Endoscopic suturing.

Suturing at flexible endoscopy might extend the range of less invasive surgical procedures that can be performed without incision. The development of sewing machines that can place single and multiple stitches in the gastrointestinal tract is outlined. Methods of tying knots and cutting thread at flexible endoscopy have also been developed. The results of some applications, including the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, the closure of perforations, haemostasis, and the attachment of feeding tubes and radiotelemetry capsules to tissue using endoscopic suturing, are described.