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A Comprehensive Review of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) and Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) Techniques for Cholecystectomy

  • Review Article
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Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery Aims and scope

Abstract

Introduction

Surgery of the gallbladder has evolved tremendously over the last century. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for gallbladder removal and the most common laparoscopic procedure worldwide. In recent times, innovative techniques of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) have been applied in gallbladder removal as a step towards even more less-invasive procedures.

Discussion

While NOTES and SILS represent the advent of essentially scarless surgery, limited applications of these technologies in human subjects exists. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of the potential benefits, limitations and risks of these novel techniques.

Conclusion

While much remains unknown and unanswered surrounding these procedures, it is clear that extensive research and development with regards to the ethics and the technical aspects of these procedures as well as randomized studies to compare them with traditional laparoscopy are essential.

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Correspondence to Ronald Scott Chamberlain.

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Chamberlain, R.S., Sakpal, S.V. A Comprehensive Review of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) and Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) Techniques for Cholecystectomy. J Gastrointest Surg 13, 1733–1740 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-009-0902-y

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