[New generation of abdominal surgery: the Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery]

Minimal invasive surgical techniques, namely laparoscopic procedures to the abdominal surgery have been introduced more than 20 years ago. In view of clinical results, the majority of these are considered as routinely performed procedure today. Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery can be considered as a new generation of abdominal surgery. It means a method directed through natural orifices, and abdominal surgery operated by transluminal endoscopic techniques (transgastric, transcolonic, transvaginal) to reach diagnostic and therapeutic goals. Theoretically, this method allows the possibility to decrease invasiveness and postoperative pain, to prevent postoperative hernias and to improve cosmetic results. At present numerous researchers work worldwide to receive scientifically based answers to arising questions (surgical technique, indication, contraindication, complications, monitoring) and concerns in this area. The present paper gives an overview of the national and international literature on experimental results and clinical approaches in the field of this new surgical technique.