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.

Robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery I-type F method vs conventional robotic resection for lower rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Robotic resection using the natural orifice specimen extraction surgery I-type F method(R-NOSES I-F)is a novel minimally invasive surgical strategy for the treatment of lower rectal cancer.However,the current literature on this method is limited to case reports,and further investigation into its safety and feasibility is warranted.AIM To evaluate the safety and feasibility of R-NOSES I-F for the treatment of low rectal cancer.METHODS From September 2018 to February 2022,206 patients diagnosed with low rectal cancer at First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were included in this retrospective analysis.Of these patients,22 underwent R-NOSES I-F surgery(RNOSES I-F group)and 76 underwent conventional robotic-assisted low rectal cancer resection(RLRC group).Clinicopathological data of all patients were collected and analyzed.Postoperative outcomes and prognoses were compared between the two groups.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.RESULTS Patients in the R-NOSES I-F group had a significantly lower visual analog score for pain on postoperative day 1(1.7±0.7 vs 2.2±0.6,P=0.003)and shorter postoperative anal venting time(2.7±0.6 vs 3.5±0.7,P<0.001)than those in the RLRC group.There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of sex,age,body mass index,tumor size,TNM stage,operative time,intrao-perative bleeding,postoperative complications,or inflammatory response(P>0.05).Postoperative anal and urinary functions,as assessed by Wexner,low anterior resection syndrome,and International Prostate Symptom Scale scores,were similar in both groups(P>0.05).Long-term follow-up revealed no significant differences in the rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION R-NOSES I-F is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of lower rectal cancer.It improves pain relief,promotes gastrointestinal function recovery,and helps avoid incision-related complications.

Short-term efficacy of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery for low rectal cancer

BACKGROUND This case-control study compared the short-term clinical efficacy of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery(NOSES) using a prolapsing technique and the conventional laparoscopic-assisted approach for low rectal cancer.AIM To further explore the application value of the transanal placement of the anvil and to evaluate the short-term efficacy of NOSES for resecting specimens of low rectal cancer, as well as to provide a theoretical basis for its extensive clinical application.METHODS From June 2015 to June 2018, 108 consecutive laparoscopic-assisted low rectal cancer resections were performed at our center. Among them, 26 specimens were resected transanally using a prolapsing technique(NOSES), and 82 specimens were resected through a conventional abdominal wall small incision(LAP). A propensity score matching method was used to select 26 pairs of matched patients, and their perioperative data were analyzed.RESULTS The baseline data were comparable between the two matched groups. All 52 patients underwent the surgery successfully. The operative time, blood loss,number of harvested lymph nodes, postoperative complication rate,circumferential margin involvement, postoperative follow-up data, and postoperative anal function were not statistically significant. The NOSES group had shorter time to gastrointestinal function recovery(2.6 ± 1.0 d vs 3.4 ± 0.9 d, P= 0.006), shorter postoperative hospital stay(7.1 ± 1.7 d vs 8.3 ± 1.1 d, P = 0.003),lower pain score(day 1: 2.7 ± 1.8 vs 4.6 ± 1.9, day 3: 2.0 ± 1.1 vs 4.1 ± 1.2, day 5: 1.7± 0.9 vs 3.3 ± 1.0, P < 0.001), a lower rate of additional analgesic use(11.5% vs61.5%, P = 0.001), and a higher satisfaction rate in terms of the aesthetic appearance of the abdominal wall after surgery(100% vs 23.1%, P < 0.001).CONCLUSION NOSES for low rectal cancer can achieve satisfactory short-term efficacy and has advantages in reducing postoperative pain, shortening the length of postoperative hospital stay, and improving patients' satisfaction in terms of a more aesthetic appearance of the abdominal wall.

Outcomes after natural orifice extraction vs conventional specimen extraction surgery for colorectal cancer: A propensity scorematched analysis

