Surgeons without scalpels. A review of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery.

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new technique that allows access to the peritoneal cavity without passing through the anterior abdominal wall. This article reviews the evolution of NOTES and describes how it is currently being evaluated in animal models. It also discusses the potential benefits of the technique as well as the challenges it faces.