Transvaginal endoscopic surgery for tubal ectopic pregnancy

Enabling Technologies for Gynecologic Vaginal Surgery: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the literature to evaluate clinical and surgical outcomes for technologies that facilitate vaginal surgical procedures.

DATA SOURCES

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 1990 to May 2022.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Comparative and single-arm studies with data on contemporary tools or technologies facilitating intraoperative performance of vaginal gynecologic surgical procedures for benign indications were included. Citations were independently double screened, and eligible full-text articles were extracted by two reviewers. Data collected included study characteristics, technology, patient demographics, and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Risk of bias for comparative studies was assessed using established methods, and restricted maximum likelihood model meta-analyses were conducted as indicated.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The search yielded 8,658 abstracts, with 116 eligible studies that evaluated pedicle sealing devices (n=32), nonrobotic and robotic vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (n=64), suture capture devices (n=17), loop ligatures (n=2), and table-mounted telescopic cameras (n=1). Based on 19 comparative studies, pedicle sealing devices lowered vaginal hysterectomy operative time by 15.9 minutes (95% CI, -23.3 to -85), blood loss by 36.9 mL (95% CI, -56.9 to -17.0), hospital stay by 0.2 days (95% CI, -0.4 to -0.1), and visual analog scale pain scores by 1.4 points on a subjective 10-point scale (95% CI, -1.7 to -1.1). Three nonrandomized comparative studies and 53 single-arm studies supported the feasibility of nonrobotic vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for hysterectomy, adnexal surgery, pelvic reconstruction, and myomectomy. Data were limited for robotic vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, suture capture devices, loop ligatures, and table-mounted cameras due to few studies or study heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Pedicle sealing devices lower operative time and blood loss for vaginal hysterectomy, with modest reductions in hospital stay and pain scores. Although other technologies identified in the literature may have potential to facilitate vaginal surgical procedures and improve outcomes, additional comparative effectiveness research is needed.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42022327490.

Clinical relevance of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in gynecology

This study reviews the progress and recent advances in vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) as a minimally invasive gynecologic procedure. The proposed advantages of vaginal natural orifice transluminal surgery include enhanced cosmesis due to a scarless procedure, better exposure compared with the pure vaginal approach, tolerable pain scores, fewer perioperative complications, and a shorter hospital stay. Recent advances in surgical instrumentation and technology have improved the feasibility of vNOTES as an innovative treatment option for gynecological conditions. However, technical challenges and training issues must be overcome before its widespread use. As a promising surgical innovation, further randomized comparative studies are required to clarify the safety and effectiveness of vNOTES in gynecology.

Transvaginal natural orifice endoscopic surgery for tubal ectopic pregnancy: A more suitable surgical approach for enhanced recovery after surgery

Objective

We aimed to determine the safety of Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in terms of the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) concept for tubal pregnancy surgery and provide a detailed process of vNOTES for tubal pregnancy surgery, including experience and key points for surgeons performing this procedure.

Methods

The Longitudinal Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Study (LovNOTESS), which was conducted in Chengdu, China. A total of 219 patients who underwent tubal ectopic pregnancy surgery between September 2021 and March 2022. The patients underwent salpingectomy or salpingostomy using transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) or vNOTES, according to their preferences. This study prospectively collected perioperative and one-year follow-up data on tubal pregnancy outcomes after vNOTES and compared them with those after LESS.

Results

The vNOTES group showed a shorter surgical duration, hospitalization duration, and postoperative exhaust time and a lower analgesic medication usage rate, but it showed a higher surgical conversion rate. The vNOTES approach reduced the postoperative exhaust time by approximately 9 h (95% confidence interval [CI]: -11.93, -5.57 h, p < .001) and the risk of postoperative analgesic drug use by 77% (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.61, p = .023).

Conclusion

vNOTES can shorten the exhaust time and duration of hospitalization, reduce postoperative pain, and avoid surface surgical scars in tubal pregnancy surgeries, consistent with the ERAS concept. However, more comprehensive preoperative evaluation of patients who choose vNOTES is required to reduce the occurrence of intraoperative conversion.Trial registration: ChiCTR2100053483.

