What should you know about vNOTES hysterectomy?

vNOTES stands for vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. The surgeon places a sealed access device through the vagina, uses a camera to see inside the pelvis, and removes the womb through the vaginal route. Whether the cervix, fallopian tubes or ovaries are also removed depends on the reason for surgery and the agreed plan.

A hysterectomy may be considered for problems such as fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, heavy periods or some womb and cervical cancers. It ends the ability to carry a pregnancy. If both ovaries are removed, the hormonal effects may differ from surgery that leaves them in place.

Your team will discuss examinations, medicines, anaesthesia, fertility wishes and whether another route would be safer for you. Arrange help at home, follow instructions about eating and drinking, and ask when driving, lifting and sex can resume.

During recovery, tiredness, pelvic soreness, light vaginal bleeding and changes in bowel or bladder habits can occur. Take prescribed medicines as directed and attend follow-up so healing and any pathology results can be reviewed.

Contact your surgical team urgently for heavy bleeding, fever, worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge, inability to pass urine, a painful swollen leg, chest pain or shortness of breath. Sudden severe symptoms need emergency assessment.

Which organs will be removed, and how could that affect hormones or fertility? Why is vNOTES suitable for me? What warning signs and activity limits apply after discharge?