Standardization of the nomenclature applied to natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) is essential as the body of literature continues to grow in order to allow clear and precise scientific communication. As the techniques continue to evolve, we propose that NOTES and LESS be designated as the common terms to define these new procedures in urology.

Transvaginal NOTES nephrectomy can be accomplished in a porcine model. Additional testing on survival animals is necessary to validate this approach.

No abstract

No abstract

Introducing a robotic interface for laparoscopic partial/wedge resection allowed a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist with limited reconstructive laparoscopic experience to achieve results comparable to those for laparoscopic partial/wedge resection performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. In this regard, the learning curve appears truncated, similar to that with robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Porcine MSCs have similar properties to MSCs from other species and consistently undergo differentiation into mature SMC in vitro under specific culture conditions. Labeled MSCs within SIS may assist tissue regeneration in augmentation cystoplasty but may not significantly incorporate into smooth muscle bundles.

Percutaneous cryoablation is an efficient, minimally morbid method for the treatment of small renal masses and it appears to be superior to the laparoscopic approach. Short-term followup has shown no difference in tumor recurrence or need for re-treatment. Of note, hemorrhage was solely associated with the use of multiple probes.

A robot-assisted NOTES nephrectomy was accomplished in a porcine model using the daVinci S robot. Additional testing on survival animals is necessary to further explore this approach.