Effectiveness of treatment options for tubal ectopic pregnancy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) is a common gynaecological emergency. Several medical and surgical treatment options exist, but it is not clear which is the safest and most effective treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of expectant, medical and surgical treatment options for TEP using a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from inception till September 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials that evaluated any treatment option for woman with a TEP.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We performed pairwise and network meta-analyses using a random effect model. We assessed the studies' risk of bias, heterogeneity and network inconsistency. We reported primarily on TEP resolution and treatment failure using relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence-intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

We included 31 randomised trials evaluating ten treatments (n = 2938 women). Direct meta-analysis showed no significant benefit for using methotrexate compared to expectant management for TEP resolution. Network meta-analysis showed similar effect-size for most conservative treatment options compared to expectant management for TEP resolution (glucose intra-sac instillation vs. expectant RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.63-1.12; methotrexate intra-sac instillation vs. expectant RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.75-1.10; multi-dose methotrexate vs. expectant RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.88-1.15; prostaglandin intra-sac instillation vs. expectant RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.53-1.07; salpingotomy vs. expectant RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.84-1.16; single dose methotrexate vs. expectant RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.85-1.10; single dose methotrexate + mifepristone vs. expectant RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.89-1.33). All treatment options showed a higher risk of failure compared to salpingectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to support the use of any medical treatment option for TEP over expectant management.

Perioperative outcomes of and predictors for conversion from transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic tubal surgeries: A retrospective cohort study of 619 patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the perioperative outcomes of vNOTES tubal surgeries and to identify predictors of surgical conversion.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed on 619 patients who underwent vNOTES tubal surgeries in our institute from December 2018 to October 2021. Patients were categorized into "converted" or "non-converted" groups based on whether conversion occurred. t-test and χ² test were performed on demographic and clinicopathologic data to compare their perioperative outcomes. Logistic regression was built to identify predictors for surgical conversions.

RESULTS

The conversion and complication rates of the vNOTES tubal surgeries in the present study were 3.07% and 4.85%, respectively. The "converted group" has a significantly higher percentage of patients with severe pelvic adhesions (9/19 [47.4%]) and pelvic endometriosis (2/19 [10.5%]), which significantly predicates surgical conversion. The "converted group" also had a longer duration of surgery (140.94 ± 88.73 min, P = 0.002) and an increased proportion of "converted from vNOTES" patients experienced more than 50 ml of intraoperative blood loss (7/19 [36.9%]). Four patients had intraoperative rectal injuries, and no Clavien-Dindo III-V postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

vNOTES tubal surgeries are safe due to low conversion and complication rates. Severe pelvic adhesion and endometriosis are predictors for surgical conversions.

Applications of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in gynecologic surgery

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.

Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy

AIMS

This study aims to describe our transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) technique for ectopic pregnancy that can be performed using conventional laparoscopic equipment with the addition of a self-constructed pessary port and to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of the technique.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study evaluating outcomes of patients who underwent vNOTES for ectopic pregnancy (n = 21) between August 2019 and April 2021.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients underwent vNOTES as intended without any intraoperative complications. Three patients (14.3%) were nulliparous, 16 patients (76.2%) had no history of vaginal delivery, and 13 patients (61.9%) had a history of at least one cesarean delivery. Eight patients (38.1%) had a history of previous abdominal surgery other than cesarean section. The mean duration of surgery was 43.4 ± 12.6 min. The mean visual analog scale scores for pain were 2.45 ± 1.13 at 2 h after surgery, 0.45 ± 0.83 at 12 h after surgery, and 0.18 ± 0.36 at 24 h after surgery. The median duration of postoperative hospital stay was 1 day (range, 1-2). There were no postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

vNOTES can be performed in an existing laparoscopy setup with the addition of a self-constructed pessary port. vNOTES is a safe and effective surgical treatment option for ectopic pregnancy, even in patients who have not had a vaginal delivery and have had multiple abdominal surgeries.