BACKGROUND Natural orifice specimen extraction(NOSE)via the anus or vagina replaces conventional transabdominal specimen retrieval via the transabdominal route through a limited mid-line laparotomy or Pfannenstiel incision.Reducing the number of laparoscopic ports further decreases operative abdominal wall trauma.These techniques reduce the surgical wound size as well as the risk of incisionrelated morbidity.AIM To compare short-term outcomes following 3-port NOSE surgery with a matched cohort of conventional non-NOSE colorectal cancer surgery.METHODS Patients who underwent elective 3-port laparoscopic colorectal NOSE surgery between February to October 2021 were identified.Selection criteria for NOSE surgery was adapted from the 2019 International Consensus on Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery for colorectal cancer.Patients with clinical T4 or N2 tumors on staging computed tomography were also excluded.The propensity score-matched cohort was identified amongst patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic colorectal surgery from January 2019 to December 2020.Matching was performed in the ratio of 1:4 based on age,gender,type of resection,and p-tumor node metastasis staging.RESULTS Over the eight-month study duration,14 consecutive cases(nine female,five male)of elective 3-port laparoscopic surgery with NOSE were performed for colorectal cancer.Median age and body mass index were 70(range 43-82)years and 24.1(range 20.0-31.7)kg/m2 respectively.Six patients underwent transanal NOSE and eight had transvaginal NOSE.Median operative time,intraoperative blood loss and postoperative length of stay were 208(range 165-365)min,30(range 10-150)mL and 3(range 2-6)d respectively.Two(14%)suffered minor postoperative compilations not attributable to the NOSE procedure.Median follow-up duration was 12(range 8-15)mo.No instances of mortality,local or distant disease recurrence were recorded in this cohort.Compared to the conventional surgery cohort of 56 patients,the 3-port NOSE cohort had significantly quicker mean return of bowel function(2.6 vs 1.2 d,P<0.001),reduced postoperative pain and patientcontrolled analgesia use,and decreased length of hospital stay(6.4 vs 3.4 d,P<0.001).There were no statistical differences in surgical duration and perioperative complication rates between the NOSE and non-NOSE cohorts.CONCLUSION 3-port laparoscopic colorectal surgery with NOSE is a feasible technique,augmenting the minimally invasive nature of surgery and producing good outcomes.Appropriate patient selection and expertise in conventional laparoscopy are required.

Development and future perspectives of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery for gastric cancer

In recent years,natural orifice specimen extraction surgery(NOSES),a novel minimally invasive surgical technique,has become a focus in the surgical field,and has been initially applied in gastric surgery in many national medical centers worldwide.In addition,this new surgical technique was launched in major hospitals in China.With an increasing number of patients who have accepted this new surgical technique,NOSES has provided new prospects for the treatment of gastric cancer(GC),which may achieve a better outcome for both patients and surgeons.More and more experts and scholars from different countries and regions are currently paying close attention to NOSES for the treatment of GC.However,there are only a few reports of its use in GC.This review focuses on the research progress in NOSES for radical gastrectomy in recent years.We also discuss the challenges and prospects of NOSES in clinical practice.

Analysis of the Results of Rectal Cancer Treatment via 3D Laparoscopic Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery (NOSES IV)

Objective:To investigate the effect of 3D laparoscopic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery as rectal cancer treatment.Methods:The study was carried out in Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital from July 2021 to July 2022.80 rectal cancer patients were selected and divided into two groups which are the experimental group and control group.The experimental group was given 3D laparoscopic surgery while the control group was given 2D laparoscopic surgery.The results were compared and analysed.Results:The patients in the experimental group had shorter operative and evacuation times,less intraoperative bleeding,and a lower rate of complications.Conclusion:The clinical application of 3D laparoscopic radical surgery for rectal cancer via natural lumen extraction is more effective,which can promote patients'recovery and reduce the incidence of adverse events.

Perioperative outcomes of transvaginal specimen extraction laparoscopic total gastrectomy and conventional laparoscopicassisted total gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery(NOSES)has emerged as a promising alternative compared to conventional laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy(LATG)for treating gastric cancer(GC).However,evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of NOSES for GC surgery is limited.This study aimed to compare the safety and feasibility,in addition to postoperative complications of NOSES and LATG.METHODS Dual circular staplers were used in Roux-en-Y digestive tract reconstruction for transvaginal specimen extraction LATG,and its outcomes were compared with LATG in a cohort of 51 GC patients with tumor size≤5 cm.The study was conducted from May 2018 to September 2020,and patients were categorized into the NOSES group(n=22)and LATG group(n=29).Perioperative parameters were compared and analyzed,including patient and tumor characteristics,postoperative outcomes,and anastomosis-related complications,postoperative hospital stay,the length of abdominal incision,difference in tumor type,postoperative complications,and postoperative survival.RESULTS Postoperative exhaust time,operation duration,mean postoperative hospital stay,length of abdominal incision,number of specific staplers used,and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire score were significant in both groups(P<0.01).In the NOSES group,the postoperative time to first flatus,mean postoperative hospital stay,and length of abdominal incision were significantly shorter than those in the LATG group.Patients in the NOSES group had faster postoperative recovery,and achieved abdominal minimally invasive incision that met aesthetic requirements.There were no significant differences in gender,age,tumor type,postoperative complications,and postoperative survival between the two groups.CONCLUSION The application of dual circular staplers in Roux-en-Y digestive tract reconstruction combined with NOSES gastrectomy is safe and convenient.This approach offers better short-term outcomes compared to LATG,while long-term survival rates are comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic natural orifice specimen extraction-colectomy: A systematic review

