Clinical Research Directory

Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic (vNOTE) Hysterectomy With Uterosacral Suspension

Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Summary

As the adoption of Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) expands, attention is shifting from feasibility studies to the refinement of surgical steps that optimize long-term pelvic health. One technical distinction between vNOTES hysterectomy and conventional laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy is the routine early transection of the uterosacral ligaments as the approach is caudal-cephalic. These ligaments are not merely anatomic landmarks-they are the primary apical support structures of the vagina, anchoring the vaginal cuff to the sacrum and providing resistance against downward displacement. Disruption of this support can predispose patients to apical vaginal prolapse, a condition that significantly affects quality of life and may require complex reconstructive surgery. Uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) is a well-established, effective method of restoring apical support at the time of hysterectomy. Incorporating uterosacral suspension into vNOTES hysterectomy is a logical evolution toward ensuring that minimally invasive innovation does not come at the expense of long-term pelvic health. By adapting and standardizing this reconstructive step for vNOTES, surgeons can maintain apical support, reduce future prolapse risk, and uphold the same quality benchmarks established in laparoscopic and vaginal surgery. OBJECTIVE AND HYPOTHESIS: This study aims to present a practical, reproducible technique for performing USLS in the vNOTES setting and to evaluate its potential immediate benefits, possible complication rates, and additional operative time compared with vNOTES hysterectomy without USLS. In doing so, we seek to demonstrate that preventive pelvic support can be seamlessly integrated without compromising the efficiency or advantages of the transvaginal endoscopic approach.

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