Comparison of Transvaginal and Transumbilical Laparoscopic Single-Site Surgery for Ovarian Cysts

Background:

Minimally invasive surgery is currently a preferred treatment for symptomatic ovarian cyst(s), with single-site techniques, such as transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (TU-LESS) and transvaginal laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (TV-LESS), gaining increasing popularity. Although both methods have delivered positive outcomes, there is currently limited literature directly comparing TU-LESS and TV-LESS.

Objectives:

This study had two primary objectives: (1) to evaluate the safety and feasibility of TV-LESS and TU-LESS for the treatment of ovarian cysts and (2) to compare the surgical and postoperative outcomes of the two procedures.

Method:

This was a prospective observational clinical analysis of 81 patients with a diagnosis of benign ovarian cyst with indication for TV-LESS or TU-LESS. Surgeries were performed at a tertiary hospital between February 1, 2018 and January 31, 2020. Patients were divided into TV-LESS (n = 40) and TU-LESS groups (n = 40), with one excluded due to severe pelvic adhesive disease. Demographics, operation outcomes, and follow-up details were compared.

Results:

All 80 patients underwent uncomplicated procedures. The two groups were demographically matched (except age), with no difference in operation time, intra-operative blood loss, hemoglobin loss, and hospitalization costs (P > 0.05). However, TV-LESS patients had significantly faster time to ambulation (P < 0.001), faster time to return of bowel function (P < 0.001), less postoperative pain level (P < 0.001), and shorter length of hospital stay (P < 0.001). The cosmetic scores at 1, 4, and 24 weeks after surgery were also higher for the TV-LESS group.

Conclusion:

Our preliminary experience suggested that TU-LESS and TV-LESS are both feasible and safe for ovarian cystectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy. However, TV-LESS may provide three main advantages including: (1) fewer postoperative complications (i.e. incisional hernia); (2) less postoperative pain; and (3) improved cosmetic satisfaction.

Hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy using transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: The role of multichannel abdominal PORT and vaginal support ring

BACKGROUND

Although transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is gaining importance, knowledge on transvaginal NOTES procedures in gynecologic practice is limited.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed at evaluating the feasibility and safety of performing hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy (or bilateral salpingectomy) via transvaginal NOTES using a self-developed multichannel abdominal port and vaginal support ring.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, single-center, cohort pilot study was conducted from May to December 2017 in patients with benign uterine diseases or endometrial atypical hyperplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 30) scheduled for laparoscopic hysterectomy. The procedure was performed using a self-developed five-channel port and a vaginal support ring.

RESULTS

Hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy (or bilateral salpingectomy) in all 30 cases (mean age: 51.43 ± 4.60 years and body mass index: 23.42 ± 1.45 kg/m² ) were successfully performed completely under transvaginal NOTES. Mean operation time was 95.90 ± 14.60 minutes and mean blood loss during the procedure was 52.50 ± 19.20 mL. Average weight of specimen was 79.97 ± 35.48 g. Only one complication of bladder injury was noted and was rectified accordingly. Visual Analog Score (VAS) at first day after operation was 2.70 ± 0.72. After follow-up for 4.50 ± 1.85 months, all the patients' vaginal stump healed well without scar formation.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that use of multichannel abdominal port could make laparoscopic instruments easier to fix and operate wherein the vaginal support ring reduces the leakage of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum. There was no scar on the abdomen and VAS was much lower. This study also demonstrated cosmetic benefits and rapid postoperative recovery.

Ectopic pregnancy management by V-NOTES technique

Ectopic pregnancy is a frequent and life-threatening risk of childbearing. Its management represents a mainstay of emergency gynecological surgery, and laparoscopy is the surgical gold standard technique. The technique of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (V-NOTES) for the management of ectopic pregnancy is presented herein. The procedure is illustrated by an instructive video article that standardizes the essential steps to make the technique ergonomic and easy to perform (step-by-step explanations). This surgical technique allows to consider vaginal salpingectomy using a combined cœlio-vaginal approach. After a posterior colpotomy, an Alexis retractor was inserted in the pouch of Douglas followed by the placement of a dedicated platform on which three trocars were fixed. Pneumoperitoneum was then achieved. Once the diagnosis of ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy was established, a salpingectomy was performed. As a minimally invasive approach, this procedure has high patient acceptance and seems to improve favorable clinical outcomes.

