Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in surgical oncology: analysis of indications and feasibility in cancer patients.

Background/aims: Natural orifice endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging technique that has been postulated as a promising alternative to laparoscopy in the field of minimal invasive surgery. Until now appropriate indications, safe access routes and general feasibility of this approach have not been defined exactly in surgical oncology.

Methodology: A total of 474 patients undergoing cancer surgery were analyzed regarding possible applications of transluminal endoscopic surgery.