Published online Dec 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i48.18104
Revised: July 28, 2014
Accepted: October 15, 2014
Published online: December 28, 2014
Processing time: 291 Days and 10.2 Hours
Core tip: Despite lack of irrevocable proofs and unresolved technical issues, single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) became inevitable options in today’s colorectal surgery armamentarium. In comparison to conventional laparoscopic surgery, colorectal SILS offers a cosmetic advantage with no compromise of surgical morbidity, oncological appropriateness or increased cost. The “down-to-up” total mesorectum excision appears as the most encouraging NOTES-related technique for clinical application in humans. It further offers potential benefits in functional and oncological outcomes. Well-designed randomised studies are now essential to validate the long-term results of these novel techniques.