A novel use of T-tag sutures for the safe creation and closure of the NOTES gastrotomy using a hybrid technique

Transgastric Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) procedures are presently limited by the lack of a reliable method for creating and closing the gastrotomy created during the procedure. Furthermore, due to difficulties with the NOTES technique, the majority of NOTES procedures are presently performed in a "hybrid" fashion in which some degree of laparoscopic assistance is used alongside the NOTES approach. We describe a hybrid approach with a minimal laparoscopic component allowing a very controlled gastrotomy creation and closure. This technique would also allow laparoscopic suturing through a single, small cannula.