Over the last 20 years, laparoscopic colorectal surgery has shown equal efficacy for benign and malignant colorectal diseases when compared to open surgery. However, a laparoscopic approach reduces postoperative morbidity and shortens hospital stay. In the quest to optimize outcomes after laparoscopic colorectal surgery, reduction of access trauma could be a way to improve recovery. To date, one method to reduce access trauma is natural orifice specimen extraction(NOSE). NOSE aims to reduce access trauma in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The specimen is delivered via a natural orifice and the anastomosis is created intracorporeally. Different methods are used to extract the specimen and to create a bowel anastomosis. Currently, specimens are delivered transcolonically, transrectally, transanally, or transvaginally. Each of these NOSEprocedures raises specific issues with regard to operative technique and application. The presumed benefits of NOSE-procedures are less pain, lower analgesia requirements, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, better cosmetic results, and lower incisional hernia rates. Avoidance of extraction site laparotomy is the most important characteristic of NOSE. Concerns associated with the NOSE-technique include bacterial contamination of the peritoneal cavity, inflammatory response, and postoperative outcomes, including postoperative pain and the functional and oncologic outcomes. These issues need to be studied in prospective randomized controlled trials. The aim of this systematic review is to describe the role of NOSE in minimally invasive colorectal surgery.

Complete laparoscopic resection of the rectum using natural orifice specimen extraction

AIM: To investigate how complete laparoscopic anterior resection with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE), as a novel minimally invasive surgery, compares to conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with natural orifice specimen extraction

AIM:To introduce transvaginal or transanal specimen extraction in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision surgery to avoid an abdominal incision. METHODS:Between January 2009 and December 2011,21 patients with rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic radical resection and the specimen was retrieved by two different ways:transvaginal or transanal rectal removal.Transvaginal specimen extraction approach was strictly limited to elderly post-menopausal women who need hysterectomy.Patients aged between 30 and 80 years,with a body mass index of less than 30 kg/m2, underwent elective surgery.The surgical technique and the outcomes related to the specimen extraction,such as duration of surgery,length of hospital stay,and the complications were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS:Laparoscopic resection using a natural orifice removal approach was successful in all of the 21 patients.Median operating time was 185 min(range,122-260 min)and the estimated blood loss was 48 mL. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.5 d(range,2-11 d).One patient developed postoperative ileus and had an extended hospital stay.The patient complained of minimal pain.There were no postoperative complications or surgery-associated death.The mean size of the lesion was 2.8 cm(range,1.8-6.0 cm),and the mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 18.7(range, 8-27).At a mean follow-up of 20.6 mo(range,10-37 mo),there were no functional disorders associated with the transvaginal and transanal specimen extraction. CONCLUSION:Transvaginal or transanal extraction in L-TME is a safe and effective procedure.Natural orifice specimen extraction can avoid the abdominal wall incision and its potential complications.

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery: Progress in humans since white paper

Since the first description of the concept of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), a substantial number of clinical NOTES reports have appeared in the literature. This editorial reviews the available human data addressing research questions originally proposed by the white paper, including determining the optimal method of access for NOTES, developing safe methods of lumenal closure, suturing and anastomotic devices, advanced multitasking platforms, addressing the risk of infection, managing complications, addressing challenges with visualization, and training for NOTES procedures. An analysis of the literature reveals that so far transvaginal access and closure appear to be the most feasible techniques for NOTES, with a limited, but growing transgastric, transrectal, and transesophageal NOTES experience in humans. The theoretically increased risk of infection as a result of NOTES procedures has not been substantiated in transvaginal and transgastric procedures so far. Development of suturing and anastomotic devices and advanced platforms for NOTES has progressed slowly, with limited clinical data on their use so far. Data onthe optimal management and incidence of intraoperative complications remain sparse, although possible factors contributing to complications are discussed. Finally, this editorial discusses the likely direction of future NOTES development and its possible role in clinical practice.

