Objective:

The objective of this study is to evaluate our initial experience, using the vagina, for the removal of surgical specimens, or as a laparoscopic port in surgical interventions through natural orifices “NOTES” or (natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery).

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed data from female patients operated at the La Floresta Medical Institute in Caracas, Venezuela, from June 2009 to June 2015, who underwent interventions involving laparoscopic resections of solid organs, such as distal pancreatectomies, splenectomies, and uterine myomectomies. Using the vagina as an extraction site. We also included patients undergoing hybrid NOTES trans-vaginal appendectomy and hybrid trans-vaginal cholecystectomy. We report the technical procedure, complications related to trans-vaginal access and clinical follow-up.

Results:

Four patients underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, seven underwent laparoscopic splenectomy, four cases were resections of adnexal masses and six were uterine myomectomies. Three patients underwent surgery for trans-vaginal hybrid laparoscopic appendectomy and four for trans-vaginal hybrid cholecystectomy. In all cases, the surgical specimen was removed through the vagina. All patients reported minimal vaginal blood spotting for a maximum of 14 days (average of 8), scarce bleeding during intercourse for a maximum of 54 days (average of 32), and no patient reported dyspareunia or other discomfort related to vaginal access after six months.

Conclusions:

The use of the vagina as an extraction site for surgical specimens is possible and safe, even in cases of solid organs or contaminated specimens.