Removal of a guide-wire sliding into abdominal cavity via transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: A case report

BACKGROUND Guidewire slippage into the peritoneal cavity during clinical operations is extremely rare.Therefore,this paper aims to report a successful case of guidewire removal using transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES).The goal is to enhance physicians'understanding of the management plan for this unique scenario and provide a valuable reference for clinical practice.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old man presented with abdominal distension and was diagnosed with cirrhosis combined with massive ascites.To proceed with treatment,the patient underwent ultrasound-guided peritoneal puncture and underwent catheterization and drainage.Unfortunately,a 0.035-inch guidewire slipped into the abdominal cavity during the procedure.Following a comprehensive evaluation and consultation by a multidisciplinary team,the guidewire was successfully removed using NOTES.CONCLUSION This case highlights the potential consideration of transgastric NOTES removal when encountering a foreign body,such as a guidewire,within the abdominal cavity.

Analysis of quality of life in patients after transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic gallbladder-preserving surgery

BACKGROUND At present,laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)is the main surgical treatment for gallstones.But,after gallbladder removal,there are many complications.Therefore,it is hoped to remove stones while preserving the function of the gallbladder,and with the development of endoscopic technology,natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery came into being.AIM To compare the quality of life,perioperative indicators,adverse events after LC and transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic gallbladder-preserving surgery(EGPS)in patients with gallstones.METHODS Patients who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from 2020 to 2022 were retrospectively collected.We adopted propen-sity score matching(1:1)to compare EGPS and LC patients.RESULTS A total of 662 cases were collected,of which 589 cases underwent LC,and 73 cases underwent EGPS.Propensity score matching was performed,and 40 patients were included in each of the groups.In the EGPS group,except the gastr-ointestinal defecation(P=0.603),the total score,physical well-being,mental well-being,and gastrointestinal digestion were statistically significant compared with the preoperative score after surgery(P<0.05).In the LC group,except the mental well-being,the total score,physical well-being,gastrointestinal digestion,the gastrointestinal defecation was statistically significant compared with the preoperative score after surgery(P<0.05).When comparing between groups,gastrointestinal defecation had significantly difference(P=0.002)between the two groups,there was no statistically significant difference in the total postoperative score and the other three subscales.In the surgery duration,hospital stay and cost,LC group were lower than EGPS group.The recurrence factors of gallstones after EGPS were analyzed:and recurrence was not correlated with gender,age,body mass index,number of stones,and preoperative score.CONCLUSION Whether EGPS or LC,it can improve the patient’s symptoms,and the EGPS has less impact on the patient’s defecation.It needed to,prospective,multicenter,long-term follow-up,large-sample related studies to prove.

Clinical significance of episcleral venous fluid wave in gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy

AIM:To evaluate the clinical significance of checking episcleral venous fluid wave(EVFW)during gonioscopyassisted transluminal trabeculotomy(GATT)in patients with open angle glaucoma(OAG).METHODS:This retrospective case series study comprised 30 patients(45 eyes)with OAG underwent GATT.The location and extent of EVFW were examined and graded after intraoperative compression flushing of the anterior chamber angle during the operation.Patients were followed up for 1y.A complete success for surgery is defined as a postoperative intraocular pressure(IOP)<18 mm Hg without any anti-glaucoma medication.IOP<18 mm Hg with less than two anti-glaucoma medications is defined as qualified success,while the control of IOP requiring three anti-glaucoma medications is considered as unsuccess.RESULTS:The mean IOP was 35.38±7.16 mm Hg before surgery and 15.52±4.22 mm Hg 1y after surgery(P<0.01).The average number of anti-glaucoma medication was 2.8±1.2(2-4)preoperation and 0.6±1.3(0-3)1y postoperation(P<0.01).The success rate of the operation was 93.33%.Complete success rate was 66.67%,qualified success rate was 26.67%,and 6.66%of unsuccessful cases required reoperation.EVFW of all cases was grade 2-4,and the percentages of grade 2,3 and 4 were 33.33%,40.0%and 26.67%,respectively.The distribution and percentage of EVFW were inferior(36%),nasal(28%),superior(20%),and temporal(16%).The EVFW grade of complete success patients was 3.4±0.6(3-4),and that of qualified success patients was 2.6±1.0(2-4).The larger the range of EVFW,the lower the IOP,and the better the IOP reduction effect.CONCLUSION:During GATT surgery,pressurized irrigation of anterior chamber to check EVFW can reduce the outflow resistance of aqueous humor and increase the effect of postoperative IOP.The range of EVFW is negatively correlated with postoperative IOP.Therefore,EVFW may be a valuable prognostic indicator for the success of GATT surgery.

