Editorial
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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jun 16, 2012; 4(6): 212-217
Published online Jun 16, 2012. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v4.i6.212
NOTES, MANOS, SILS and other new laparoendoscopic techniques
José F Noguera, Angel Cuadrado
José F Noguera, Angel Cuadrado, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, 46014 Valencia, Spain
Author contributions: Noguera JF and Cuadrado A contributed to this paper; Noguera JF provided direction of the paper and redaction of chapters “Notes: allies and enemies” and “Invisible surgery in the laboratory”; Cuadrado A made redaction of chapters “Beginning of a surgical revolution: endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery” and “Appearance and development of NOTES”.
Correspondence to: José F Noguera, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario, 46014 Valencia, Spain. drjfnoguera@hotmail.com
Telephone: +34-961-972000 Fax: +34-961-972015
Received: December 17, 2011
Revised: May 6, 2012
Accepted: May 27, 2012
Published online: June 16, 2012
Abstract

A new way of opening a body cavity can be a revolution in surgery. In 1980s, laparoscopy changed how surgeons had been working for years. Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), minilaparoscopy-assisted natural orifice surgery (MANOS), single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and other new techniques are the new paradigm in our way of operating in the 21st century. The development of these techniques began in the late 90s but they have not had enough impact to develop and evolve. Parallels between the first years of laparoscopy and NOTES can be made. Working for an invisible surgery, not only for cosmesis but for a less invasive surgery, is the target of NOTES, MANOS and SILS performed by surgeons and endoscopists over the last 10 years. The future flexible endoscopic platforms and the fusion between laparoscopic instruments and devices and robotic surgery will be a great advance for “scarless surgery”.

Keywords: Laparoscopy; Endoscopy; Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery; Single incision laparoscopic surgery; Minilaparoscopy-assisted natural orifice surgery; Flexible endoscopy