Use of human fibrin glue (Tisseel) versus suture during transvaginal natural orifice ovarian cystectomy of benign and non-endometriotic ovarian tumor: a retrospective comparative study

Background

To evaluate the use of a human fibrin glue (Tisseel) for minor bleeding control and approximation of ovarian defect during transvaginal natural orifice ovarian cystectomy (TNOOC) of benign and non-endometriotic ovarian tumors.

Methods

A total of 125 women with benign and non-endometriotic ovarian tumors who underwent TNOOC between May 2011 and January 2020: 54 with the aid of Tisseel and 71 with traditional suture for hemostasis and approximation of ovarian defect. Surgical outcomes such as length of surgery, operative blood loss, postoperative pain score, and postoperative hospital stay were recorded. Before and immediately (10 days) and at 6 months after the procedure, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were also determined.

Results

Complete hemostasis and approximation of ovarian defect were achieved in all cases. No significant difference was noted in the operating time, operative blood loss, postoperative pain scores after 12, 24 and 48 h, length of postoperative stay, and baseline AMH levels between the two groups. The operation did not have a negative effect on the immediate and 6-month postoperative AMH levels in the suture group. However, the decline in the AMH levels was significant immediately after surgery in the Tisseel group, nevertheless, no significant difference was noted in the AMH levels at 6 months (3.3 vs. 1.7 mg/mL; p = 0.042, adjusted p = 0.210).

Conclusion

The use of Tisseel in TNOOC of benign and non-endometriotic ovarian tumors without suturing the ovarian tissue is clinically safe and feasible.

Laparoscopic “Core-Pulling” Salpingectomy: A Novel and Minimally Invasive Modified Salpingectomy

The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of laparoscopic “core-pulling” salpingectomy for tubal pregnancy. Laparoscopic core-pulling salpingectomy is a novel and minimally invasive salpingectomy variant, whose technical details are described here. In this retrospective study, 154 patients with tubal pregnancy underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy. In total, 76 and 78 patients underwent laparoscopic core-pulling salpingectomy (LCPS) and conventional multiport laparoscopic salpingectomy (MPLS), respectively. Then, clinical characteristics, intraoperative findings, and operative outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Surgery was successful in all 154 patients, and no significant differences were found between the LCPS and MPLS groups in clinical characteristics, intraoperative findings, and operative outcomes. These findings indicated that LCPS is feasible and constitute a practical alternative to conventional salpingectomy.

Easy way to perform salpingectomy by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) (with video)

The transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is a new minimally invasive and emerging technique. Feasibility and safety profiles of peritoneal access via transvaginal routes have been demonstrated especially for the adnexal surgery. In order to be reproducible and replicable with a standardized procedure, we propose the step-by-step video description of the vNOTES salpingectomy. The advantages of the vNOTES (low postoperative pain, faster postoperative recovery, scarless surgery) could lead to a promising alternative to conventional laparoscopic salpingectomy/adnexectomy.

A spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy presenting with acute abdomen treated with natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery procedure: Case report

Heterotopic pregnancy occurs 1 in 30000 pregnancies. We present case of an acute abdomen caused by a ruptured ectopic component. Our patient had no known risk factors, which made the diagnosis even more challenging. Intrauterine pregnancy was desired by patient and her husband. A natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedure was performed, which is a next-generation minimally invasive procedure in this area. After the procedure, our patient was discharged one day after surgery with a viable intrauterine pregnancy.