A case of Posner-Schlossman syndrome treated by gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy

Dear Editor,We present the reported case of Posner-Schlossman syndrome(PSS)treated by gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy(GATT).A 28-year-old male presented recurrent PSS in his left eye,leading to uncontrolled intraocular pressure(IOP)and thus glaucomatous optic neuropathy.Two years ago,the patient suddenly experienced swelling with impaired vision in his left eye with no obvious cause,and was diagnosed with the PSS in left eye in another hospital.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery:Where are we going?

The foundation for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES) is to access the peritoneal and other body cavities through the wall of the alimentary tract via natural orifices,with the goal of performing procedures within the peritoneum and other cavities,without the need to make incisions in the abdominal wall.We have made great progress in the field of NOTES since the publication of the White Paper in 2006.There are still major fundamental goals as outlined by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons/American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy joint committee that need to be evaluated and answered before NOTES is ready for widespread clinical use.These include prevention of infection,instrument development,creation of a multitasking platform,and the ability to recognize and treat intraperitoneal complications such as hemorrhage and other physiological adverse events.In response to this need,recent abstracts and papers have focused on the management of intraoperative complications.The next phase is to focus on controlled prospective multicenter clinical trials that compare defined NOTES procedure to standard laparoscopy.The goal is to produce reliable and convincing data for the United States Food and Drug Administration,insurance companies,the physician community and the general public.At the present time,we still have many important milestones that still need to be met.Most investigators agree that a hybrid technique and not a pure NOTES practice should be advocated until devices can meet the current and new challenges in this f ield.

Self-management of coronary heart disease in older patients after elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Objective To explore how older patients self-manage their coronary heart disease （CHD） aider undergoing elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty （PTCA）. Methods This mixed methods study used a sequential, explanatory design and recruited a convenience sample of patients （n = 93） approximately three months after elective PTCA. The study was conducted in two phases. Quantitative data collected in Phase 1 by means of a self-administered survey were subject to univariate and bivariate analysis. Phase 1 findings in- formed the purposive samplhag for Phase 2 where ten participants were selected from the original sample for an in-depth interview. Qualita- tive data were analysed using thematic analysis. This paper will primarily report the findings from a sub-group of older participants （n = 47） classified as 65 years of age or older. Results 78.7% （n = 37） of participants indicated that they would manage recurring angina symptoms by taking glyceryl trinitrate and 34% （n = 16） thought that resting would help. Regardless of the duration or severity of the symptoms 40.5% （n = 19） would call their general practitioner or an emergency ambulance for assistance during any recurrence of angina symptoms. Older participants weighed less （P = 0.02） and smoked less （P = 0.01） than their younger counterparts in the study. Age did not seem to affect PTCA patients＇ likelihood of altering dietary factors such as fruit, vegetable and saturated fat consumption （P = 0.237）. Conclusions The findings suggest that older people in the study were less likely to know how to correctly manage any recurring angina symptoms than their younger counterparts but they had fewer risk factors for CHD. Age was not a factor that influenced participants＇ likelihood to alter lifestyle factors.

Current developments in natural orifices transluminal endoscopic surgery:An evidence-based review

Tremendous advances have been made in recent years addressing the key obstacles to safe performance and introduction of human natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Animal studies have focused on identifying optimal solutions to these obstacles, in particular methods of creating transluminal access,safe closure of the point of access, and development of a multitasking platform with dedicated instruments. Whether the performance data generated from these animal studies can be reproduced in humans has yet to be determined. Reports of human NOTES procedures are emerging, and the possibility of accomplishing human NOTES based on existing technology has been demonstrated. However, dedicated platforms and devices are still lacking to allow for pure NOTES procedures, and whether NOTES can deliver the postulated benef its of earlier recovery and improved cosmesis remains uncertain.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic wedge hepatic resection with a water-jet hybrid knife in a non-survival porcine model

