Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic gynaecological surgery: is it time to accept it as routine practice?

Abstract

Natural orifice surgery is a novel surgical technique with increasing use across different medical disciplines (Pearl et al, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery12, no. 7 (2008): 1293-1300). In gynaecology, Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) offers alternative access to the intra-abdominal space eliminating the need for abdominal incisions with a better cosmetic outcome and less post-operative pain. This approach could be particularly helpful in women with high BMI or those with suspected abdominal rather than pelvic adhesions where laparoscopic abdominal entry is often difficult to achieve.