Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) for omentectomy - A case series

The Feasibility and Safety of Robot-Assisted Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (RA-vNOTES) for Gynecologic Disease: 298-Case Series

Objectives: To explore the feasibility and surgical outcomes of robot-assisted vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (RA-vNOTES) for women suffering from gynecologic disease. Methods: We performed an observational study reporting and analyzing the perioperative outcomes of 298 patients with gynecologic disease who underwent RA-vNOTES in a single institution from June 2019 to August 2024. Results: A total of 298 patients with a median age of 41 years and median body mass index of 29 kg/m2 underwent RA-vNOTES. The primary indications for surgery were endometriosis (43.62%), chronic pelvic pain (11.07%), abnormal uterine bleeding (20.81%), and uterine leiomyomata (14.77%). A total of 286 of 298 (95.97%) patients had a hysterectomy. The median total operating time was 138 min, with a port placement time of 5 min, dock time of 3 min, and robot console time of 63 min. The median estimated blood loss was 50 milliliters. Endometriosis resection of all stages was performed in 192 of 298 (64.43%) patients. Three cases (1.01%) were converted to laparoscopic surgery. One case was converted to robot-assisted single incision plus one port laparoscopic surgery (SILS plus one) and two cases were converted to robot-assisted multi-port surgery. The total complication rate was 17.45% (52 cases), of which 2.1% (6 cases) were intraoperative complications and 15.44% (46 cases) were postoperative complications. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that RA-vNOTES is a feasible and less invasive option for various gynecologic procedures, including complex endometriosis excision and sacrocolpopexy.

Clinical efficacy and safety study of vNOTES for benign ovarian tumors in obese patients

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for treating benign ovarian tumors in obese patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 35 obese patients who underwent vNOTES for benign ovarian tumor resection and 41 obese patients who underwent multi-port laparoscopic surgery (MPLS) during the same period from January 2021 to June 2024 at Qinghai Red Cross Hospital. Key parameters such as operative time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, hospitalization duration, postoperative anal exhaust time, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, and SF-36 score were analyzed. No statistical differences were observed between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics such as age, body mass index (BMI), tumor diameter, parity, and history of pelvic surgery. The vNOTES group exhibited shorter operative times compared to the MPLS group, with no significant differences in tumor pathology, intraoperative blood loss, or tumor rupture rates. Postoperatively, the vNOTES group had shorter hospital stays, fewer postoperative complications, lower 24-hour postoperative VAS scores, and higher three-month postoperative SF-36 scores compared to the MPLS group. No differences were found between the groups concerning anal exhaust time, sexual satisfaction rate, or 24-hour postoperative VAS scores. vNOTES is a safe and feasible surgical method for treating benign ovarian tumors in obese patients, offering advantages such as no abdominal incisions and quicker postoperative recovery.

Conventional vaginal approach vs. transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for treating apical prolapse, a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

Vaginal hysterectomy combined with uterosacral suspension (USLS) is a technique for treating pelvic organ prolapse. Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) has been described as an alternative minimal invasive approachfor treating various gynecological and non-gynecological pathologies. The aim was to compare the surgical time between conventional vaginal hysterectomy combined with USLS and vNOTES hysterectomy combined with USLS.

STUDY DESIGN

Multi-center randomized controlled trial performed 2019-2021 at Rambam Health Care Campus (Israel) and Imelda Hospital (Belgium). Thirty women underwent vNOTES procedures and 30 women underwent conventional vaginal procedures. The primary outcome was total surgical time. Secondary outcomes included hysterectomy time, USLS time, intraoperative bleeding, length of hospitalization, pain during the first 24 h postoperative, the need of analgesia, intraoperative and postoperative adverse events, and patient-reported outcomes questionnaires. Parametric statistical methods were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Compared to conventional vaginal procedures, vNOTES procedures were shorter in total surgical time (77 vs. 93 min, p = 0.004), hysterectomy time (26 vs 33 min, p < 0.001), and USLS time (20 vs 26 min. p = 0.02). Blood loss was higher in conventional vaginal compared to vNOTES surgery, as reflected by the mean blood loss estimate (143 vs 60 ml. p < 0.001) and the delta-hemoglobin (pre-operation minus the post-operation hemoglobin level (1.8 vs 1.2 ml/dL, p = 0.01). There was no difference between the groups regarding analgesics used, postoperative pain, surgical objective outcomes, and scores on patient-reported outcomes questionnaires. Adverse events were significantly more frequent in the conventional vaginal group than in the vNOTES group (p < 0.001 for intraoperative events and p = 0.05 for events that occurred in the follow-up time interval).

