Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Revolution: The Next Frontier in Gynecologic Minimally Invasive Surgery

Abstract

Despite guidelines that assert that the vaginal route for benign hysterectomy is preferred as the most minimally invasive approach, rates of vaginal hysterectomy remain very low in the United States. Vaginal natural orifice translumi-nal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) might reverse the trend. Potential advantages of vNOTES compared to traditional laparoscopic and robotic approaches include the potential for less pain, decreased operative time, improved cosme-sis, and decreased risks. Importantly, vNOTES might allow for the conversion of laparoscopic and robotic routes back to vaginal due to surgeon factors.