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vNOTES

Which stands for Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery
A minimally invasive gynecological technique that uses the vaginal canal to access the pelvic cavity, allowing for procedures like hysterectomies, tubal removal, and cystectomy without abdominal incisions. It offers faster recovery, less pain, and no visible scars.

vNOTES for Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the most common procedure performed via the vNOTES technique and the second most common surgery performed in the United States.

vNOTES is a scarless, minimally invasive approach to hysterectomy performed entirely through the vagina using a small camera and specialized surgical instruments. This technique allows surgeons to access and visualize the pelvic and upper abdominal areas without making any abdominal incisions.

vNOTES is commonly used to remove the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries during a hysterectomy. It can be especially beneficial for women with larger uteri caused by fibroids, as it allows surgeons to visualize the upper abdomen through the vaginal approach while performing the procedure safely and effectively.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about 1–2 hours. Using a specialized surgical port placed through the vagina, surgeons are able to remove the uterus, tubes, or ovaries without external incisions.

Patients benefit from less postoperative pain, a lower risk of infection, and no visible scars. Recovery is often faster compared to traditional or robotic hysterectomy methods. Most patients return to normal daily activities within 1–2 weeks, though heavy lifting is usually restricted for about six weeks. Many patients are able to return home within 24 hours, and recovery often requires less need for narcotic pain medication.

In addition to faster recovery and improved comfort, vNOTES hysterectomy can also be more cost-effective than some other surgical approaches while still providing excellent outcomes.

What happens during the vNOTES procedure?

In the vNOTES procedure, the doctor uses specialized instruments inserted through the vagina instead of creating visible abdominal incisions in the body. This allows your doctor to gain access to the uterus and/or fallopian tubes and ovaries without any visible scarring.

vNOTES benefits vs the laparoscopic approach

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less post-operative pain
  • Less pain medication
  • Faster recovery time

List of vNOTES procedures

  • Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)

  • Salpingectomy (removal of fallopian tubes)

  • Oophorectomy (removal of ovaries)

  • Myomectomy (removal of fibroids)

  • Ovarian cystectomy (removal of ovarian cysts)

  • Permanent sterilization (tubal ligation)

  • Pelvic organ prolapse repair

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vNOTES at Greater Boston Urology

Dr. Angel Marie Johnson, director of our Women’s Health Centers, is trained in vNOTES. Dr. Johnson currently performs approximately 50% of her hysterectomies vaginally. Historically, she performed laparoscopic surgery or surgery through small abdominal incisions when the removal of tubes and ovaries were necessary; however, with the advent of vNOTES, this has started to change.

We are pioneers in offering cutting-edge procedures to our patients.

To learn more, schedule an appointment with Dr. Angel Marie Johnson.