Is natural orifice specimen extraction surgery the future direction of minimally invasive colorectal surgery?

As science and technology have advanced, surgical techniques have become increasingly sophisticated. A revolution was triggered by the appearance of new electrical and optical instruments, shifting the field of surgery in the direction of “minimally invasive” and “noninvasive” procedures. Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery has emerged as a rising star in the field of minimally invasive surgery. It has increased rapidly, and it has become a hot topic in recent years. Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery has shown advantages in alleviating postoperative pain, improving bowel movements, providing a cosmetic effect, and improving psychological state without adversely affecting cancer outcomes. Different approaches have been classified and summarized for natural orifice specimen extraction surgery based on the procedure for specimen extraction and the location of the tumor, and natural orifice specimen extraction surgery can be used in resection all parts of the colorectum. The international natural orifice specimen extraction surgery consensus and monograph have also been published to improve the standardization of the application of this technique. Additional steps need to be taken to standardize natural orifice specimen extraction surgery, such as conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials, establishing a training system, and developing specific tools. Still, the natural orifice specimen extraction surgery procedure continues to follow the development of minimally invasive surgery and may be one of the future treatment options.