Public perception of "scarless" surgery : a critical analysis of the literature

Evidence relating to the perception and view of patients and physicians on natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) was scrutinized. A comprehensive literature search was performed through PubMed. A total of 18 studies were included in the analysis. Patients demonstrated interest in scarless surgery, with a preference for LESS over NOTES. Safety and efficacy remain the key factors in the decision-making process of patients. With more information about the safety and reproducibility of LESS and NOTES, and with improved educational efforts, patients and physicians alike may feel more comfortable in widespread application of scarless surgery.(undefined

Consensus statement on natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and single-incision laparoscopic surgery: heralding a new era in urology?

[Excerpt] For decades, urologists have implemented technologies that provide effective treatment while limiting morbidity. In many instances, this has been achieved by operating via natural body openings (eg, cystoscopy, transurethral resection, and ureteroscopy) [1,2]. Urologists have also pioneered novel techniques to address clinical situations where access through natural body openings was impossible, such as percutaneous stone surgery, laparoscopy, and robotics [3–5].[...

Novel System for Robotic Single-port Surgery: Feasibility and State of the Art in Urology

Robotic urology has evolved in parallel with the development of new robotic systems. A recently conceived robotic platform, specifically designed for single-port (SP) surgery, has reignited the interest for the approach. In this review, the evolution of robotic SP surgery was analyzed. Since the first published experience with a robot-assisted SP urological procedure in 2010, despite technical adjustments, robotic SP has remained with limited diffusion. However, the limitations of the available instrumentation are going to be softened with an upcoming next-generation robotic platform. Indeed, a purpose-built SP platform is being tested. The new purpose-built SP robotic system seems to represent a step forward. Based on the preliminary available experience, it facilitates the SP approach being the platform specifically designed for SP surgery. The novel SP robot could sponsor the alternative approaches to common urological interventions, allowing for potentially further minimization of the invasiveness of robotic surgery. Clinical trials will be awaited when this technology is commercially available. PATIENT SUMMARY: A novel robotic platform has been designed to be used for single-port surgery. With this particular approach, the surgery is performed through a single skin incision. Alternative access for common urological interventions will be sponsored by the new robotic platform, allowing for further reduction of the invasiveness of robotic surgery