CONCLUSION

vNOTES hysterectomy with USLS has lower surgical times than conventional vaginal hysterectomy with USLS, lower blood loss and less adverse events. Other surgical objective and subjective outcomes were similar between the approaches.

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping by Retroperitoneal vNOTES for Uterus-Confined Malignancies: A Standardized 10-Step Approach

(1) Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping represents an accurate and feasible technique for the surgical staging of endometrial and cervical cancer. This is commonly performed by conventional laparoscopy or robotic-assisted laparoscopy, but in recent years, a new retroperitoneal transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) approach has been described and developed by Jan Baekelandt. This technique provides easy visualization of lymphatic afferent vessels and pelvic lymph nodes, early SLN assessment, and a coherent mapping methodology following the lymphatic flow from caudal to cranial. However, only a few publications have reported it. Following the IDEAL (Idea Development Exploration Assessment Long-term follow-up) framework, research concerning this technique is in Stage 2a, with only small case series as evidence of its feasibility. Its standardized description appears necessary to provide the surgical homogeneity required to move further. (2) Methods: Description of a standardized approach for retroperitoneal pelvic SLN mapping by vNOTES. (3) Results: We describe a 10-step approach to successfully perform retroperitoneal vNOTES SLN mapping, including pre-, intra-, and postoperative management. (4) Conclusions: This IDEAL Stage 2a study could help other surgeons approach this new technique, and it proposes a common methodology necessary for evolving through future IDEAL Stage 2b (multi-center studies) and Stage 3 (randomized controlled trials) studies.

Feasibility and safety of vNOTES for gynecological procedures in obese patients

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine the feasibility and safety of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) to treat benign and malign gynecological conditions in obese patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed data from 79 obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 Kg/m2 operated by vNOTES for gynecological conditions between May 2020 and April 2023. The primary outcome was the feasibility of performing the surgery as initially planned. Data were presented for subgroups of patients with obesity class I (BMI 30.1 - 34.9 Kg/m2), class II (BMI 35.0 - 39.9 Kg/m2), and class III (BMI ≥ 40.0 Kg/m2).

RESULTS

Patients presented obesity class I in 39 cases (49.4 %), class II in 27 cases (34.2 %), and class III in 13 cases (16.4 %). Fifty-two patients (65.8 %) underwent vNOTES hysterectomy, 26 patients (32.9 %) underwent procedures limited to the adnexa, and 1 patient (1.3 %) underwent myomectomy. The conversion rate was 0 %, 11.1 %, and 7.7 % in obesity class I, II, and III, respectively. Intraoperative bladder injury was observed in 1 case (1.3 %) and rectal serosal tear in 2 cases (2.5 %). Postoperatively, we observed 3 cases (3.8 %) of wound infection, 2 cases (2.5 %) of cystitis, and 1 case (1.3 %) of deep vein thrombosis.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of performing gynecological vNOTES procedures in obese patients. However, obesity could be associated with longer and more complex interventions, especially in obesity class II and III patients.

vNOTEsHC : Hysterectomy by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery versus laparoscopic for large uteri: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Background

In France, 62,000 hysterectomies are performed per year, 70% of which are benign. The choice of approach (laparotomy, laparoscopy or vaginal route) is particularly important in the case of large uterus (> 280g) which are associated with a higher risk of complications. The current data are not sufficient to favour one or other approach. A new medical device, the vNOTES (Natural Vaginal Orifice Transluminal Endoscopy System), offers the advantage of both laparoscopic and vaginal route for pelvic surgery.

