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].[...

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES): Current experience and urologic applications

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has attracted considerable recent attention for its potential to allow traditional abdominal procedures to be performed without a transabdominal incision. With considerable experience in the development and application of minimally invasive techniques, urologists have played a significant role in early experimental NOTES efforts and have contributed to early investigations in human subjects accordingly. However, adoption of these techniques has been limited due to cumbersome endoscopic equipment and concerns regarding peritonitis from failed viscerotomy closure. Experience with use of NOTES in human subjects is limited, and studies comparing NOTES to conventional minimally invasive techniques are lacking. Until adequate endoscopes are developed to facilitate a pure NOTES approach, multiple portals of entry will be necessary to facilitate both urologic and non-urologic reconstructive and extirpative procedures. Our aim is to evaluate NOTES techniques, portals of entry, early clinical experiences, and the application of NOTES to urologic surgery. © The Canadian Journal of UrologyTM