forefront of minimally invasive innovation, remarkable for shorter recovery times and decreased postoperative pain. We aim to demonstrate a novel technique of pure transvaginal laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in a series of patients performed in our institution.

TECHNIQUE DESCRIPTION

The patient was placed in lithotomy position and steep Trendelenburg. A 2-cm transverse colpotomy incision was made and a SILS port was introduced. One 12-mm trocar and two 5-mm trocars were placed through the SILS port and standard straight laparoscopic instruments were used. An appropriately sized round mesh was deployed within a specimen retrieval bag into the peritoneal cavity. Complete anterior circumferential fixation of the mesh was achieved using an AbsorbaTack device. The colpotomy incision was closed.

RESULTS

There were a total of 6 pure transvaginal ventral hernia repair procedures performed in our institution between November 2010 and February 2012. The first case was converted to an open procedure after a rectal injury was recognized and repaired. Two patients had transient urinary retention that resolved after 24 hours. One patient had vaginal wound granulation noted at 2 months postoperatively. No long-term complications or recurrences were noted with a median follow-up of 9 months. The mean operative time was 107 minutes.

CONCLUSION

Our initial experience with transvaginal ventral hernia repair in humans suggests that this procedure is feasible, safe, and associated with improved cosmetic results.

Transvaginal specimen removal after laparoscopic distal pancreatic resection

PURPOSE

Transvaginal specimen removal has been introduced 20 years ago but then abandoned. With the advent of transvaginal interventions following the introduction of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, renewed interest was generated for hybrid procedures with minimal access for the intervention and use of transvaginal (TV) specimen removal. We present the first such series after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

METHODS

In seven subsequent women (median age 48 years) with body and tail pancreatic tumors undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, the new method of TV specimen removal was applied. The patients' data and the technical successes as well as intra- and postprocedural complications were recorded prospectively. The patients were followed after discharge for gynecological examination.

RESULTS

Specimen removal consisting of the pancreas and spleen in five and the pancreas only in two cases was technically successful; no intraoperative complications were encountered. Postoperative complications consisted of one case of intra-abdominal hemorrhage and one case of pancreatic fistula, attributable to the resection and not to TV specimen removal. Gynecological follow-up was normal in all seven patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique of TV specimen removal is feasible and safe also after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. It may help to further diminish the access trauma of laparoscopic pancreatic surgery.

Euro-NOTES Status Paper: from the concept to clinical practice

BACKGROUND

The concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) consists of the reduction of access trauma by using a natural orifice access to the intra-abdominal cavity. This could possibly lead to less postoperative pain, quicker recovery from surgery, fewer postoperative complications, fewer wound infections, and fewer long-term problems such as hernias. The Euro-NOTES Foundation has organized yearly meetings to work on this concept to bring it safely into clinical practice. The aim of this Euro-NOTES status update is to assess the yearly scientific working group reports and provide an overview on the current clinical practice of NOTES procedures.

METHODS

After the Euro-NOTES meeting 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany, an analysis was started regarding the most important topics of the European working groups. All prospectively documented information was gathered from Euro-NOTES and D-NOTES working groups from 2007 to 2011. The top five topics were analyzed.

RESULTS

The statements of the working group activities demonstrate the growing information and changing insights. The most important selected topics were infection issue, peritoneal access, education and training, platforms and new technology, closure, suture, and anastomosis. The focus on research topics changed over time. The principle of hybrid access has overcome the technical and safety limitations of pure NOTES. Currently the following NOTES access routes are established for several indications: transvaginal access for cholecystectomy, appendectomy and colon resections; transesophageal access for myotomy; transgastric access for full-thickness small-tumor resections; and transanal/transcolonic access for rectal and colon resections.

CONCLUSIONS

NOTES and hybrid NOTES techniques have emerged for all natural orifices and were introduced into clinical practice with a good safety record. There are different indications for different natural orifices. Each technique has been optimized for the purpose of finding a safe and realistic solution to perform the procedure according to the specific indication.

Evaluation of sexual function in sexually active women 1 year after transvaginal NOTES: a prospective cohort study of 106 patients

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate sexual function, quality of life and patient satisfaction in sexually active women 1 year after transvaginal hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective single-centre cohort study included sexually active female patients after transvaginal hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy or anterior resection. Sexual life impairment and quality of life were assessed by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) prior and 1 year after surgery. Patient satisfaction was assessed as well as the sexual function 1 year postoperatively using the validated German version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-D).