Transanal natural orifice specimen extraction for laparoscopic anterior resection in rectal cancer

AIM: To investigate whether transanal natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) is a better technique for rectal cancer resection.METHODS: A prospectively designed database of a consecutive series of patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer with various tumor-node-metastasis classi?cations from March 2011 to February 2012 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University was analyzed. Patient selection for transanal specimen extraction and intracorporeal anastomosis was made on the basis of tumor size and distance of rectal lesions from the anal verge. Demographic data, operative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were assessed.RESULTS: None of the patients was converted to laparotomy. Respectively, there were 16 cases in the low anastomosis and five in the ultralow anastomosis groups. Mean age of the patients was 45.4 years, and mean body mass index was 23.1 kg/m2. Mean distance of the lower edge of the lesion from the anal verge was 8.3 cm. Mean operating time was 132 min, and mean intraoperative blood loss was 84 mL. According to the principle of rectal cancer surgery, we performed D2 lymph node dissection in 13 cases and D3 in eight. Mean lymph nodes harvest was 17.8, and the number of positive lymph nodes was 3.4. Median hospital stay was 6.7 d. No serious postoperative complication occurred except for one anastomotic leakage. All patients remained disease free. Mean Wexner score was 3.7 at 11 mo after the operation.CONCLUSION: Transanal NOSE for total laparoscopic low/ultralow anterior resection is feasible, safe and oncologically sound. Further studies with long-term outcomes are needed to explore its potential advantages.

Safety and survival outcomes of transanal natural orifice specimen extraction using prolapsing technique for patients with middle-to low-rectal cancer

Objective:The transanal approach to specimen collection,combined with the prolapsing technique,is a wellestablished and minimally invasive surgery for treating rectal cancer.However,reports on outcomes for this approach are sparse.We compared short-and long-term outcomes of conventional laparoscopic surgery(CLS)vs.transanal natural orifice specimen extraction(NOSE)using the prolapsing technique for patients with middle-to low-rectal cancer.Methods:From January 2013 to December 2017,we enrolled consecutive patients with middle-to low-rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic anterior resection.Totally,50 patients who underwent transanal NOSE using the prolapsing technique were matched with 50 patients who received CLS.Clinical parameters and survival outcomes between the two groups were compared.Results:Estimated blood loss(29.70±29.28 vs.52.80±45.09 mL,P=0.003),time to first flatus(2.50±0.79 vs.2.86±0.76,P=0.022),time to liquid diet(3.62±0.64 vs.4.20±0.76 d,P<0.001),and the need for analgesics(22%vs.48%,P=0.006)were significantly lower for the NOSE group compared to the CLS group.The incidences of overall complications and fecal incontinence were comparable in both groups.After a median follow-up of 44.52 months,the overall local recurrence rate(6%vs.5%,P=0.670),3-year disease-free survival(86.7%vs.88.0%,P=0.945)and 3-year overall survival(95.6%vs.96.0%,P=0.708),were not significantly different.Conclusions:For total laparoscopic rectal resection,transanal NOSE using the prolapsing technique is effective and safe,and associated with less trauma and pain,a faster recovery,and similar survival outcomes compared to CLS.

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 specimen extraction with laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer: A case report

BACKGROUND This article introduces the surgical method and early experience in performing totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with transrectal specimen extraction for gastric cancer, and we evaluate the short-term effects and feasibility of this new procedure for gastric cancer in a 64-year-old male patient. This approach may provide new possibilities for gastric natural orifice specimen extraction(NOSE)surgery. In addition, we believe that this new procedure may further relieve pain,speed up recovery, and cause minimal physiological and psychological impact.CASE SUMMARY We performed NOSE gastrectomy in a male patient. Tumor resection, digestive tract reconstruction, and lymph node dissection were performed totally laparoscopically;the specimen was extracted from the natural orifice of the rectum-anus. This procedure reduced damage to the abdominal wall and decreased postoperative pain. We successfully performed radical gastrectomy without conversion and complications. Total operative time and blood loss were 176 min and 50 m L, respectively. The patient resumed normal activities of daily living on day 1 without pain, and passed flatus within 48 h. Postoperative hospital stay was 10 d. The number of resected lymph nodes was 0/43. During the follow-up, no stricture or anastomotic leakage was detected. Three months postoperatively, colonoscopy showed full recovery of the rectum without stricture or scar contracture. Computed tomography and laboratory test results showed no signs of tumor recurrence. There was no visible scar on the abdominal wall.CONCLUSION It is safe and reliable to perform totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with transrectal specimen extraction for distal gastric cancer patients.

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.

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.

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.

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.