AIM: To explore the feasibility of a water-jet hybrid knife to facilitate wedge hepatic resection using a natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) approach in a non-survival porcine model. METHODS: The Erbe Jet2 water-jet system allows a needleless, tissue-selective hydro-dissection with a pre-selected pressure. Using this system, wedge hepatic resection was performed through three natural routes (trans-anal, trans-vaginal and trans-umbilical) in three female pigs weighing 35 kg under general anesthesia. Entry into the peritoneal cavity was via a 15-mm incision using a hook knife. The targeted liver segment was marked by an APC probe, followed by wedge hepatic resection performed using a water-jet hybrid knife with the aid of a 4-mm transparent distance soft cap mounted onto the tip of the endoscope for holding up the desired plane. The exposed vascular and ductal structures were clipped with Endoclips. Hemostasis was applied to the bleeding cut edges of the liver parenchyma by electrocautery. After the procedure, the incision site was left open, and the animal was euthanized followed by necropsy. RESULTS: Using the Erbe Jet2 water-jet system, trans-anal and trans-vaginal wedge hepatic resection was successfully performed in two pigs without laparoscopic assistance. Trans-umbilical attempt failed due to an unstable operating platform. The incision for peritoneal entry took 1 min, and about 2 h was spent on excision of the liver tissue. The intra-operative blood loss ranged from 100 to 250 mL. Microscopically, the hydro-dissections were relatively precise and gentle, preserving most vessels. CONCLUSION: The Erbe Jet2 water-jet system can safely accomplish non-anatomic wedge hepatic resection in NOTES, which deserves further studies to shorten the dissection time.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery:The transvaginal route moving forward from cholecystectomy

The advent of minimally invasive surgery and the advances in endoluminal flexible endoscopy have converged to generate a new concept in digestive surgery,whose acronym natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES),has become a familiar term in the surgical community.NOTES has been performed through the mouth,the bladder,the rectum and the vagina.Of these four approaches,the vagina has gained most popularity for several reasons.It is not only readily accessible and easy to decontaminate but it also provides safe entry and simple closure.The transvaginal approach has been described in the experimental and the clinical setting as an option for cholecystectomy,nephrectomy,splenectomy,segmental gastrectomy,retroperitoneal exploration and bariatric surgery.However,larger series are needed to delineate the exact risks of this approach,and to transcend cultural barriers that impede its wider introduction.Prospective randomized trials will shed light on the definitive role of the vaginal approach in minimal invasive surgery of the future.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in urology: The Chinese experience

Objective:To describe the Chinese experience of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES)in urology.Methods:From December 2008 to May 2017,35 animal experiments and 305 clinical surgeries of NOTES or natural orifices specimen extractions(NOSE)were performed in China.The animal experiments included five kidney biopsies,24 nephrectomies and six partial nephrectomies.The clinical surgeries included 12 transvaginal NOSE(TV-NOSE),266 hybrid transvaginal NOTES(TV-NOTES)and 27 pure TV-NOTES.The TV-NOSE procedure was performed in five transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site(U-LESS)nephrectomies,four suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery(SA-LESS)nephroureterectomies,and three laparoscopic radical cystectomies.The hybrid TV-NOTES procedure included 210 nephrectomies,31 adrenalectomies,eight nephroureterectomies,13 partial nephrectomies,and four heminephrectomies.The pure TV-NOTES procedure included five renal cyst decortications and 22 nephrectomies.Results:A total of 29 animal experiments were successfully performed.One partial nephrectomy was converted to standard laparoscopic surgery.Two kidney biopsies and two nephrectomies were unsuccessful.A total of 297 clinical surgeries were successfully performed.Six patients who underwent hybrid TV-NOTES were converted to open surgery.Two patients who underwent pure TV-NOTES were converted to SA-LESS.There were 22 major complications,16 occurred intraoperatively and six postoperatively.The mean visual analog score(VAS)of 48 h after the operation was 2.5 points in TV-NOSE,2.3 points in hybrid TV-NOTES and 1.7 points in pure TV-NOTES.The mean follow-up of 50.6(3.0-87.0)months showed that all patients were in good condition.The umbilicus scars were nearly invisible in TV-NOSE and hybrid TV-NOTES.The vaginal incision healed well.Conclusions:TV-NOSE and TV-NOTES are feasible,safe,and effective with little injury,low pain,fast recovery,and good cosmetic outcomes in properly selected patients.They are worth consideration for urological clinical practice.

