Evaluation of different transgastric access techniques for NOTES

Background: NOTES (natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) is an area of active research in experimental endoscopy and has the potential to significantly advance the field of minimally invasive surgery. Several transgastric access techniques have been described to date. The aim of the current ex-vivo, experimental study was to evaluate different methods of transluminal access with regard to safe closure and leakage after the procedure. Methods: By using ex vivo porcine stomachs mounted on a custom-made board, the following endoscopic techniques for transgastric access were evaluated. The first arm used…