Outcomes of transvaginal radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic leiomyomas.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the effect of transvaginal radiofrequency ablation for leiomyoma in symptomatic patients and post procedure follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective forward-looking observational study was performed including 63 patients who underwent transvaginal radiofrequency ablation between January 2016 and December 2022 at San Cecilio University Hospital in Granada, Spain. The variables registered were: age, parity, the clinical features that lead to the medical visit and pre-surgical treatment. Prior to the procedure, leiomyoma location and volume were determined by transvaginal ultrasound. Follow-ups were scheduled at 6 and 12 months to evaluate symptom improvement, adverse outcomes, leiomyoma volume and if any necessary post-surgical treatment was required. RESULTS: Mean leiomyoma volume at baseline, 6 months and 12 months was 83.3 (24.9-130.7), 42.4 (4.7-89.0) and 19.2 (1.9-80.4) cm3, respectively (p < .001). Significant differences were found between the baseline and 12 month visits (p < .001). At the annual follow-up, the mean rate of volume reduction was 79.5 %, being higher in women who reported symptom improvement compared to those who reported no change in symptom intensity from baseline (84.6% vs. 30.8 %). Patients with a lower initial volume and age over 40 were more likely to have treatment efficacy. 8 pregnancies were registered post procedure. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency is well tolerated, allowing for same-day discharge, rapid recovery and a safe approach for women who want to preserve their reproductive potential. Initial volume and age over 40 appear to be factors that should be considered in patient selection. Further studies are needed to continue evaluating the outcomes and identifying predictive factors.

Transvaginal resection of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the rectum: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The most common curative treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is local excision. For rectal GISTs, however, local excision is difficult because of the anatomical features of the rectum. The optimal surgical approach is still under debate, and less invasive methods are desired. We herein report a case of transvaginal resection of a rectal GIST in a young woman. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old woman was diagnosed with a resectable GIST in the anterior rectal wall and underwent transvaginal tumor resection. The posterior vaginal wall was incised, revealing the tumor fully covered by the rectal mucosa. The rectal adventitia and muscular layer were incised, and the tumor was resected en bloc without rupture. The postoperative course was favorable, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 12. No findings consistent with recurrence were present 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal tumor resection is a treatment option as a minimally invasive procedure for GISTs in the anterior rectal wall in female patients.

Transvaginal Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Systematic Review.

Appendectomy remains the gold standard for treating appendicitis, but advancements in laparoscopic techniques have shifted the paradigm. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and transvaginal appendectomy (TVA) offer a potentially less invasive alternative to traditional laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). This article systematically reviews the procedures, perceptions, and complications of TVA to assess its viability as a surgical option. Between January 1, 2003, and November 1, 2023, 4832 case reports, case series, and experimental and observational peer-reviewed publications were examined and filtered using the keyword "Transvaginal Laparoscopic Appendectomy." The publications were screened using PRISMA guidelines, and 20 studies were included for analysis and review. Survey results showed that women's acceptance of TVA was 43%, citing reduced invasiveness as a major reason for positive reception. TVA procedures exhibited consistency, with variations in appendectomy methods, appendix removal, and posterior fornix incision closure. Positive outcomes included shorter operation times, reduced postoperative pain, and minimal scarring. Complications were uncommon but included bladder puncture, urinary tract infections, and intra-abdominal abscesses. Indications primarily focused on surgical safety, reduced scarring, and postoperative benefits. Sexual function post-TVA exhibited no significant differences in most cases, with a recovery period of two to four weeks. This systematic review suggests that TVA is a promising alternative to traditional LA, offering potential advantages in terms of postoperative complications. While the existing literature indicates positive outcomes, further research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of TVA and assess how the procedure impacts the reproductive function of patients.

