The magnified view, and improved ergonomics and dexterity offered by robotic platforms, might facilitate the uptake of minimally invasive procedures. Image guidance to complement robotically assisted procedures, through the concepts of augmented reality, could well represent a major revolution to increase safety and deal with difficulties associated with the new minimally invasive approaches.

AR is a valuable navigation tool which may enhance the ability to achieve safe surgical resection during robotic hepatectomy.

Although a higher peritoneal contamination was found in the NOSE procedures, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes relative to standard approach. Avoiding a minilaparotomy to extract the specimen resulted in a significantly lower postoperative analgesic requirement in the NOSE group.

Vaginal extraction of a colorectal surgery specimen shows potential benefit, particularly when associated with a gynaecological procedure. Data from prospective randomized trials are needed to support the routine use of this technique.