Natural Orifice Surgery: the next step in minimal invasiveness towards no scar surgery.
The possibility to operate into the abdominal cavity by means of flexible endoscopes introduced through natural orifices represents a major step forward in the continuous research for minimal invasive treatment attaining the unimaginable goal of no scar surgery. After several years of investigation in experimental settings, natural orifice surgery is becoming a valuable therapeutic option both as totally transluminal endoscopic approach or with the support of minimal transabdominal assistance. The promising operative results and the great interest determined among the patients always looking for effective treatment associated with less bodily trauma, postoperative pain and faster recovery, are pushing the development of dedicated technological solutions that will make natural orifice - no scar surgery more easy and reproducible to perform and applicable also to more advanced diseases. Natural orifice surgery has the potential to abolish the historical association of surgery to that of scar and pain representing a very appealing surgical option for the patients highly respectful of their body and psychological integrity.
Forgione
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Consultant Surgeon General and Emergency Surgery Department, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Scientific Director AIMS Advanced International Miniinvasive Surgery Academy, Milan, Italy. antonello.forgione@aimsacademy.org
D001003:Anal Canal; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control; D003106:Colon; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D013270:Stomach; D014621:Vagina