Feasibility and safety of vNOTES for gynecological procedures in obese patients

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the feasibility and safety of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) to treat benign and malign gynecological conditions in obese patients.

Material and methods: We analyzed data from 79 obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 Kg/m² operated by vNOTES for gynecological conditions between May 2020 and April 2023. The primary outcome was the feasibility of performing the surgery as initially planned. Data were presented for subgroups of patients with obesity class I (BMI 30.1 - 34.9 Kg/m²), class II (BMI 35.0 - 39.9 Kg/m²), and class III (BMI ≥ 40.0 Kg/m²).

Results: Patients presented obesity class I in 39 cases (49.4 %), class II in 27 cases (34.2 %), and class III in 13 cases (16.4 %). Fifty-two patients (65.8 %) underwent vNOTES hysterectomy, 26 patients (32.9 %) underwent procedures limited to the adnexa, and 1 patient (1.3 %) underwent myomectomy. The conversion rate was 0 %, 11.1 %, and 7.7 % in obesity class I, II, and III, respectively. Intraoperative bladder injury was observed in 1 case (1.3 %) and rectal serosal tear in 2 cases (2.5 %). Postoperatively, we observed 3 cases (3.8 %) of wound infection, 2 cases (2.5 %) of cystitis, and 1 case (1.3 %) of deep vein thrombosis.

Discussion: This study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of performing gynecological vNOTES procedures in obese patients. However, obesity could be associated with longer and more complex interventions, especially in obesity class II and III patients.

Keywords: Endoscopic surgery; Gynecological surgery; Minimally invasive surgery; Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES); Obesity.