Response of blood pressure after percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty and stenting

AIM: To evaluate the short and intermediate term out-come of percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty (PTRA) and stenting particularly on blood pressure (BP) control and renal function and to evaluate predictors of poor BP response after successful PTRA and stenting. METHODS: We conducted a prospective analysis of all patients who underwent PTRA and stenting in our institute between August 2010 to September 2012. A total number of 86 patients were underwent PTRA and renal stenting. Selective angiography was done to confirm at least 70% angiographic stenosis. The predilatation done except few cases with critical stenosis, direct stenting was done in the rest of cases. All patients received aspirin 325 mg orally, and clopidogrel 300 mg orally within 24 h before the procedure. Heparin was used as the procedural anticoagulant agent. Optimal results with TIMI-Ⅲ flow obtained in all cases. Following stent placement, aspirin 150 mg orally once daily was continued for a minimum of 12 mo and clopidogrel 75 mg orally once daily for at least 4 wk. The clinical, radiological, electrocardiography, echocardiography and treatment data of all patients were recorded. The BP measurement, serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were recorded before the procedure and 1 and 6 mo after PTRA. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients were included in the study. The mean age of study population was 55.87±11.85 years old and 67 (77.9%) of patients were male. There was a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic BP at 1 mo after the procedure: 170.15±20.10 mmHg vs 146.60±17.32 mmHg and 98.38±10.55 mmHg vs 89.88±9.22 mmHg respectively (P=0.0000). The reduction in BP was constant throughout the follow-up period and was evident 6 mo after the procedure: 144.23±18.19 and 88.26±9.79 mmHg respectively (P=0.0000). However, no improvement in renal function was observed at any time during the follow-up period. After multivariate analysis, we found male sex, low GFR (<60 mL/min) and higher baseline mean BP as a poor predictors of successful outcome on BP response after PTRA and stenting. CONCLUSION: The PTRA and stenting can be considered as an effective therapeutic intervention for improving BP control with minimal effect on renal function. The male sex, higher baseline BP and low GFR are associated with poor BP response after successful PTRA and stenting.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgeryvs laparoscopic ovariectomy:Complications and inflammatory response

AIM:To compare natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) vs standard laparoscopic ovariectomy in mini pigs with respect to technical aspects,complications and parameters of systemic inflammatory response.METHODS:This was a randomized,experimental,survival study.Ten female mini pigs underwent NOTES transgastric ovariectomy (NOTES group) and ten female mini pigs underwent laparoscopic ovariectomy (LAP group).A "percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy" approach with guidewire and sphincterotome was used for gastrotomy creation.The ovary was resected using standard biopsy forceps and a snare.The access site was closed using a "KING" closure with a single endoloop and several clips.In the laparoscopic group,a three-port laparoscopy and an ovariectomy were performed with the use of standard laparoscopic devices.C-reactive protein (CRP),white blood count and interleukin (IL)-6 plasma levels were used as indicators of systemic inflammatory response.All animals were euthanized 28 d after surgery.RESULTS:All animals survived without complications.The mean procedure time was 41.3 min ± 17.6 min (NOTES group) and 25.7 min ± 5.25 min (LAP group,P < 0.02).Postmortem examinations demonstrated that 50% and 70% of animals were free of any complications in the NOTES and LAP groups,respectively.The remaining animals developed minor complications (adhesions) in a comparable frequency between the two groups.In the NOTES group,one animal developed a small intramural gastric abscess close to the gastrotomy site.A minor serous exudate that was present in 50% and 40% of the animals in the NOTES and laparoscopy groups,respectively,was not considered a complication.In both groups CRP levels increased significantly on the 2nd and 7th postoperative days (POD) and returned to normal after 28 d.On POD 2,an increase of CRP level was significantly higher in the NOTES group compared to the LAP group.Values of IL-6 did not differ from baseline values in either of the groups postoperatively.Interestingly,the platelet count decreased significantly on POD 2,but returned close to baseline values on POD 7 and PODs 28-30.CONCLUSION:Both NOTES and laparoscopic ovariectomies had a similar frequency of minor complications.However,the NOTES technique produced an increased systemic inflammatory response on POD 2.

Systematic review and Meta-analysis of treating open angle glaucoma with gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy

●AIM:To systematically review and Meta-analyze studies of managing open angle glaucoma(OAG)with gonioscopyassisted transluminal trabeculotomy(GATT)and to evaluate its effectiveness and safety.●METHODS:Eligible studies were retrieved and screened from five main electronic databases.Mean difference(MD)was hired to show the pooled effectiveness of intraocular pressure(IOP)and medication decrease achieved by GATT.In addition,combined surgical success and reoperation rates were calculated,and complications were also summarized.●RESULTS:Ten studies were included for systematic review,but one study was not pooled for Meta-analysis due to the repeated data.The combined IOP decrease after GATT was 9.81 mm Hg(95%CI:7.98-11.63 mm Hg)which showed significant reduction from the baselines(Z=10.52,P<0.0001).Similarly,the number of medications after GATT also decreased distinctly compared with that of medication before the surgery(Z=9.09,P<0.0001),and the pooled medication decrease was 1.68(95%CI:1.31-2.04).In addition,the combined surgical success rate was 85%,while the pooled reoperation rate was 20%.Sightthreatening complications occurred scarcely,whereas the pooled occurrence rate of hyphemia was as high as 36.0%.●CONCLUSION:GATT could effectively lower IOP and decrease medications for patients with OAG.Moreover,the procedure appears to be a safe and promising treatment for OAG due to its minimally-invasive and conjunctiva-sparing nature.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery:Educational challenge

