Applications of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in gynecologic surgery. Issue 4 (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reddy, Himabindu; Kim, Sun Woo; Plewniak, Kari
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 34:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 226
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery -- natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery -- vaginal surgery -- vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Genital Diseases, Female -- Indexes; Genital Diseases, Female -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Indexes; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Periodicals; 618.005
• DOI: 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000799
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-872X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging approach used across surgical disciplines. This review seeks to assess the growing body of literature on experiences and outcomes using vaginal NOTES (vNOTES) in gynecologic surgery. Recent findings: Many limitations of vaginal surgery including lack of descensus or restricted vaginal space can be overcome with vNOTES whereas avoiding risks of abdominal incisions in traditional laparoscopy. vNOTES may have superior outcomes in pain, length of stay, and satisfaction for multiple gynecologic indications however additional data is needed to assess cost-effectiveness and long-term outcomes. Surgeons implementing this technique should have adequate experience with both traditional vaginal and laparoscopic approaches. The current body of high-quality studies is heavily influenced by single site, single surgeon studies and as such may not be fully applicable to all practices incorporating this novel technique, and adequate training should precede implementation of Vnotes. Summary: Vaginal surgery is considered the least invasive approach, however, may not be appropriate in all cases. vNOTES presents a novel approach that combines the access and visualization afforded by endoscopy whereas avoiding the risks associated with transabdominal entry and can be considered as a feasible option in gynecologic surgery.