Review
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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 7, 2011; 17(33): 3795-3801
Published online Sep 7, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i33.3795
Natural orifice transluminal endoscopy surgery: A review
João Moreira-Pinto, Estevão Lima, Jorge Correia-Pinto, Carla Rolanda
João Moreira-Pinto, Estevão Lima, Jorge Correia-Pinto, Carla Rolanda, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
João Moreira-Pinto, Pediatric Surgery division, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
Estevão Lima, Department of Urology, Hospital de Braga, 4709-057 Braga, Portugal
Jorge Correia-Pinto, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital de Braga, 4709-057 Braga, Portugal
Carla Rolanda, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital de Braga, 4709-057 Braga, Portugal
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to this work.
Correspondence to: Carla Rolanda, MD, PhD, Surgical Sciences Research Domain, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4709-057 Braga, Portugal. crolanda@ecsaude.uminho.pt
Telephone: +351-253604910 Fax: +351-253604809
Received: October 4, 2010
Revised: December 1, 2010
Accepted: December 8, 2010
Published online: September 7, 2011
Abstract

Minimally invasive surgery started spreading worldwide in 1987, when the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Meanwhile, improvement of endoscopic equipment and instruments allowed gastroenterologists to attempt more aggressive endoluminal interventions, even beyond the wall barrier. The first transgastric peritoneoscopy, in 2004, brought to light the concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). The idea of incisionless surgery is attractive and has become a new goal for both surgeons and other people interested in this field of investigation. The authors present a review of all developments concerning NOTES, including animal studies and human experience.

Keywords: Transesophageal; Transgastric; Transvesical; Transvaginal; Transcolonic; Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery; Minimally invasive techniques