Safety and Efficacy of the Submucosal Tunnel Without Mucosal Closure for the Transgastric Approach in a Porcine Survival Model

Introduction. Usefulness of submucosal tunneling for transgastric approach with clip closure of the mucosal incision in natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has been described. Although the narrow longitudinal submucosal tunnel itself is considered good for wound approximation and healing, no reports have evaluated the sealing effect in this technique. This study was aimed at evaluating the technical feasibility of a submucosal tunnel technique for transgastric peritoneal access without mucosal closure. Methods. Transgastric peritoneoscopy using submucosal tunneling with endoscopic submucosal dissection without mucosal closure was performed on six 40- to 45-kg female pigs. Measures included (a) evaluation of technical feasibility, (b) clinical monitoring for 7 days, (c) necropsy findings, and (d) pathological examination. Results. NOTES transgastric peritoneoscopy was successfully performed in all pigs, and all recovered well clinically. Necropsy findings revealed no peritonitis, confir...