Natural orifice transesophageal thoracoscopic surgery: A review of the current state

Since the concept of Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) was introduced, it has continued to gain significantly in popularity and enthusiasm for its potential clinical applications. The ability to perform conventional laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures without the creation of scars and perhaps faster and less painful recovery has prompted a worldwide devotion to further this field. While intra-abdominal NOTES has rapidly transitioned from animal models to human trials, applying the NOTES concept to perform thoracic procedures has been slower to gain momentum. The goal of this review is to summarize the current state of transesophageal NOTES thoracoscopy by looking at its potential for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions as well as the challenges in transitioning to human trials.