He J, Hu JF, Shao SX, et al. - Researchers compared natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) vs conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLAPS) for colorectal tumours with respect to short-term outcomes. They also assessed NOSES as an option for colorectal resection, focusing on its safety and feasibility. They conducted a literature review on the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases up to March 2019. Eligible studies were eight in total and included 686 patients. In terms of postoperative complications, postoperative pain, recovery of gastrointestinal function, duration of hospital stay, and cosmetic outcomes, NOSES afforded more benefits than CLAPS. In terms of lymph nodes harvested and intraoperative blood loss, comparable outcomes were reported with NOSES vs CLAPS; however, NOSES was associated with prolonged operative time. Findings showed the safety as well as viability of NOSES as an alternative to CLAPS in colorectal oncology in terms of short-term outcomes.