Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) for innovation in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery: preface

Introduction  Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has captured the interest of interventional endoscopists and may represent the next stage of evolution of minimally invasive surgery. It provides the potential for performance of incisionless operations. It is gaining momentum both in the animal laboratory and in human case reports. Developments in the field of NOTES have led to the formation of the Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research (NOSCAR) in 2006. Materials and methods  In this special issue, the current trends in NOTES in the field of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery are featured, including NOTES cholecystectomy, hepatectomy splenectomy, pancreatic necrosectomy, and the future of NOTES. In this issue, we discuss the potential benefits of these procedures in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. Conclusion  We have just started the evaluation process for this new technology. The concept of NOTES is becoming established and is enormously advantageous for the patient. Both the surgeon and gastroenterologist should contribute to developing NOTES in making use of their specialties.     

Transgastric instrumentation and bacterial contamination of the peritoneal cavity

Introduction Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a rapidly evolving technique providing access to the peritoneum utilizing an endoscope via a natural orifice. One of the most significant requirements of this technique is the need to minimize the risk of clinically significant peritoneal contamination. We report the bacterial load and contamination of the peritoneal cavity in patients requiring a gastrotomy Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LSRYGB). Methods We prospectively studied 50 patients undergoing a gastrotomy with creation of a gastrojejunostomy during LSRYGB. We recorded the patient’s proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) utilization preoperatively and sampled gastric contents without lavage. We also sampled peritoneal fluid prior to and after gastrotomy, noting the length of time the gastrotomy was open to the peritoneum. Each of the three samples was sent for bacterial colony counts, and culture with identification of species. Results Fifty patients underwent LSRYGB with a mean operative time of 93 min. The gastrotomy was open to the peritoneal cavity for an average of 18 min. Seventeen of 50 patients were on PPIs preoperatively, resulting in a significant difference in postgastrostomy peritoneal bacterial counts. The average number of colony-forming units (CFU) of the gastric aspirate was 22,303 CFU/ml. Peritoneal aspirates obtained for examination prior to creation of a gastrotomy showed no CFUs in 44 of 50 patients. Peritoneal sampling after gastrotomy showed contamination of the abdomen with an average of 1102 CFU/ml. There was no correlation between the bacterial load in the stomach and peritoneal load after gastrotomy. No infectious complications or leaks developed. One complication of rhabdomyolysis in a patient with no peritoneal bacterial contamination developed. Conclusions Transgastric instrumentation does contaminate the abdominal cavity but pathogens are clinically insignificant due to species or bacterial load. Patients on PPIs do have an increased bacterial load in the gastric aspirate, with no clinical significant infection.     

Transgastric endoscopic peritoneoscopy does not require decontamination of the stomach in humans

Introduction  Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a rapidly evolving field that provides endoscopic access to the peritoneum via a natural orifice. One important requirement of this technique is the need to minimize the risk of clinically significant peritoneal contamination. We report the bacterial load and contamination of the peritoneal cavity in ten patients who underwent diagnostic transgastric endoscopic peritoneoscopy. Methods  Patients participating in this trial were scheduled to undergo diagnostic laparoscopy for evaluation of presumed pancreatic cancer. Findings at diagnostic laparoscopy were compared with those of diagnostic transgastric endoscopic peritoneoscopy, using an orally placed gastroscope, blinding the endoscopist to the laparoscopic findings. We performed no gastric decontamination. Diagnostic findings, operative times, and clinical course were recorded. Gastroscope and peritoneal fluid aspirates were obtained prior to and after the gastrotomy. Each sample was sent for bacterial colony counts, culture, and identification of species. Results  Ten patients, with an average age of 63.7 years, have completed the protocol. All patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy followed by successful transgastric access and diagnostic peritoneoscopy. The average time for laparoscopy was 7.2 min, compared with 18 min for transgastric instrumentation. Bacterial sampling was obtained in all ten patients. The average number of colony-forming units (CFU) in the gastroscope aspirate was 132.1 CFU/ml, peritoneal aspirates prior to creation of a gastrotomy showed 160.4 CFU/ml, and peritoneal sampling after gastrotomy had an average of 642.1 CFU/ml. There was no contamination of the peritoneal cavity with species isolated from the gastroscope aspirate. No infectious complications or leaks were noted at 30-day follow-up. Conclusions  There was no clinically significant contamination of the peritoneal cavity from the gastroscope after transgastric endoscopic instrumentation in humans. Transgastric instrumentation does contaminate the abdominal cavity but, the pathogens do not mount a clinically significant response in terms of either the species or the bacterial load.     

