Clinical Research Directory

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

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.

Biological OviTex Versus Synthetic Graft in Robotic Prolapse Surgery

This prospective study aims to assess the efficacy of the OviTex 1S permanent mesh in pelvic floor surgery in comparison with the current standard polypropylene mesh.

Paracervical Injection and Opioid Use After Vaginal Hysterectomy for Prolapse

The goal of the study to see if giving a numbing medicine around the cervix (called a paracervical block) during vaginal hysterectomy with prolapse repair helps people feel less pain and need fewer strong pain medicines afterward. The main question it aims to answer is: • Does receiving a paracervical block at the time of vaginal hysterectomy with prolapse repair reduce postoperative opioid use? Researchers will compare opioid use in participants who receive the an injected numbing medicine (bupivacaine with lidocaine) to those that receive a saltwater liquid placebo. Participants will: * Receive either an injection of the numbing medicine (bupivacaine with lidocaine) or saltwater liquid placebo after they are asleep but before any other parts of the surgery are done * Record and report pain medications used for 7 days after surgery * Report pain scores before discharge from the post anesthesia recovery area on day of surgery as well as 1 and 7 days after surgery * Complete a surgical recovery questionnaire during 6 week postoperative visit * Complete a one page multiple-choice test on pelvic organ prolapse

Prophylactic Laparoscopic Suspension After McCall

There is prove of prolapse prevention in vaginal hysterectomy using the McCall suture. Poor and especially no long-term data exists for a standardized laparoscopic approach, but the few studies could show good anatomic results. The aim is to test the effectiveness of the laparoscopic McCall suture compared to usual vaginal cuff closure in a randomized controlled double-blinded trial.