Natural orifice translumenal thoracoscopic surgery: does the slow progress and the associated risks affect feasibility and potential clinical applications?

Abstract

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging new technique but with much of the focus for the clinical applications of this technique centered on the abdomen. Consequently, its adaptation to the chest has been overlooked. The evidence for safe access, periprocedural complications and potential thoracic applications needs to be evaluated.