Comparison of Major Clinical Outcomes Between Transvaginal NOTES and Traditional Laparoscopic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The advent of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (transvaginal NOTES) aims to minimize surgical trauma and reduce recovery time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical trials comparing transvaginal NOTES and traditional laparoscopy were identified by searching EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science (from 2004 to March 2018). Major outcomes evaluated were risk of postoperative complications and secondary outcomes were pain on postoperative day (POD) 1, POD2, and POD3, time needed for full recovery, risk of intraoperative complications, the duration of surgery, and hospital stay. The results of the meta-analysis are presented as standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Thirteen trials with 1340 patients were identified. There were no statistical differences for risk of complications between transvaginal NOTES and traditional laparoscopy (intraoperative complications: RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.01; P = 0.37; postoperative complication: RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.01; P = 0.148). The pain score was lower in transvaginal NOTES on POD1 (SMD: -0.71, 95% CI: -1.30 to -0.11, P = 0.019), on POD2 (SMD -0.41, 95% CI -0.75 to -0.07; P = 0.018), and on POD3 (SMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.23; P < 0.001). Patients in transvaginal NOTES needed much shorter time to fully recover after surgery (SMD -1.36, 95% CI -1.84 to -0.87; P < 0.001). In addition, patients underwent transvaginal NOTES had less pain and shorter time of recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended that patients have cholecystectomy, adnexectomy, and appendectomy using transvaginal NOTES as it is safe and minimally invasive.

Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery for Tubal Pregnancy and a Device Innovation from Our Institution

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a relatively new technique currently being studied around the world. Between June 2015 and June 2017, 12 patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy underwent transvaginal NOTES to remove their fallopian tubes. All 12 surgeries were completed successfully. The median age of patients was 33years (range, 28-42), and the median body mass index was 23.47 (range, 20.55-27.68). The median duration of amenorrhea was 53days (range, 41-60). The median serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin was 8887 U/mL (range, 392-25 695). The median ectopic mass longest diameter was 2.95 cm (range, 2.1-5.0). The median surgical time was 47.5 minutes (range, 40-70). The median hemoperitoneum was 52.5 mL (range, 20-300), and the median blood loss was 7.5 mL (range, 2-20). Our study has proven the feasibility and repeatability of transvaginal NOTES for less difficult ectopic pregnancies. The success of transvaginal NOTES lies in the choice of patients and the establishment of the transvaginal operating platform. We added a plastic ring between the inner and outer rings outside the wound retractor. The modified platform can lessen the technical difficulties of performing transvaginal NOTES and broaden its applicability to other procedures.

Postoperative outcomes of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and conventional laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: a comparative study

Objective

The present study aimed to determine the differences in outcomes between natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (NAVH) and conventional laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who between July 2012 and September 2015, were diagnosed as having benign uterine disease such as uterine myoma, endometriosis, or adenomyosis and managed via NAVH or LAVH in a single-center (Eulji University Hospital). Data such as age, body weight, height, parity, operation time, intra/post-operative complications, and uterus weight were obtained from the clinical charts. NAVH and LAVH recipients were matched 1:3 in terms of baseline characteristics, and the 2 groups were compared regarding surgical outcomes.

Results

Of the 160 patients with benign uterine disease included in the present study. Forty received NAVH and remaining 120 received LAVH. There were significant differences between the groups regarding operation time and hemoglobin change. Notably, although the operation time was shorter for LAVH, hemoglobin change was lower for NAVH. Additionally, although maximum hospitalization duration was shorter for LAVH, the average length of hospitalization was similar between NAVH and LAVH. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of other variables.

Conclusion

NAVH may become a new alternative surgical method of choice for hysterectomy, as it represents a clinically feasible and safe approach; moreover is superior to LAVH in terms of bleeding loss.

Review of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in gynecology

Recent technologic advances in endoscopic instrumentation and optics have allowed the development of a less invasive alternative to conventional laparoscopic surgery. During the past decade, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) flourished in the field of general surgery, and it has emerged as a new concept of minimally invasive surgery. NOTES yields access to the abdominal cavity without any incisions on the abdominal wall (scarless surgery), and the natural orifices of the body surface, such as the mouth and the vagina, serve as the gateway to the peritoneal cavity. In gynecology, the vagina of a woman can be considered as an additional route for surgery. Recently, clinical application of transvaginal NOTES has broadened significantly in gynecology. Using transvaginal NOTES by applying the method of single-incision laparoscopic surgery via the vaginal route, not only adnexal surgery and hysterectomy, but also myomectomy and oncologic surgery could be performed safely and effectively in selected patients. In future, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the true clinical feasibility and safety of transvaginal NOTES.