Thoracoscopy and mediastinoscopy are common procedures with painful incisions and prominent scars. A natural orifice transesophageal endoscopic surgical (NOTES) approach could reduce pain, eliminate intercostals neuralgia, provide access to the posterior mediastinal compartment, and improve cosmesis. In addition, NOTES esophageal access routes also have the potential to replace conventional thoracoscopic approaches for medial or hilar lesions.

On Friday, March 28, 2008 at 10 am EDT, you can see the procedure in a live webcast from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA.  The procedure will be performed by Denise W. Gee, MD and Field Willingham, MD.  David W. Rattner, MD will moderate the webcast. 

Karl Storz Endoscopy is making this interactive Internet webcast available as part of their ongoing efforts to provide education and training in NOTES surgery.