[Reduced port surgery : Developing a safe pathway to single port access surgery].

Area of Science:

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques
• Laparoscopy and interventional endoscopy
• Surgical innovation

Context:

• The pursuit of scarless surgery is a key goal in modern surgical practices.
• Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and reduced port techniques offer potential for minimal scarring.
• Current platforms and applications for NOTES require further development for widespread adoption.

Purpose:

• To provide an overview of the evolution of minimally invasive surgical techniques.
• To discuss the learning curve associated with adopting these advanced procedures.
• To explore emerging applications and future directions in scarless surgery.

Summary:

• Scarless surgery is a primary objective, with natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and single-port access surgery being key approaches.
• While acceptance is growing, these techniques require safe, effective, and economically viable implementation.
• This article reviews the historical development, learning curve, and novel applications of these scar-reducing surgical methods.

Impact:

• Facilitates the adoption of advanced minimally invasive techniques.
• Highlights the importance of safety, efficacy, and economic considerations in surgical innovation.
• Informs surgeons and researchers about the current state and future potential of scarless surgical procedures.