Techniques for transgastric access to the peritoneal cavity

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a unique emerging surgical concept expanding flexible endoscopy beyond the gut wall. The methods and technology growing from this concept may minimize trauma from surgical access to the peritoneal cavity by completely eliminating body surface incisions. So far, NOTES surgeries have been reported by modifying laparoscopic surgery. The peroral transgastric route was chosen to access the peritoneal cavity in initial trials because of a potentially lower risk for surrounding organ injury using the anterior wall percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-style gastrotomy. This article reviews and describes techniques of transgastric access to the peritoneal cavity used in published animal studies.