RESULTS

Between September 2008 and December 2009, 106 sexually active women after transvaginal hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy or anterior resection were identified. Sexual life significantly improved (GIQLI scores 3.2 ± 1.0 preoperatively vs. 3.7 ± 0.7 1 year postoperatively, P < 0.001), and painful sexual intercourse (3.3 ± 1.0 vs. 3.6 ± 0.7, P = 0.008) decreased post-surgery. The mean FSFI-D total score after transvaginal NOTES was 28.1 ± 4.6, exceeding the cutoff for sexual dysfunction defined as 26. Four (4.5 %) out of 88 patients who answered this question were not satisfied with the transvaginal hybrid NOTES procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective cohort study of female sexual function after transvaginal NOTES provides compelling evidence that the transvaginal access is safe and associated with high satisfaction rate.

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery in humans: a review

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) had its origins in numerous small animal studies primarily examining safety and feasibility. In human trials, safety and feasibility remain at the forefront; however, additional logistic, practical, and regulatory requirements must be addressed. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and summarize published studies to date of NOTES in humans. The literature review was performed using PUBMED and MEDLINE databases. Articles published in human populations between 2007 and 2011 were evaluated. A review of this time period resulted in 48 studies describing procedures in 916 patients. Transcolonic and transvesicular procedures were excluded. The most common procedure was cholecystectomy (682, 75%). The most common approach was transvaginal (721, 79%). 424 procedures (46%) were pure NOTES and 491 (54%) were hybrid NOTES cases. 127 (14%) were performed in the United States of America and 789 (86%) were performed internationally. Since 2007, there has been major development in NOTES in human populations. A preponderance of published NOTES procedures were performed internationally. With further development, NOTES may make less invasive surgery available to a larger human population.

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery applications in clinical practice

To review natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) applications in clinical practice and assess the evidence base for each application as reported in the literature. An electronic literature search was performed. Inclusion criteria were publications relating to NOTES applications in humans. For each type of operation the highest level of evidence available for clinical NOTES publications was evaluated. Morbidity and short-term operative outcomes were compared with gold standard published evidence where available. Finally, registered trials recruiting patients for NOTES applications were identified. Human NOTES publications with the highest level of evidence in each application are identified. There were no RCTs in the literature to date. The strongest evidence came in the form of large, multi-centre trials with 300-500 patients. The results are encouraging, comparable with gold standard techniques on morbidity and mortality. While short-term operative outcomes were also similar when compared to the gold standard techniques, other than improved cosmesis little else can definitely be concluded as a clear benefit of a NOTES procedure. The most common procedures are cholecystectomy, appendicectomy and peritoneoscopy mainly performed via transvaginal access. It is evident that morbidity appears to be higher when the transgastric route is used. The safety profile of hybrid NOTES transvaginal procedures is beginning to be confirmed as is evident from the large number of procedures presented in this review. A number of authors have presented work on pure NOTES procedures but the results are inconsistent and thus the vast majority of NOTES procedures worldwide are performed in a hybrid fashion with a variable amount of laparoscopy. This review of the clinical applications of NOTES summarises the growing evidence behind this surgical discipline and highlights NOTES procedures with an acceptable safety profile.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: New minimally invasive surgery come of age

Although in the past two decades, laparoscopic surgery, considered as a great revolution in the minimally invasive surgery field, has undergone major development worldwide, another dramatic surgical revolution has quietly appeared in recent years. Ever since Kalloo’s first report on transgastric peritoneoscopy in a porcine model in 2004, interest in a new surgical procedure named natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has blossomed worldwide. Considering that a NOTES procedure could theoretically avoid any abdominal incision, operation-related pain and scarring, many surgeons and endoscopists have been enthusiastic in their study of this new technique. In recent years, several NOTES studies have been carried out on porcine models and even on humans, including transvaginal cholecystectomy, transgastric appendectomy, transvaginal appendectomy, and transvesical peritoneoscopy. So what is the current situation of NOTES and how many challenges do we still face? This review discusses the current research progress in NOTES.