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery(NOTES) training is unique in that it crosses specialty lines and most practitioners do not possess both the knowledge and skill to perform the procedures in their current form.The learning process becomes even more complex because the field is in constant evolution with advances in technology and technique being introduced almost daily! The challenges of learning NOTES illustrates a larger problem in all procedurally based medical specialties today-the pace of change has become so rapid that a practicing physician's technical skills become out of date within five to ten years of completing residency or fellowship training.As a result,practicing physicians must develop a strategy to rapidly learn about a new technique or technology and introduce it safely into their practice while satisfying the concerns of their hospital's credentialing committee.This chapter will explore the options for learning new procedures and discuss the rapidly expanding armamentarium of education institutes and the developing technology to measure procedural competence.

Embryonic natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis complicated by abdominal compartment syndrome

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to estimate the value of embryonal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(ENOTES) in treating severe acute pancreatitis(SAP) complicated with abdominal compartment syndrome(ACS).METHODS: The patients, who were randomized into an ENOTES group and an operative group, underwent ENOTES and laparotomy, respectively. The results and complications of the two groups were compared.RESULTS: Enterocinesia was observed earlier in the ENOTES group than in the operative group. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II) score of patients in the ENOTES group was lower than that of the operative group on the 1st, 3rd and 5th post-operative day(P<0.05). The cure rate was 96.87% in the ENOTES group, which was statistically different from 78.12% in the operative group(P<0.05). There were significant differences in complications and mortality between the two groups(P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Compared with surgical decompression, ENOTES associated with flexible endoscope therapy is an effective and minimal invasive procedure with less complications.

Hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for ileocecal resection

Although laparoscopic colectomy is commonly performed around the world,an operative wound formed during the surgery is large but not sufficient enough to convert for the majority of open surgery.Thus,a certain sized skin incision is required to remove the resected colon.Here we report the case of a pure laparoscopic ileocecal resection which involves transanal specimen extraction.We present a case characterized by a laterally spreading type of tumor of the cecum.We performed a pure laparoscopic ileocecal resection and the resected specimen was removed transanally using colonoscopy.Intracorporeal functional anastomosis was then performed using a flexible linear stapling device under supporting barbed suture traction.The patient was discharged without complications on postoperative day 4.Laparoscopic colectomy performed with minimal incision could essentially increase the usage of this surgical technique.Although our method is restricted to flat or small lesions,we think it is a feasible and realistic solution for minimization of operative invasion because it involves specimen extraction through a natural orifice.

Patient and physician perception of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic appendectomy

AIM:To investigate perception of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES)as a potential technique for appendectomy.METHODS:One hundred patients undergoing endoscopy and 100 physicians were given a questionnaire describing in detail the techniques of NOTES and laparoscopic appendectomy.They were asked about the reasons for their preference,choice of orifice,and extent of complication risk they were willing to accept.RESULTS:Fifty patients(50%)and only 21 physicians(21%)preferred NOTES(P<0.001).Patients had previously heard of NOTES less frequently(7%vs73%,P<0.001)and had undergone endoscopy more frequently(88%vs 36%,P<0.001)than physicians.Absence of hernia was the most common reason for NOTES preference in physicians(80%vs 44%,P= 0.003),whereas reduced pain was the most common reason in patients(66%vs 52%).Physicians were more likely to refuse NOTES as a novel and unsure technique(P<0.001)and having an increased risk of infection(P<0.001).The preferred access site in both groups was colon followed by stomach,with vagina being rarely preferred.In multivariable modeling,those with high-school education[odds ratio(OR):2.68,95% confidence interval(CI):1.23-5.83]and prior colonoscopy(OR:2.10,95%CI:1.05-4.19)were more likely to prefer NOTES over laparoscopic appendectomy.There was a steep decline in NOTES preference with increased rate of procedural complications.Male patients were more likely to consent to their wives vaginal NOTES appendectomy than male physicians(P=0.02).CONCLUSION:The preference of NOTES for appendectomy was greater in patients than physicians and was related to reduced pain and absence of hernia rather than lack of scarring.

Hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in gastric subepithelial tumors

Diagnosis of gastric subepithelial tumor(SET) has shown a rapid increase worldwide.Although,until now,endoscopic ultrasound guided procedures such as fine needle aspiration have shown relatively high accuracy in diagnosis of SET,the most important modality for diagnosis and treatment of SETs is complete resection such as endoscopic or surgical resection.However,endoscopic resection or laparoscopic wedge resection alone also has some limitations.Endoscopic resection is difficult to perform in cases of gastric SET located within deep portion of the gastric layer or a relatively large(larger than 25 mm diameter).On the other hand,gastric SET in a difficult location,such as the gastroesophageal junction or pyloric ring is challenging for laparoscopic surgical resection.The hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES) technique is a combined method,including the advantages of both laparoscopic resection and endoscopic resection for gastric SETs.This method may be performed safely with reasonable operation times,less bleeding,and adequate resection margin and regardless of tumor size.In particular,in the case of a difficult location for resection,such as the esophagogastric junction or pyloric ring,hybrid NOTES is currently believed to be an ideal treatment method.

Are laparoscopic cholecystectomy and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery gallbladder preserving cholecystolithotomy truly comparable?A propensity matched study

BACKGROUND Cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment option for symptomatic gallstones.However,another option is gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy which preserves the normal physiological functions of the gallbladder in patients desiring to avoid surgical resection.AIM To compare the feasibility,safety and effectiveness of pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES)gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy vs laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)for symptomatic gallstones.METHODS We adopted propensity score matching(1:1)to compare trans-rectal NOTES cholecystolithotomy and LC patients with symptomatic gallstones.We reviewed 2511 patients with symptomatic gallstones from December 2017 to December 2020;517 patients met the matching criteria(NOTES,110;LC,407),yielding 86 pairs.RESULTS The technical success rate for the NOTES group was 98.9%vs 100%for the LC group.The median procedure time was 119 min[interquartile ranges(IQRs),95-175]with NOTES vs 60 min(IQRs,48-90)with LC(P<0.001).The frequency of post-operative pain was similar between NOTES and LC:4.7%(4/85)vs 5.8%(5/95)(P=0.740).The median duration of post-procedure fasting with NOTES was 1 d(IQRs,1-2)vs 2 d with LC(IQRs,1-3)(P<0.001).The median post-operative hospital stay for NOTES was 4 d(IQRs,3-6)vs 4 d for LC(IQRs,3-5),(P=0.092).During follow-up,diarrhea was significantly less with NOTES(5.8%)compared to LC(18.6%)(P=0.011).Gallstones and cholecystitis recurrence within a median of 12 mo(range:6-40 mo)following NOTES was 10.5%and 3.5%,respectively.Concerns regarding the presence of abdominal wall scars were present in 17.4%(n=15/86)of patients following LC(mainly women).CONCLUSION NOTES provides a feasible new alternative scar-free treatment for patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo cholecystectomy.This minimally invasive organ-sparing procedure both removes the gallstones and preserves the physiological function of the gallbladder.Reducing gallstone recurrence is essential to achieving widespread clinical adoption of NOTES.

Pure transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery right hemicolectomy for colon cancer:A case report

BACKGROUND Pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES)for colorectal cancer is a complex procedure and rarely used in clinical practice because of the ethical concerns and technical challenges,including loss of triangulation,in-line orientation,and instrument collision.Transvaginal(v)NOTES,however,can overcome these technical challenges.We report a case of pure vNOTES right hemicolectomy for colon cancer,attached with surgical video.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old woman with a 2-year history of intermittent diarrhea was diagnosed with ascending colon adenocarcinoma by colonoscopy and biopsy.Pure vNOTES right hemicolectomy was performed with complete mesocolic excision by well-experienced surgeons.The operative time was 200 min and the estimated blood loss was 30 mL.No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred within 30 d after the surgery.The visual analog scale pain score on postoperative day 1 was 1 and dropped to 0 on postoperative days 2 and 3.The patient was discharged at postoperative day 6.The pathologic specimen had sufficient clear resection margins and 14 negative harvested lymph nodes.CONCLUSION vNOTES right hemicolectomy,performed by well-experienced surgeons,overcomes the technical challenges of pure NOTES and may be feasible for colon cancer.