Emerging technologies including robotics and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) colorectal surgery

Abstract

Endoluminal and minimally invasive techniques have a long history and bright future in colorectal surgery. First, we will examine how old (colonoscopy) and new (laparoscopy) techniques combine in the form of laparoscopically assisted colonoscopic polypectomy for removal of "colonoscopically unresectable" colon polyps. Next, we will review the early experiences with robot-assisted minimally invasive colon resections. Lastly, we will introduce the next frontier in minimally invasive surgery, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES).