Training for NOTES

The foundation of skills for the performance of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) lies in the training for general surgery (especially laparoscopy) and flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy. Physicians wishing to practice NOTES need to acquire or have both skill sets, or need to partner together to blend complementary capabilities with colleagues. In the future, however, a new cadre of NOTES specialists may emerge who will have developed individual expertise in the full spectrum of NOTES knowledge base requirements. This article highlights a body of knowledge and skills needed to become a NOTES proceduralist and review the current training paradigms for gastrointestinal endoscopists and surgeons.