Transvaginal approach combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy assisted by transrectal ultrasound: results from 30 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of transvaginal approach combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy (IC/IS BT) assisted by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) for treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients of LACC treated with external beam radiotherapy and IC/IS BT via transvaginal approach assisted by transrectal ultrasound were observed retrospectively. The 2-year local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Late adverse events were also evaluated to assess the safety of IC/IS BT. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 22 months. The 2-year LC, PFS, and OS were 90%, 61%, and 82%, respectively. We observed no critical complications related to the IC/IS BT technique. Late adverse events of grade 3 or more included one case of grade 4 colon perforation. CONCLUSION: Our patient series demonstrated that radiotherapy combined with transvaginal approach, TRUS-assisted IC/IS BT achieves favorable local control and safety for LACC.

Clinical efficacy of flap transfer coverage in the treatment of vesicovaginal fistula.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) brings severe psychological, physiological, and social stress to patients, which seriously affects the quality of their sexual life. Traditional transvaginal repair surgery can cause vaginal shortening. Transferring the lateral free flap can maintain vaginal length. This study was carried out to investigate the clinical efficacy of the surgery of flap transfer coverage for treating VVF. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 37 patients diagnosed with VVF and repaired by flap transfer coverage in the Urogynecology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2018 to June 2021. All patients took a prone split leg position to repair VVF with the flap transfer covering method and a chart review was performed. RESULTS: Among the 37 patients, there were 34 cases of primary complete healing, and the success rate reached 91.89% without recurrence and complications. Three cases recurred with leakage of urine; cystoscopy showed that the fistula was significantly reduced, and all patients were cured after secondary repair by the same surgical method without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Flap transfer coverage is a safe and effective surgical method for repairing VVF. The prone split leg position can better increase exposure. The fistula being away from the incision suture is the key to the success of the operation. Transferring the fistula can effectively improve the cure rate of VVF. Transferring the lateral free flap can maintain vaginal length.

Transvaginal approach for rectovaginal fistula: experience from a single institution.

Transvaginal (TV) repair, featuring its feasibility, effectiveness, safety, and technically less demandingness, is one of the surgical approaches for management of rectovaginal fistula (RVF). However, there are limited numbers of publications available on the transvaginal approach for RVF repair. To this end, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the preliminary outcomes of the transvaginal approach performed by the team, and to further assess its feasibility, safety and effectiveness in the management of RVF. A retrospective analysis was conducted at a single institution. Patients with RVF who had undergone three transvaginal surgical techniques, i.e. transvaginal fistulectomy and stratified suture, transvaginal flip and ligation fistula tract and transvaginal fistula stapled closure were included. Besides, the demographics, operative data, postoperative complications and follow-up outcomes of the patients were collected prospectively. A total of 49 female patients (mean age, 35.76 ± 13.97 years) underwent transvaginal approach, 42 of which were followed up with a median follow-up of 26 months (range 3-82 months), and 29 had closure of the fistula (successful closure rate of 59.1%). The successful closure rates were only significantly different between previous repair times (p = 0.031), and several minor complications including postoperative pain (n = 3), constipation (n = 1), and lower urinary tract infection (n = 1) were observed. Symptomatic improvement was reported in all patients with failed closure. Transvaginal approach for RVF repair is effective, safe, and feasible, and is therefore considered an alternative to transrectal advancement flap for low and mid-level traumatic RVF with normal sphincter function. With the advantage of better surgical access, transvaginal approach is recognized as the initial choice for the surgical repair of RVF.

Validation of an ovine vesicovaginal fistula model.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: A representative, large animal model of vesicovaginal fistulas is needed for the training of surgeons and for the development of new surgical techniques and materials for obstetric fistula repair. METHODS: The safety, feasibility, and reproducibility of vesicovaginal fistula creation were studied in 4 adult female sheep. A 1-cm fistula was created between the vagina and the bladder through a transvaginal approach. The defect was allowed to heal for 8 weeks and the animals were then euthanized. The primary outcome was the fistula patency. Secondary outcomes were fistula size, urogenital dimensions, urodynamic evaluation, histology (inflammation, vascularization, collagen deposition) and biomechanical characteristics of the fistula edge (stress at break, maximum elongation, and stiffness). RESULTS: The transvaginal creation of a vesicovaginal fistula was safe. All animals survived the surgical procedure and follow-up period, without complications. Three of the four animals demonstrated a patent vesicovaginal fistula after 8 weeks. Baseline data are provided of the urogenital dimensions and the urodynamic, histological, and biomechanical characteristics of the model. CONCLUSIONS: The ewe is a safe, feasible, and reproducible model for vesicovaginal fistulas. The model can help to study new techniques and materials to boost surgical innovation for vesicovaginal fistula repair.

Outcomes of Transvaginal Anterior Levatorplasty with Posterior Colporrhaphy for Symptomatic Rectocele.

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the long-term outcomes of transvaginal anterior levatorplasty with posterior colporrhaphy for symptomatic rectocele with defecographic changes. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing transvaginal anterior levatorplasty with posterior colporrhaphy for symptomatic rectocele were prospectively registered and retrospectively reviewed using medical records. Symptoms, fecal incontinence, and defecographic findings were evaluated before and after surgery. RESULTS: Fifty-seven women (mean age, 68 years) were identified, and the median disease duration was 24 months. Symptoms of vaginal mass (n = 32) and difficult defecation (n = 21) disappeared (90.6% and 71.4%, respectively) or improved (6.3% and 28.6%, respectively) after surgery. However, the feeling of residual stool was unchanged in two of eight patients. Seventeen patients who performed digitation on defecation before surgery discontinued digitation after surgery. The proportion of patients who had fecal incontinence preoperatively (40.4%) decreased significantly after surgery (17.5%) during a median follow-up period of 47 months. Defecography revealed a disappearance or improvement of rectocele in all 18 patients examined. The average rectocele size decreased significantly in six improved patients (p = 0.0006, paired t-test). CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal anterior levatorplasty with posterior colporrhaphy for symptomatic rectocele was a useful option to improve symptoms and anatomical disorders in the long term, but it had limitations in improving defecatory symptoms.

Transvaginal minimally invasive approach: An update on safety from an anatomical, anatomopathological and clinical point of view.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to analyze the transvaginal approach in minimally invasive surgery in terms of anatomical, histopathological and functional characteristics, to show the safety of this surgical approach. METHODS: Anatomical study was first conducted by dissection on fresh cadavers of adult women in order to measure the distance between the vaginal incision and the ureters, rectum and hypogastric nerves. In parallel, an anatomopathological study detailed and compared the macroscopic and histological characteristics of the anterior and posterior surfaces of vaginal samples obtained from cadavers and patients in the context of a hysterectomy for benign pathology. Finally, patients who underwent a transvaginal approach nephrectomy or transplantation were retrospectively enrolled for a clinical examination and an evaluation of their sexuality. RESULTS: The anatomical study conducted on seventeen cadavers showed that the posterior vaginal fornix was remote from the major structures of the pelvis such as rectum, ureters, hypogastric plexus, which allowed a safe incision. Mechanical tests further demonstrated that the posterior vaginal fornix was more extensible than the anterior and histological features showed no major vascular or nervous structures. Ten patients were included in the retrospective clinical study. Long-term follow up showed no negative impact on the texture of the vagina or satisfaction from sexual intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical, histological and functional data supported that transvaginal approach by posterior vagina fornix incision is a minimally invasive surgery that can be performed safely and effectively by a skilled surgeon in cases with a specific surgical indication for this approach.

Transvaginal Radiofrequency Ablation of Myomas: Technique, Outcomes, and Complications.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to study technique, complications, and outcomes of transvaginal ultrasound-guided radiofrequency myolysis (TRFAM) of uterine myomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study of 205 patients with metrorrhagia secondary to type II/III submucosal or intramural cavity-distorting myomas undergoing outpatient TRFAM under sedation between September 2015 and February 2017. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraoperative and postoperative complications, correction of metrorrhagia, patient satisfaction, mean volume of myoma, and hemoglobin level at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 38.7 years (range 26-49). The mean operating time was 17 minutes (range 11-44). The mean postoperative time to discharge home was 2.3 hours (range 1.6-3.2). There were 2 (1.46%) patients with type III-b complications (Clavien-Dindo classification). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) preoperative myoma volume was 122.4 [182.5] cm3. There was a significant reduction in the mean volume at 1 (85.2 [147.9] cm3; P = .001), 3 (67.3 [138.0] cm3; P = .001), 6 (59.3 [135.3] cm3; P = .001), and 12 months (49.6 [121.4] cm3; P = .001). The mean volume reduction at 12 months was 60% when compared with preoperative volume. All patients had normal menstruation at a mean follow-up of 3 months (range 1.5-6). CONCLUSION: TRFAM is an effective and safe technique in selected patients for the treatment of metrorrhagia secondary to myomas.

Vaginal Approach to Vesicovaginal Fistula.

Vesicovaginal fistula is the most commonly encountered sequela of genitourinary trauma. Although the etiology differs between developed and developing countries, the principles of fistula repair must be strictly adhered to for success. Timing and route of repair remain contentious, because of a lack of randomized data. Evaluation and management is dictated by the surgeon's experience. Minimally invasive techniques with laparoscopy and robotic technology are generating wider interest with reduced postoperative morbidity, but a transvaginal technique should be in the arsenal of all pelvic reconstructive surgeons. More research is required to evaluate the optimal surgical route and technique for successful outcomes.

Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in female urologic diseases / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To describe our experience with the transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in female patients,and to evaluate its clinical value.Methods Between May 2010 and April 2017,a total of 289 female patients underwent transvaginal NOTES in our center,including 31cases of adrenal tumors,46 cases of renal tumors,188 cases of non-functional kidneys,5 cases of renal cysts,4 cases of duplex kidney,7 cases of renal tuberculosis and 8 cases of renal pelvis tumors.Among them,146 cases were on the left side,142 cases on the right side,and 1 case on both sides (renal cysts).The median age was 39.4 (range 23 to 76) years,and the median body mass index was 21.8(range 15.4 to 32.6) kg/m2.After general anesthesia,the patients were positioned in lithotomy with ipsilateral lumbar at 30°-60° angle to the floor.Hybrid and pure transvaginal NOTES were performed.The specimen was removed through an extended incision at the posterior vaginal fornix.Results Transvaginal NOTES was successfully completed in 281 patients.Two patients required conversion to suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery because of the rectal injury in pure transvaginal NOTES nephrectomy.Six patients underwent open conversion.The various transvaginal hybrid NOTES procedures included adrenalectomy (31 cases),nephrectomy (206 cases;simple 174 cases,radical 32 cases),partial nephrectomy (13 cases),heminephroureterctomy for duplex kidney (4 cases) and hybrid endoscopy for nephroureterectomy (7 cases).The mean operative time was 105 min (45-310 min),the mean estimated blood loss was 87 ml (20-800 ml),the mean visual analogue score (VAS) of 48 hours after operation was 2.5 (1-4) points and the mean hospitalization was 7.3 d (4-13 d) for transvaginal hybrid NOTES.The various pure transvaginal NOTES procedures included nephrectomy (22 cases;simple 21,radical 1),renal cyst excision (5 cases).The mean operative time was 170 min (60-320 min),the mean estimated blood loss was 140 ml (20-500 ml),the mean VAS of 48 hours after operation was 1.7 (1-3) points and the mean hospitalization was 5.5 d (3-10 d) for transvaginal pure NOTES.Complications occurred in 56 cases (19.38％),including 20 cases (6.92％) of severe complications,and no death occurred.After a mean follow-up of 51 (range 3 to 86) months,umbilicus scar was hidden.The incision in the vagina healed well.No infection in the abdominal or pelvic cavity or celiocele occurred.The umbilicus scar is not obvious after surgery,and 3 months after surgery.The median Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) score was 38 (31-58) and the median Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score was 28.2 (22.5-32.2),and the quality of life index was significantly higher than that of preoperation.Condusions Transvaginal NOTES could treat variousprimary diseases,and improve the postoperative quality of life.It does not increase the incidence of related complications,or cause negative effect on the female sexual function,pregnancy or fertility.It can lead to good cosmetic outcome and less pain,which is worth applying in clinical practice.

Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in female urologic diseases / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To describe our experience with the transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in female patients,and to evaluate its clinical value.Methods Between May 2010 and April 2017,a total of 289 female patients underwent transvaginal NOTES in our center,including 31cases of adrenal tumors,46 cases of renal tumors,188 cases of non-functional kidneys,5 cases of renal cysts,4 cases of duplex kidney,7 cases of renal tuberculosis and 8 cases of renal pelvis tumors.Among them,146 cases were on the left side,142 cases on the right side,and 1 case on both sides (renal cysts).The median age was 39.4 (range 23 to 76) years,and the median body mass index was 21.8(range 15.4 to 32.6) kg/m2.After general anesthesia,the patients were positioned in lithotomy with ipsilateral lumbar at 30°-60° angle to the floor.Hybrid and pure transvaginal NOTES were performed.The specimen was removed through an extended incision at the posterior vaginal fornix.Results Transvaginal NOTES was successfully completed in 281 patients.Two patients required conversion to suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery because of the rectal injury in pure transvaginal NOTES nephrectomy.Six patients underwent open conversion.The various transvaginal hybrid NOTES procedures included adrenalectomy (31 cases),nephrectomy (206 cases;simple 174 cases,radical 32 cases),partial nephrectomy (13 cases),heminephroureterctomy for duplex kidney (4 cases) and hybrid endoscopy for nephroureterectomy (7 cases).The mean operative time was 105 min (45-310 min),the mean estimated blood loss was 87 ml (20-800 ml),the mean visual analogue score (VAS) of 48 hours after operation was 2.5 (1-4) points and the mean hospitalization was 7.3 d (4-13 d) for transvaginal hybrid NOTES.The various pure transvaginal NOTES procedures included nephrectomy (22 cases;simple 21,radical 1),renal cyst excision (5 cases).The mean operative time was 170 min (60-320 min),the mean estimated blood loss was 140 ml (20-500 ml),the mean VAS of 48 hours after operation was 1.7 (1-3) points and the mean hospitalization was 5.5 d (3-10 d) for transvaginal pure NOTES.Complications occurred in 56 cases (19.38％),including 20 cases (6.92％) of severe complications,and no death occurred.After a mean follow-up of 51 (range 3 to 86) months,umbilicus scar was hidden.The incision in the vagina healed well.No infection in the abdominal or pelvic cavity or celiocele occurred.The umbilicus scar is not obvious after surgery,and 3 months after surgery.The median Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) score was 38 (31-58) and the median Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score was 28.2 (22.5-32.2),and the quality of life index was significantly higher than that of preoperation.Condusions Transvaginal NOTES could treat variousprimary diseases,and improve the postoperative quality of life.It does not increase the incidence of related complications,or cause negative effect on the female sexual function,pregnancy or fertility.It can lead to good cosmetic outcome and less pain,which is worth applying in clinical practice.

Complications of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) nephrectomy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To analyze the complications of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery( TV-NOTES) nephrectomy, and to explore effective measures to prevent and manage those complication.Methods From May 2010 to January 2015, a total of 178 females who had been married and given birth underwent TV-NOTES nephrectomy in our center.The average age was 47 ( ranging 23 to 71 ) years and the average BMI was 23.6 ( ranging 14.7 to 31.9 ) kg/m2.Pathological diagnosis included 142 cases of non-functional kidneys, 29 cases of renal tumors ( T1 N0-1 M0 25 cases, T2 N0-1 M0 4 cases) , and 7 cases of renal tuberculosis.One hundred and sixty hybrid TV-NOTES nephrectomy procedures (simple in 132, radical in 28) and 18 pure TV-NOTES nephrectomy procedures (simple in 17, radical in 1) were performed.Intraoperative and postoperative complications were graded according to Satava and Clavien-Dindo grade classifications.The major complications and relative treatments were analyzed.Results Among the 178 TV-NOTES nephrectomy procedures, there were 40 ( 22.5%) complications occurred, including 13 (7.3%) major complications, in which there were 11 cases of intraoperative complications (6.2%),2 cases of postoperative complications (1.1%).All the complications were successfully managed using organ repair or resection, embolectomy, hemostasis, and so on.No intraoperative and postoperative deaths occurred.There was no significant difference in major complications between hybrid TV-NOTES and pure TV-NOTES nephrectomy (6.9%vs.11.1%, P=0.620).The intraoperative major complications in the early developmental stage of TV-NOTES nephrectomy were more than that of the late stage (20.0%vs.3.4%, P=0.004).There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the early and late developmental stage of TV-NOTES nephrectomy (13.3%vs.10.8%, P=0.751).Conclusions TV-NOTES nephrectomy is safe and feasible, but there are some major complications worthy of attention.Personal prevent and treatment strategy should be considered.

Surgical time and complications of total transvaginal (total-NOTES), single-port laparoscopic-assisted and conventional ovariohysterectomy in bitches / Tempo cirúrgico e das complicações entre as técnicas de ovário-histerectomia totalmente transvaginal (total-NOTES), videoassistida com único portal e convencional em cadelas

The recently developed minimally invasive techniques of ovariohysterectomy (OVH) have been studied in dogs in order to optimize their benefits and decrease risks to the patients. The purpose of this study was to compare surgical time, complications and technical difficulties of transvaginal total-NOTES, single-port laparoscopic-assisted and conventional OVH in bitches. Twelve bitches were submitted to total-NOTES (NOTES group), while 13 underwent single-port laparoscopic-assisted (SPLA group) and 15 were submitted to conventional OVH (OPEN group). Intra-operative period was divided into 7 stages: (1) access to abdominal cavity; (2) pneumoperitoneum; approach to the right (3) and left (4) ovarian pedicle and uterine body (5); (6) abdominal or vaginal synthesis, performed in 6 out of 12 patients of NOTES; (7) inoperative time. Overall and stages operative times, intra and postoperative complications and technical difficulties were compared among groups. Mean overall surgical time in NOTES (25.7±6.8 minutes) and SPLA (23.1±4.0 minutes) groups were shorter than in the OPEN group (34.0±6.4 minutes) (P<0.05). The intraoperative stage that required the longest time was the approach to the uterine body in the NOTES group and abdominal and cutaneous sutures in the OPEN group. There was no difference regarding the rates of complications. Major complications included postoperative bleeding requiring reoperation in a bitch in the OPEN group, while minor complications included mild vaginal discharge in four patients in the NOTES group and seroma in three bitches in the SPLA group. In conclusion, total-NOTES and SPLA OVH were less time-consuming then conventional OVH in bitches. All techniques presented complications, which were properly managed.

O emprego de novas técnicas minimamente invasivas de ovário-histerectomia (OHE) vem sendo estudado em cães com o intuito de otimizar seus benefícios e reduzir os riscos aos pacientes. O presente estudo objetivou comparar o tempo cirúrgico, as complicações e dificuldades técnicas entre as abordagens por total-NOTES transvaginal, videoassistida com único portal e por celiotomia para ovário-histerectomia (OVH) em cadelas. Foram operados 12 animais por total-NOTES (grupo NOTES), 13 pela técnica videoassistida (grupo SPLA) e 15 pela técnica convencional (grupo OPEN). O período intraoperatório foi dividido em sete etapas: (1) acesso à cavidade abdominal; (2) criação do pneumoperitônio; abordagem ao pedículo ovariano direito (3), esquerdo (4) e ao corpo uterino (5); (6) síntese abdominal ou vaginal, realizado em seis de 12 pacientes do grupo NOTES; (7) tempo inoperante. Os parâmetros avaliados foram o tempo cirúrgico total e de cada etapa intraoperatória, a frequência de complicações intra e pós-operatórias e dificuldades técnicas. O tempo cirúrgico total médio dos grupos NOTES (25,7±6,8 minutos) e SPVA (23,1±4,0 minutos) foram menores que o do grupo OPEN (34,0±6,4 minutos) (P<0.05). A etapa intraoperatória que demandou maior tempo de execução foi a abordagem ao corpo uterino para o grupo NOTES, e síntese abdominal e cutânea para o grupo OPEN. Uma cadela do grupo OPEN necessitou de reintervenção para controle de hemorragia como complicação maior, e três cadelas do grupo SPVA apresentaram seroma de ferida cirúrgica como complicações menores. Concluiu-se que as técnicas de total-NOTES e SPLA apresentaram menor tempo cirúrgico que a abordagem convencional de OVH em cadelas. Todas as técnicas apresentaram complicações que foram adequadamente manejadas.

Robotic repair of vesicovaginal fistulae with the transperitoneal-transvaginal approach: A case series

Objective To describe a novel technique of repairing the VVF using the transperitoneal-transvaginal approach. Materials and Methods From June 2011 to October 2013, four patients with symptoms of urine leakage in the vagina underwent robotic repair of VVF with the transperitoneal-transvaginal approach. Cystoscopy revealed the fistula opening on the bladder. A ureteral stent was placed through the fistulous tract. After trocar placement, the omental flap was prepared and mobilized robotically. The vagina was identified and incised. The fistulous tract was excised. Cystorrhaphy was performed in two layers in an interrupted fashion. The vaginal opening was closed with running stitches. The omentum was interposed and anchored between the bladder and vagina. Finally, the ureteral catheters were removed in case they have been placed, and an 18 Fr urethral catheter was removed on the 14th postoperative day. Results The mean age was 46 years (range: 41 to 52 years). The mean fistula diameter was 1.5 cm (range 0.3 to 2 cm). The mean operative time was 117.5 min (range: 100 to 150 min). The estimated blood loss was 100 mL (range: 50 to 150 mL). The mean hospital stay was 1.75 days (range: 1 to 3 days). The mean Foley catheter duration was 15.75 days (range: 10 to 25 days). There was no evidence of recurrence in any of the cases. Conclusions The robot-assisted laparoscopic transperitoneal transvaginal approach for VVF is a feasible procedure when the fistula tract is identified by first intentionally opening the vagina, thereby minimizing the bladder incision and with low morbidity. .

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: The transvaginal route moving forward from cholecystectomy.

The advent of minimally invasive surgery and the advances in endoluminal flexible endoscopy have converged to generate a new concept in digestive surgery, whose acronym natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), has become a familiar term in the surgical community. NOTES has been performed through the mouth, the bladder, the rectum and the vagina. Of these four approaches, the vagina has gained most popularity for several reasons. It is not only readily accessible and easy to decontaminate but it also provides safe entry and simple closure. The transvaginal approach has been described in the experimental and the clinical setting as an option for cholecystectomy, nephrectomy, splenectomy, segmental gastrectomy, retroperitoneal exploration and bariatric surgery. However, larger series are needed to delineate the exact risks of this approach, and to transcend cultural barriers that impede its wider introduction. Prospective randomized trials will shed light on the definitive role of the vaginal approach in minimal invasive surgery of the future.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery on animal models / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the safety and feasibility of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES)with current available techniques and endoscopic accessories.Methods Transgastric and transvaginal endoscopic abdominal cavity exploration were performed in 6 female pigs.A needle-knife and a ERCP scalpel were used to make an anterior gastric wall incision,and a dilating balloon to expand the passage,through which a therapeutic gastroscope was sent into the abdominal cavity to seek the target organ.Partial liver resection was performed in 2 cases.For incision closure,a clip was applied to the incision orifice or it was just given putting-aside therapy.One week later,the abdominal cavity was examined via vagina.Another week later,it was observed via other incision of the stomach.Four weeks after the operation,the pigs were sacrificed.Adhesion,injury to the organs and closure of the incision were evaluated.Results Transgastric procedures were performed 12 times and transvaginal procedures 6 times.Mean operation time via stomach was 33.4±10.9 min.and that via vagina WaS 10.1±2.5 min.All animals recovered and gained weight after the operation.The incision healed up with no obvious complications.Re-exploration showed adhesion of various degrees,no effusion,or injury to the organs were observed.Ketamine plus propofol achieved satisfactory anesthetic effect with no complications.One of the two animals which underwent liver partial resection died of disphragmatic muscle perforation.Hemarrhage occurred twice,both in the procedures via satisfied.One case developed abdominal abscess.Conclusion It Was feasible and safe to perform NOTES via transgastric and transvaginal approach to the abdominal cavity and liver resection.But development of NOTES specific instruments is essential to the procedure.