BACKGROUND: Prior studies demonstrate the feasibility of NOTES organ resection. Aim of this study was to develop an endoscopic minimally-invasive resection of the kidney. METHODS: Using an endoscopic transgastric (N=2) and transvaginal (N=4) approach, resection of the kidney was performed in the porcine animal model. RESULTS: Six female swine underwent endoscopy with a double-channel gastroscope. […]
Background: Ablating Barrett’s epithelium may reduce the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. This study reports the initial experience of a single surgeon using an endoscopic endoluminal device delivering radiofrequency energy (the BARRx device) in ablating Barrett’s esophagus.Methods: All patients who underwent ablation of Barrett’s epithelium with the BARRx system were reviewed for length of Barrett’s […]
Background: The Natural Orifice Transgastric Cholecystectomy is a method in development. This study proposes the hybrid approach, transluminal and laparoscopic, showing the advantages of the technique.Methods: Non-survival procedures were conducted in pigs(n=15) using a transgastric approach. The procedure started with a puncture in the umbilical scar to create a CO2 pneumoperitoneum through the Veress needle. […]
INTRODUCTION: Safe access to the peritoneal cavity is paramount for success of the NOTES procedures. We have recently described a PEG-like approach and pneumoperitoneum-assisted translumenal access to the peritoneal cavity. Aim of the study: Direct comparison of different transgastric access techniques in a live porcine model. METHODS: Fifteen experiments were performed on 50-kg pigs (Sus […]
Introduction: The antibacterial and healing properties of the greater omentum have yet to be used in translumenal access closure of NOTES procedures. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and tolerance of the incorporation of a flap of greater omentum in gastrotomy closure sites. Methods and procedures: Survival experiments were performed in nine 40-kg pigs under […]
NOTES procedures were performed in 5 dogs by creating access to the abdominal cavity via the stomach using a flexible endoscope and guide wire, needle knife electrode, and balloon dilation catheter. Following inflation with air, an electrocautery snare was used to coagulate and cut tissue to remove the ovaries. The ovaries were then extracted, visually […]
Background: Minimally invasive surgery is rapidly evolving with the promise of new endolumenal and translumenal surgical procedures performed with few or no external incisions. We describe our early human experience with a flexible platform technology that provides stable access and visualization, force transmission, two-handed tissue manipulation and durable tissue approximation. The EndoSurgical Operating System (EOS), […]
Introduction: The optimal method for closing gastrotomies following transgastric instrumentation has yet to be found. Our center has previously validated the use of a bioabsorbable plug for this purpose. The goal of this study was to compare gastrotomy closure, in a canine model, between animals left to heal without treatment and those treated with endoscopically […]
Bakground:NOTES Colonic resection is difficult to perform because of the need for exposure, dissection, vascular control and anastomosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and early results of combined transgastric-transrectal NOTES sigmoidectomy.Materials and Methods:A two-week survival study was undertaken to evaluate the combined trangastric-transrectal approach for sigmoidectomy in 5 mini-pigs. […]
Introduction. The biggest problem for safeness of NOTES is the great possibility of contamination spreading from natural orifice into the peritoneal cavity. Currently transvaginal approach seems to be the simplest in access and wound closure. Thus, the aim of our study was evaluation of peritoneal contamination and adhesions formation after transvaginal and transumbilical rendezvous approach […]