In reply
We thank Dr Hall for his comments on the future of NOTES. However, we believe it is too early to conclude that transluminal cholecystectomy is not as safe as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We all remember the similar judgments given during the description of the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our article does indeed ask what the rationale is behind the incision of a generally healthy hollow organ, whether it should be incised, and what the risks are related to this opening.