Transrectal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) for colorectal resection

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new surgical paradigm involving performance of intra-abdominal surgery via a natural orifice and thereafter peritoneal access through an intentionally created hole in a hollow viscus. The vast majority of research in this rapidly evolving field had involved access via an oral or vaginal route. Access via a transanal route, other than the obvious concern over contamination, has many appealing attributes. In addition, transanal surgery has long been a common procedure lending a valuable clinical experience to the foundation of this field of research. Examples of preclinical and clinical research on transanal NOTES colorectal resections are here presented and discussed.