经自然腔道内镜技术和单孔腹腔镜技术在结直肠外科手术中的应用

经自然腔道内镜手术（NOTES）和单孔腹腔镜手术（LESS）是当今国际微创外科领域的研究与临床应用热点。NOTES技术尚待进一步的发展．而LESS技术是现阶段最可行的体表“无疤痕”技术。是NOTES技术的过渡阶段。虽然腹腔镜辅助的NOTES结直肠手术和完全的NOTES结直肠手术已经见诸报道．但是该手术目前仍然主要处于动物试验阶段。LESS技术在结直肠手术中的应用已经较为广泛．其可行性已经为较多的文献资料证实．而其是否符合肿瘤根治原则尚需进一步的研究确定。     

Endoscopic full-thickness resection with laparoscopic assistance as hybrid NOTES for gastric submucosal tumor

Background and objective  Laparoscopic wedge resection using a linear stapler is widely accepted as a treatment for gastric submucosal tumor (SMT). Although this surgery is simple, it can lead to excessive normal tissue removal. To avoid the latter, we have introduced endoscopic full-thickness resection with laparoscopic assistance, known as laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection (LAEFR). Herein, we present the preliminary results of LAEFR for gastric SMT patients. Methods  Four patients with gastric SMT underwent LAEFR. LAEFR consists of four major procedures: (1) a circumferential incision as deep as the submucosal layer around the lesion by the endoscopic submucosal dissection technique, (2) endoscopic full-thickness (from the muscle layer to the serosal layer) incision around the three-fourths or two-thirds circumference on the above-mentioned submucosal incision under laparoscopic supervision, (3) completion of the full-thickness incision laparoscopically from inside the peritoneal cavity, and (4) handsewn closure of the gastric-wall defect. Results  LAEFR was successfully carried out without any intraoperative or postoperative adverse events. Mean operating time and estimated blood loss were 201 min and 27 mL, respectively. Contrast roentgenography on postoperative day 3 showed neither gastric deformity nor disturbance of gastric emptying in all the patients. Conclusions  LAEFR may be considered one of the so-called hybrid natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) techniques because a peroral endoscope advances into the peritoneal cavity. LAEFR enabled whole-layer excision as small as possible with an adequate margin. LAEFR is a safe and minimally invasive treatment for patients with gastric SMT, and could be a more reasonable and economical alternative to other laparoscopic procedures.     

Management of early rectal cancer; current surgical options and future direction

Rectal cancer is the second commonest cause of cancer death within the United Kingdom. Utilization of national screening programmes have resulted in a greater proportion of patients presenting with early-stage disease. The technique of transanal endoscopic microsurgery was first described in 1984 following which further options for local excision have emerged with transanal endoscopic operation and, more recently, transanal minimally invasive surgery. Owing to the risks of local recurrence, the current role of minimally invasive techniques for local excision in the management of rectal cancer is limited to the treatment of pre-invasive disease and low risk early-stage rectal cancer (T1N0M0 disease). The roles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the management of early rectal cancer are yet to be fully established. However, results of high-quality research such as the GRECCAR II, TESAR and STAR-TREC randomised control trials may highlight a wider role for local excision surgery in the future, when used in combination with oncological therapies. The aim of our review is to provide an overview in the current management of early rectal cancer, the surgical options available for local excision and the future multimodal direction of early rectal cancer treatment.     

Completely transvaginal NOTES cholecystectomy using magnetically anchored instruments

Introduction Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an evolving field and suitable instruments are lacking. The purpose of this study was to perform transvaginal cholecystectomies using instruments incorporated into a magnetic anchoring and guidance system (MAGS). Methods Non-survival procedures were conducted in pigs (n = 4). Through a vaginotomy created under direct vision, a rigid access port was inserted into the peritoneal cavity and used to maintain a CO₂ pneumoperitoneum. MAGS instruments were deployed through the port and held in place on the peritoneal surface using magnetic coupling via an external handheld magnet which was optionally exchanged for an 18ga percutaneous threaded needle anchor; instruments included a tissue retractor (a clip-fixated magnet or flexible graspers) and a cautery dissector. A gastroscope was used for visualization. Results The first two procedures ended prematurely due to instrumentation shortcomings and inadvertent magnetic coupling between instruments; one case required a laparoscopic rescue. Three new forms of instrumentation were developed: (1) a longer access port (50 cm) which provided easier deployment of instruments and suitable reach, (2) a more robust cauterizer with a longer, more rigid, pneumatically deployed tip with better reach and sufficient torque to allow blunt dissection, and (3) a more versatile tissue retractor with bidirectional dual flexible graspers which provided excellent cephalad fundus retraction and inferiolateral infundibulum retraction. With these modifications, 100% of the cholecystectomy was completed in the third and fourth animals using only a NOTES/MAGS approach. Retrieval of the tissue retractor resulted in a rectal injury in the third animal but further procedural modifications resulted in a successful procedure in the fourth animal with no complications. Conclusions While still under development with more refinements needed, completely transvaginal cholecystectomy using MAGS instruments is feasible. By offering triangulation and rigidity, MAGS may facilitate a NOTES approach while alleviating shortcomings of a flexible platform.     

