Research and the commercialization of novel surgical and medical technologies for human application have initiated a major paradigm shift in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. Associated advantages, such as reduced post-operative trauma, patient-individual approaches, and faster patient recovery, substantiate the technology-based transformation of future global healthcare systems and domains. One major driver is the highly relevant domain of minimally invasive surgery. Dexterous and miniaturized instruments (e.g., recent endoluminal devices) are integrated into surgical navigation and artificial intelligence frameworks, enhancing traditional clinical workflows, operator skills, and patient outcomes. Strategies for the autonomous execution of surgical tasks are also being targeted. Despite great leaps in research and industry, the healthcare transformation must be accompanied by monitoring resulting ethical, legal, and safety concerns. This chapter provides an overview of novel research directions, trends and, challenges in endoluminal and endoscopic applications.
