Feasibility of vNOTES hysterectomy in patients with enlarged uteri: a single-center experience.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and surgical outcomes of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy in patients with enlarged uteri due to benign, premalignant, and malignant conditions.

Material and methods: Patients who underwent vNOTES hysterectomy at a tertiary gynecologic oncology center were included. Patients with large uteri (>280 g or equivalent to >12-week size) were included regardless of prior cesarean delivery, obesity, nulliparity, or the presence of premalignant or malignant pathology. Demographic data, surgical outcomes, and complication details were analyzed. Complications were classified as minor or major.

Results: The cohort consisted of 46 women with a median age of 54 (40-74) years, and median body mass index 31 (21-51) kg/m². A history of previous abdominal surgery was present in 58.7%, and 21.7% (10/46) had previously undergone cesarean section. The median operative time was 56 (35-95) minutes, and the median uterine weight was 410 (280-1036) grams. The overall conversion and complication rates were both 4.3% (n=2). No major complications were observed. Minor complications included intraoperative bleeding controlled without transfusion and postoperative vaginal bleeding managed conservatively. The median hospital stay was 30 (16-72) hours. All patients were discharged without requiring reoperation during the postoperative period.

Conclusion: vNOTES hysterectomy was a feasible and safe, minimally invasive approach for patients with enlarged uteri, including those with obesity, prior abdominal surgery, and premalignant or malignant indications. It provides favorable surgical outcomes with low complication and conversion rates. This study supports the use of the vNOTES technique with a broader adoption in patients with large uteri.