Cholecystectomy by a combined transgastric and transparietal approach using two flexible endoscopes

Objective  This experimental study was designed to assess the technical feasibility and benefits of our novel approach for transgastric NOTES (natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery) cholecystectomy. Methods  Four pigs were subjected to NOTES cholecystectomy by the combined transgastric and transparietal approach using two flexible endoscopes. Under the guidance of a transparietal endoscope inserted through a trocar placed in the right upper abdomen, a gastrotomy was constructed, and a peroral endoscope was advanced into the peritoneal cavity through the gastrotomy and moved on retroflexion toward the gallbladder. Gallbladder excision with ligation of the cystic artery and duct using endoclips was performed using the peroral endoscope. After gastrotomy closure with endoclips inside the stomach, intraperitoneal lavage were carried out using the transparietal endoscope. Results  A complete gallbladder excision was carried out without major adverse events in all cases. The gastrotomies were successfully closed using endoclips (n = 3) or by the omentum-plug method (n = 1). Conclusion  This approach is technically feasible and makes transgastric NOTES cholecystectomy easier and safer.     

NOTES new frontier: Natural orifice approach to retroperitoneal disease

AIM: To develop a pure transvaginal access to the retroperitoneum, that is simple, reproducible and uses endoscopic material available on the market.METHODS: From February 2008 to April 2009, 31 pigs were operated on, with 17 as an acute experiment and 14 with a survival protocol. The animals were placed in a supine position and a 12-mm double-channel endoscope (Karl Storz™, Tuttlingen) was used for vision and dissection. During the same time period, the access experiment was reproduced on 3 human cadavers using material similar to that used in the animal model.RESULTS: In the animal model, 37 interventions were done on the kidney, adrenal gland and pancreas. The mean time to fashion the access was 10 min (range 5 to 20 min). No intraoperative death was observed. Two major (5%) intraoperative complications occurred: one hemorrhage on the aorta and one tearing of the right renal vein. Peritoneal laceration was encountered in 5 cases without impairing the planned task. In the survival group, good clinical outcome was observed at a mean follow-up of 3 wk (range 2 to 6 wk). In the 3 cadavers, access was performed correctly. The mean time to fashion the access was 52 min (range 40 to 60 min). All the anatomical landmarks described in the pig model were clearly identified in the same sequence.CONCLUSION: A retroperitoneal natural orifice translumenal surgical transvaginal approach is feasible in both animal and human models and allows performance of a large panel of interventions.     

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery: critical appraisal of applications in clinical practice

Background  Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), with its focus on eliminating incision-related complications, promises to revolutionize the way surgery is performed. This study aimed to summarize the clinical applications of NOTES for humans, outline the techniques used, and discuss the complications and limitations of current techniques. Methods  A literature search was performed using PubMed and Medline search tools to review the extent and outcomes of human procedures undertaken using the NOTES technique in its pure form or as a hybrid procedure reported until July 2008. The end points were the types of operation performed, the approach and technique used for each operation, and the procedure-related complications and technical limitations. Results  This review considered 16 publications reporting on 49 human subjects. All the studies except three used hybrid NOTES procedures, with varying amounts of transabdominal assistance. Three transvaginal cholecystectomies, one transvaginal appendectomy, and eight transgastric appendectomies have been performed using a pure NOTES technique. To date, 15 NOTES transvaginal cholecystectomies and 10 NOTES appendectomies (8 transgastric and 2 transvaginal) are reported. Other procedures including peritoneoscopy and sigmoid colectomy are described. Three cases of minor morbidity are reported and no mortality. Conclusions  Although initial human results seem encouraging, it is important that this research be conducted in a way that minimizes bad publicity and describes both favorable and adverse outcomes. Robust trials must be conducted at established centers with appropriate experience and institutional board ethical review to allow safe introduction of this novel technique, with adequate and expedient reporting of serious adverse events. The limitations of the current tools and methods are discussed, and suggestions are made for further improvements in the technology to facilitate NOTES operations.     

