Abstract
Objective: (TVNOTES) [1], currently the most popular of the NOTES procedures being performed, offers the safest access point while avoiding a breach in the gastrointestinal tract to gain intraperitoneal access. But are women ready to embrace TVNOTES? Although similar studies have been conducted in developed nations, the authors aimed to seek the opinions of Indian women towards TVNOTES. Design: This study presents the results of a survey on attitudes of Indian women towards TVNOTES. 300 women attending a gynaecology out patients’ clinic were administered a questionnaire which sought out the percentage of Indian women concerned with surgical scars, their preference between TVNOTES and conventional laparoscopic surgery and apprehensions towards the vagina being used as an entry site for surgery. Results: 85.67% of the participants opted for scarless intra-abdominal surgery. Upon revealing that the surgery would be performed transvaginally (TV), reservations were unveiled, with 67.33% of all respondents being either unhappy or unsure about undergoing TV surgery. Results were initially equivocal when asked to choose between TVNOTES and conventional laparoscopic surgery, but when informed that TVNOTES may be as safe and efficacious as conventional laparoscopic surgery, the scales tipped in favour of TVNOTES, with three-fourths of the respondents opting for the latter. Conclusions: Although TVNOTES has captured the imagination and attention of surgeons, existing data suggest that the beneficiaries (i.e. women) remain to be convinced. This study suggests that Indian women will embrace TV surgery once its safety is proven, improved cosmesis being a predominant factor in making this choice.
Highlights
Key hole surgery using small incisions, is a well-established technique
Design: This study presents the results of a survey on attitudes of Indian women towards TVNOTES. 300 women attending a gynaecology out patients’ clinic were administered a questionnaire which sought out the percentage of Indian women concerned with surgical scars, their preference between TVNOTES and conventional laparoscopic surgery and apprehensions towards the vagina being used as an entry site for surgery
After being informed that TVNOTES is potentially as safe and effective as the conventional laparoscopic surgery, 78.26% opted for TVNOTES. 50.84% of the respondents would prefer a female surgeon to operate if they needed to undergo TVNOTES. 62.67% of parous respondents opted for TVNOTES even before being told of the potential safety and efficacy of the procedure indicating that parity may have relation to how comfortable a patient may feel to undergo a transvaginal procedure. 35.33% of those who had undergone a previous abdominal surgery opted for TVNOTES before knowing the potential for safety or efficacy of the procedure
Summary
Key hole (laparoscopic) surgery using small incisions, is a well-established technique. There is a new concept in surgery known as “NOTES” (Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery). This utilises a natural orifice (e.g. the vagina) to allow entry into the abdominal cavity so that operations such as oophorectomy (removal of the ovary) can be performed with the use of specialised equipment, leaving no visible scars. We would be interested to hear your views regarding the utilisation of the vagina as a way of performing this type of surgery
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
