vNOTES: A Scar-Free Hysterectomy Option

The decision to have a hysterectomy (surgically remove the uterus and cervix) comes with a mix of emotions. It can be a huge relief when it signals the end of heavy bleeding or pain, but it also means coming to terms with no longer being able to have children and the end of menstrual periods. As if that isn’t already a lot to process, concerns about surgery and recovery time can add to the anxiety.

A new procedure is now being offered. Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) is a same-day procedure in which a surgeon inserts specialized instruments through the vagina, eliminating the need for abdominal incisions.

“My patients are loving vNOTES surgery! They go home the same day, experience less pain, and have no visible incisions. It’s an amazing way to do a hysterectomy or a sterilization (tubal ligation),” said Jennifer Tessmer-Tuck, M.D.

Using the least invasive surgical technique in order to optimize recovery has always been one of Dr. Tessmer Tuck’s top priorities. With vNOTES, she can now help even more patients.

“Traditional vaginal surgery hasn’t always been an option for everyone—sometimes because the uterus is too large, the patient has never had a baby or they’ve had previous C-sections. The vNOTES approach combines traditional vaginal surgery with laparoscopy (using a small camera), allowing me to offer vaginal surgery to many more patients, including those with larger uteruses or no history of childbirth,” Dr. Tessmer-Tuck explained. “It’s amazing to think you could have a hysterectomy or a sterilization (tubal ligation) and no one would ever know—because there are no visible incisions!”

To learn more about this medical advancement, visit the vNOTES website or schedule a consultation with a member of CRMC’s Women’s Health team.