加速康复外科理念下经自然腔道取标本手术治疗结直肠癌围手术期疗效

目的评价加速康复外科理念(ERAS)联合经自然腔道取标本手术(NOSES)应用于结直肠癌围手术期安全性及疗效。 方法回顾性分析2016年6月至2018年8月开展的20例接受腹腔镜手术治疗的结直肠癌患者资料,10例行NOSES手术(NOSES组)、10例行常规腹腔镜手术(常规组),两组患者围手术期均采取ERAS处理措施管理,数据采用SPAA19.0软件统计分析。手术相关指标、术后评价指标数据以( ±s)表示,独立t检验;术后并发症等计数资料采用卡方检验;P<0.05具有统计学意义。 结果NOSES组患者在术中出血量、术后疼痛、排气时间、离床时间、进食时间、排便时间、住院天数方面均优于常规组(P<0.05);两组患者在手术时间及淋巴结清扫数目方面差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。无围手术期无相关并发症。 结论加速康复外科理念指导下的NOSES技术应用于结直肠肿瘤手术,在围手术期安全性及疗效肯定,值得进一步研究推广。     

Natural orifice translumenal surgery: Flexible platform review

Natural orifice translumenal surgery (NOTES) has garnished significant attention from surgeons and gastroenterologists, due to the fusion of flexible endoscopy and operative technique. Preliminary efforts suggest that NOTES holds potential for a less invasive approach with certain surgical conditions. Many of the hurdles encountered during the shift from open to laparoscopic surgery are now being revisited in the development of NOTES. Physician directed efforts, coupled with industry support, have brought about several NOTES specific devices and platforms to help address limitations with current instrumentation. This review addresses current flexible platforms and their attributes, advantages, disadvantages and limitations.     

Natural orifice surgery applied for colorectal diseases

Clinical natural orifice surgery has been applied to abdominal surgery in recent years, mostly using transvaginal and transgastric access. Rectal and transcolonic natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) were tested in animal and cadaver models by a few research groups. Despite the potential advantages of transcolonic NOTES for colorectal diseases, it has not yet been clinically applied. The first successful series of human applications of transcolonic NOTES in the literature from the NOTES Research Group in Brazil provide new possibilities in the field in new transrectal procedures for rectal cancer and benign disease. Successful first human reports on Transcolonic NOTES potentially brings new frontiers and applications for minimally invasive surgery. The treatment of colorectal diseases through flexible Perirectal NOTES Access is a promising new approach alongside existing laparoscopic and open surgery to improve patient care.     

结直肠肿瘤类-NOTES手术实践与关键技术

结直肠肿瘤类-NOTES手术具有创伤小、恢复快等优势。与传统腹腔镜手术比较,该技术的最大特点在于经自然腔道取标本以及独特的消化道重建方式与技巧。随着结直肠肿瘤类-NOTES手术的不断推广,类-NOTES手术的相关技术要点也在逐步积累完善,其术后疗效也在获得证实。当然,类-NOTES手术想要更好的普及和发展,建立起一系列完整详细的技术规范体系是至关重要的,这也需要从解剖学、手术技术、手术方式等多个方面来综合考虑。本文就结直肠肿瘤类-NOTES手术的实践经验和技术要点谈一下个人的心得体会。     

Pure Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) Transvaginal Nephrectomy

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) within urology has largely been limited to experimental animal studies and diagnostic procedures in humans. Attempts to complete a pure NOTES transvaginal nephrectomy have thus far been unsuccessful. We report the first clinical experience with pure NOTES transvaginal nephrectomy.     

经阴道双通道治疗内镜输卵管切除术治疗输卵管妊娠2例报告

目的探讨经阴道内镜下输卵管切除术治疗输卵管妊娠的可行性。方法2009年5月采用经阴道双通道治疗内镜下行输卵管切除术治疗2例输卵管妊娠,经阴道后穹隆置入双通道治疗内镜（OlympusSD-210U-15）,内镜下应用尼龙圈套扎及圈套器电凝电切输卵管及其孕囊。结果2例手术均顺利完成,手术时间51min、62min。住院时间3d、2d。无腹腔感染、出血等并发症发生,血β-hCG分别于术后7d、10d恢复正常,妇检阴道伤口于术后7天愈合。2例均随访90天,复查B超、妇检无异常。结论经阴道内镜下输卵管切除术治疗对无合并症的输卵管妊娠是可行的。     

