Endoluminal surgery.
BACKGROUND
Progress in laparoscopic surgery and the employment of minimally invasive techniques have led to the emergence of a new branch in this field, laparoscopic endoluminal surgery (LES).


METHODS
LES encompasses all surgical procedures that involve intentional trocar or instrument penetration into the lumen of the gut in order to perform a surgical procedure. The integrity of the organ is preserved except for the small enterotomy sites and the operated area. The procedure is technically demanding and requires sound endoscopic skills.


RESULTS
The experience in LES has primarily involved the stomach and right colon for two reasons. First, these organs have a larger volume/surface ratio in the gut; therefore, they are accessible for the endoluminal instruments. Second, even limited resection of the stomach or colon can potentially carry a significant morbidity. LES minimizes the extent of this resection.


CONCLUSIONS
In this paper we review recent developments in LES, discuss the technical aspects of the procedure, and recommend its applicability.
Spivak
H
H
Department of Surgery, H124C Emory University Hospital, 1364 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Hunter
J G
JG
D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D013270:Stomach / Q000601:surgery*; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery