Prioritizing vaginal hysterectomy: a stepped algorithm with vNOTES support for benign indications

TL;DR

This study shows a vaginal-first surgical approach for benign gynecological conditions achieves high success rates, with vNOTES serving as a helpful bridge and safety measure.

Contribution

Introduces a standardized vaginal-first surgical algorithm with vNOTES as an educational and safety tool for benign hysterectomies.

Findings

Vaginal hysterectomy was successful in 87.9% of cases without abdominal incision.

vNOTES was used in 7.3% of cases as a transitional method.

Uterine weight was the only independent predictor of vaginal hysterectomy failure.

Abstract

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a standardized surgical algorithm adopting a “vaginal-first” approach in patients with non-descensus uteri. It sought to redefine vNOTES as an “educational bridge” and a “safety valve” within this framework.

This single-center, prospective cohort study included 165 consecutive patients scheduled for hysterectomy for benign indications. A standardized stepwise algorithm was implemented: pure vaginal hysterectomy (VH) as the primary target; transition to vNOTES (second tier) in case of failure to progress; and laparoscopy or laparotomy as a final resort. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon.

Vaginal completion without abdominal incision was achieved in 157 patients (95.2%). Pure VH was successful in 87.9% (n = 145), while 7.3% (n = 12) required vNOTES support, and 4.8% (n = 8) were converted to laparoscopy/laparotomy. High success rates were maintained in high-risk subgroups, including obesity (93.1%) and previous cesarean sections (96.0%). Learning curve analysis showed a significant increase in pure VH rates (81.7–93.9%; p = 0.018) and a decrease in vNOTES utilization (11.0–3.6%; p = 0.045). Multivariable regression identified uterine weight as the sole independent predictor of pure VH failure.

A “vaginal-first” approach should be the standard of care for non-descensus uteri. vNOTES functions not just as a routine method, but as an educational catalyst that enhances surgical proficiency and a critical safety valve that prevents abdominal conversion. This stepped approach optimizes resource utilization while maximizing minimally invasive benefits.

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