NATURAL ORIFICE TRANSLUMENAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY FOR PREOPERATIVE STAGING IN A PANCREATIC CANCER PATIENT

Abstract

Background: Many experimental studies have shown the technical feasibility of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). We report the first clinical application of natural orifice transgastric endoscopic peritoneoscopy in Japan for preoperative staging in a patient with pancreatic cancer. Methods: A submucosal tunnel was created for safe peritoneal access and secure closure of the gastric‐incision site. Results: Transgastric peritoneoscopy provided an excellent view and allowed approach to various areas of the abdominal cavity. After confirmation of operative curability, the patient underwent an open standard operation without complication. Conclusions: Natural orifice transgastric endoscopic peritoneoscopy for cancer staging using the submucosal tunnel technique appears to be feasible and safe.