Minimally Invasive Surgery——Future Perspectives

Following the advances in diagnostic endoscopy in the 1970’s, therapeutic endoscopy in the 1980’s and laparoscopic surgery in the 1990’s the next break-through in endoscopic treatment is likely to be in the form

Following the advances in diagnostic endoscopy in the 1970＇s, therapeutic endoscopy in the 1980＇s and laparoscopic surgery in the 1990＇s the next break-through in endoscopic treatment is likely to be in the form of endoscopic surgery through natural orifices （NOTES）. The development of endoscopic mucosal resection （EMR） of early cancers may be considered the first step in this direction.