Evaluation for transvaginal and transgastric NOTES cholecystectomy in human and animal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery

Background/purpose  Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a novel concept using an endoscope via a translumenal access for abdominal surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and technical aspects of NOTES cholecystectomy from our experience on humans and animals. Methods  NOTES cholecystectomies were performed in 12 animal experiments, including 8 pigs (6 by transgastric and 2 by transvaginal accesses) and 4 dogs (4 transvaginal accesses), and a human female cadaver. Results  The entire gallbladder could be removed under direct vision in all experiments. The average time was 60 min by transgastric and 40 min by transvaginal in animals. It was 87 min for human transvaginal cholecystectomy. In all animal and human procedures, there was no major complication concerning the operation. Discussion  The transvaginal route may be the easiest route for abdominal NOTES. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) allowed the safe performance of a controlled gastric perforation and shortened the time. The hybrid method allowed performance of a safe procedure and shortened the time. Conclusions  Transvaginal and transgastric NOTES cholecystectomy is technically feasible and safe in both humans and animals. New instrumentation needs to be developed to perform a pure NOTES cholecystectomy without transabdominal assistance.     

Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) Transvaginal Cholecystectomy in a Morbidly Obese Patient

Transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new diagnostic and potentially therapeutic method of surgical endoscopy. The first case of NOTES transvaginal cholecystectomy in a morbid obese patient in the literature is described. IRB approval was obtained at the institution for transvaginal NOTES clinical trials. A 58-year-old female patient with cholelithiasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes, and BMI of 35.8 kg/m(2) was submitted to the technique. After transvaginal access, a two-channel gastroscope was introduced into the abdominal cavity along with a laparoscopic trocar. There were 2 umbilical punctures for use of 3 mm laparoscopic equipment. Operative time was 85 min. There was no use of postoperative analgesia, and the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Transvaginal NOTES is a feasible alternative method for cholecystectomy in the morbidly obese, although available technology is limited for natural orifice surgery.     

Laparoscopic colorectal resection

Background. The aim of the present study was to evaluate retrospectively the experience of six surgical units currently performing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Methods. From November 1991 to January 1994, 200 patients (103 male, 97 female; mean age 62.5 years) were candidates for, and received, laparoscopic colorectal resection for benign (54) or malignant (196) lesions. All the units excluded patients with locally advanced organ tumors and all cases with suspected perforation and ascites. One center submitted to laparoscopic resection only stage I and IV adenocarcinoma. All surgeons considered obesity a relative contraindication.The following data were analyzed: indications, conversion rate to open surgery, operative time, morbidity and mortality, resumption of gastrointestinal function, number of lymph nodes harvested, hospital stay. Results. Twenty-one out of 200 patients were converted to open surgery (10.5%); 37 patients had a complete laparoscopic procedure (17.1%); 137 had an assisted resection (68.5%); and the remaining 5 patients had a facilitated resection. The mean operative time was 208 min (90–480) for assisted resection and 275 min (54–550) for complete laparoscopic resection. The mortality rate was 1.7%; the overall morbidity was 19.6% (major complications 11.2%). All patients quickly became ambulatory and showed a prompt resumption of gastrointestinal functions, and less postoperative pain if compared with converted cases. The average number of lymph nodes was 12.1 (range 1–32). The mean hospital stay was 8.6 days (range 5–14.5). The mean follow-up was 16 months (range 6–24). The recurrence rate 11.7%. Conclusions: Laparoscopy seems to offer the possibility of minimally invasive treatment, but long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of colorectal cancer.     

Transanal total mesorectal excision as a surgical procedure for diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the rectum: A case report

BackgroundThe safety and feasibility of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) were demonstrated in the management of rectal cancer. However, its role in the management of patients with diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the rectum (DCHR) has not been evaluated.MethodsA female patient with DCHR was admitted to our hospital. Colonoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), abdominal computed tomography (CT) and arteriography were performed. Lesions were detected in mesorectum and rectal wall extending from the dentate line to 5 cm proximally. TaTME with a protecting loop ileostomy were performed. The research work has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria Agha et al., 2016 [1].ResultsTaTME and a protecting loop ileostomy were safely performed, with an intact mesorectal specimen being harvested. The entire procedure took 348 min. The estimated blood loss was 100 ml. The patient recovered uneventfully. Her symptom of painless rectal bleeding was resolved satisfactorily following the surgery. The histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of DCHR.ConclusionsTaTME appears to be a safe and feasible procedure for patients with DCHR in experienced hands.