Previous Research/Trials
Cholecystectomy is the most common procedure for which a NOTES approach has currently been applied, and researchers have used both a transgastric and transvaginal approaches in previous exploratory trials in the United States and other countries. Considerable research has been conducted to improve methods of visualization, hybrid procedures, and duct ligation methods and instrumentation in an effort to minimize potential complications.
About NOSCAR
The trial is sponsored by the NOSCAR, which is a collaboration of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons* (SAGES). Through NOSCAR, surgeons and interventional endoscopists are working together to investigate the therapeutic potential of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery through funding of basic research and clinical trials.
NOSCAR receives funding from a variety of industry sources for its basic research studies. This clinical trial is being supported by continuing research commitments from industry partners, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Olympus America, Covidien, Stryker Medical, and KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, as well as ASGE directly, according to a NOSCAR statement.
Inquiries about the trial can be directed to Barbara Connell.
* Correction, 8/11/2011: The original version of this article included an incorrect name for the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. This version has been updated.