Objectives

To demonstrate the superiority in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications of the use of a natural orifice transluminal endoscopic hysterectomy system (vNOTES) versus laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign pathologies on estimated large volume uteri (>280g).

Materials and Methods

A randomised, double-blind, superiority trial will be performed at five hospital centres. Women with benign uterine pathology requiring hysterectomy and with a large uterus (> 280g) will be randomised to receive either laparoscopic or vNOTES hysterectomy.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome will be the occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications within 6 weeks of surgery. Secondary outcomes will be conversion during surgery, duration of surgery and hospitalisation, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, resumption of sexual life and satisfaction with the surgical team.

Results

248 women will be randomised.

Conclusion

This trial will provide a better understanding of the approach to large uteri optimise the care of these thousands of women undergoing hysterectomy.

What’s new?

This trial will evaluate the vNotes for large uteri.

Omentectomy for oncological surgical staging by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES): a preliminary study

Objective

This study aimed to determine the feasibility of performing omentectomy by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for surgical staging of ovarian and high-risk endometrial malignancies.

Methods

This descriptive study was realized in a non-university hospital in Switzerland. Eighteen patients with suspicious adnexal masses or high-risk endometrial cancer underwent surgical staging comprising infracolic omentectomy by vNOTES between May 2020 and April 2023.

Results

Patients underwent oncological surgical staging for suspicious adnexal masses in 14 cases (77.8%) and high-risk endometrial cancer in 4 cases (22.2%). vNOTES omentectomies were performed in all patients without complications. Associated procedures included salpingo-oophorectomy (94.4%), hysterectomy (55.6%), peritoneal biopsies (33.3%), pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsies (22.2%), and appendectomy (5.6%). The median time to perform omentectomies was 9 (4-13) min. All oncological staging were completed by vNOTES. No significant intraoperative complications occurred. We observed 1 case (5.6%) of postoperative fever probably associated with vaginal cuff infection (Clavien-Dindo grade II).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility of performing vNOTES oncological staging requiring complex extrapelvic procedures such as infracolic omentectomy, supporting its potential role for managing gynecological malignancies such as ovarian and high-risk endometrial cancers. However, before expanding this approach outside study settings, strong evidence of its feasibility, practical benefits, and long-term oncological outcomes are needed.

Sentinel Node Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer by Retroperitoneal Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery: A Preliminary Study

Objective

The primary objective was to determine the intraoperative and postoperative surgical complications of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) by retroperitoneal transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES). The secondary objective was to assess the feasibility of this surgical technique.

Methods

This was a descriptive study realized in a non-university hospital in Switzerland. Seven patients with endometrial cancer or endometrial complex atypical hyperplasia underwent surgical staging with SLNB by retroperitoneal vNOTES using an indocyanine green-based near-infrared fluorescence imaging technique (October 2021-February 2022).

Results

The median operative time was 113 (81-211) minutes. The median estimated blood loss was 20 (20-400) mL. The overall bilateral detection rate was 100% (7/7). Upon histopathological examination, 5 patients presented an endometrial adenocarcinoma, and we found endometrial complex atypical hyperplasia in 2 cases. We successfully completed all procedures without significant intraoperative complications, but 1 case required conversion to conventional laparoscopy. The median postoperative stay was 2 (2-4) days, and we observed no postoperative complications during this period. We observed 1 case of postoperative deep vein thrombosis and an asymptomatic vaginal vault hematoma in the same patient.

Conclusions

Our preliminary study suggests that retroperitoneal vNOTES could be a feasible, safe, and valuable approach to perform SLNB in endometrial cancer. However, strong evidence of its feasibility, the effective benefits, and the long-term oncological outcomes is needed before expanding the use of vNOTES in endometrial cancer outside study settings.

Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery for Surgical Staging of Early-Stage Ovarian Cancers: A Report of Two Cases

Surgical staging is essential in the management of ovarian cancers. This staging has traditionally been performed by laparotomy, but minimally invasive techniques are increasingly employed. Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is a promising technique in the field of gynecological oncology. We report 2 cases of vNOTES surgical staging for suspicious ovarian tumors. We operated on 2 patients aged of 81 and 62 years for low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma and ovarian cystadenofibroma, respectively. We performed surgical staging with a pure vNOTES technique for the first patient and used a hybrid approach for the second. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. We suggest that vNOTES is a feasible and effective approach to surgically manage early-stage ovarian cancers.

Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic versus conventional vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension for apical compartment prolapse

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare surgical and short-term postoperative outcomes of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) versus conventional vaginal (CV) uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 135 patients who underwent hysterectomy with USLS via CV (n = 70) or via vNOTES (n = 65). Patients' baseline characteristics, surgical characteristics, and surgical outcomes were retrieved. The primary outcome was total operative time. Secondary outcomes include intra- and post-operative complications.

RESULTS

Salpingectomy was performed in all vNOTES procedures and in only 27 % of conventional vaginal procedures (p < 0.005). Compared to the conventional vaginal procedures (n = 65), the vNOTES (n = 70) showed lower mean operative time and mean anesthesia time (101.4 ± 22.3 vs 125.5 ± 27.6 min and 141.4 ± 29.6 vs. 174.0 ± 32.9 min, respectively); and slightly longer median hospital stay (3 [range 2-4] vs. 2 [range 2-4] days, p < 0.05). Compared to women who underwent conventional vaginal hysterectomy with USLS, women who underwent vNOTES hysterectomy with USLS had lower incidences of intraoperative complications (6% vs. 18 %, p < 0.05) and intraoperative ureteral obstruction (0% vs. 8%, p < 0.05); and less estimated blood loss (58 ± 68 ml vs. 143 ± 87 ml, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

vNOTES hysterectomy with USLS is associated with reduced incidence of intraoperative complications, shorter surgical and anesthesia time, and slightly longer hospital stay, compared to the traditional vaginal surgical approach. Post-operative complications during hospital stay were similar and infrequent following the two procedures.

Robotic Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Hysterectomy for Benign Indications

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The Hominis surgical system is a novel robot-assisted system, designed specifically for robotic vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (RvNOTES). We presented our experience of the first 30 RvNOTES hysterectomies assessing the feasibility and safety of this technology.

DESIGN

A two-center prospective study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral centers. The ethics committees approved the study in both centers.

PATIENTS

Thirty women with benign indication for hysterectomy.

INTERVENTION

RvNOTES hysterectomy performed by the Hominis surgical system.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome of the study was the rate of conversion to open or conventional laparoscopic approaches. Secondary outcomes included intra- and postoperative adverse events, operative time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and 6-week follow-up assessment. A total of 15 women were enrolled at each site. The median age was 59 years (range: 37-79) and the median body mass index was 25.4 kg/m² (range: 17.6-40.0). Twenty-four women (80%) had comorbidities. All the procedures were completed successfully without conversion to open abdominal, traditional vaginal, or conventional laparoscopic surgery. No intraoperative complications were observed. Median blood loss and procedure duration were 50 mL (range: 20-400) and 57 minutes (range: 24-88), respectively. Postoperative pain was minimal, with a median visual analog scale of 3 (range: 1-5) for the first 24 hours following surgery. The median hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2-8). According to the treating physicians' evaluations, the vaginal cuff was fully healed in all patients at the 6-week postoperative follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first publication of robot-assisted vaginal hysterectomy using the Hominis surgical system. The positive results of this study show this new technology to be a safe and effective tool for vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, enabling surgeons to operate vaginally with the known advantages of robotic modality.