What is vNotes hysterectomy?
vNotes hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that removes your uterus through a single, small incision in your vagina. This type of laparoscopic surgery uses a special device, video monitors and instruments to reach your uterus without the need for any incisions in your abdomen.
The name vNotes stands for vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. Along with removing the uterus to treat conditions like uterine fibroids, it may be used to perform other gynecologic surgeries, such as “tying” your tubes, fallopian tube removal, draining ovarian cysts or pelvic organ prolapse repair.
Who is a candidate for vNotes hysterectomy?
You might choose vNotes hysterectomy to relieve symptoms of fibroids, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, uterine prolapse or other uterine conditions. Even if you have factors like a large uterus, previous C-sections or have never had a vaginal delivery, the vNotes approach may still be an option for you.
In some cases, vNotes is not a good fit. You may not be able to have this type of hysterectomy if you have:
- Gynecologic cancer
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Infections in the pelvic area
- Certain previous pelvic surgeries
- You are pregnant
Benefits of a vNotes hysterectomy
The vNotes approach to hysterectomy lets your care team visualize and reach your pelvic organs, including your uterus, with improved access—all through a small, non-visible incision. Because of this, it offers several benefits compared to traditional or laparoscopic surgery through the abdomen or other vaginal hysterectomy approaches.
Benefits of vNotes include:
- No visible scarring from incisions
- Less gas pain and reduced need for pain medications
- Shorter time in the hospital, often less than 24 hours
- Quicker recovery at home
How to prepare for vNotes hysterectomy
Like any surgery, you’ll want to talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of vNotes hysterectomy and if it’s right for you. Before your surgery, your doctor will explain the procedure and order pre-surgical tests. You’ll also receive instructions on stopping medications and fasting before surgery.
At your visit before surgery, you may ask your provider about the following:
- Insurance coverage for your procedure
- Risks and benefits of vNotes surgery
- What to expect on the day of surgery
- What to expect when recovering at home
The vNotes procedure
The vNotes procedure is performed by an obstetrics and gynecology physician with special training in using the vNotes device during surgery. This device allows your doctor to perform your hysterectomy through a small incision in the vagina while providing similar access to your uterus and other pelvic organs as a surgery performed through an abdominal incision.
Because of this specialized, minimally invasive approach, many people are able to go home on the same day as surgery. Your care team will give you an estimate of when you should expect to leave the hospital.
vNOTES hysterectomy recovery
The small incision used in the vNotes procedure typically means less pain after surgery. Your doctor may give you prescription medications for the pain, or you may be able to manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers.
At one to two weeks after surgery, you can usually go back to most of your daily activities. You’ll also have a follow-up visit with your doctor. While many people say they feel back to normal soon after surgery, it’s recommended that you avoid strenuous activities, lifting and sex for six weeks to let the vaginal incision fully heal.