Stockbridge, Ga. (August 16, 2023) – A minimally invasive option for hysterectomy procedures is now available to patients at Piedmont Henry Hospital and the surrounding area. Known as vNOTES (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery), the advanced gynecologic technique provides many benefits to female patients, such as a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain, no visible scars, and a faster recovery time. It greatly improved the traditional vaginal hysterectomy, which had gone out of favor due to the surgeon’s lack of visibility and mobility.
Tope Fapohunda, M.D., FACOG of Every Woman’s OB/GYN and Chair of Piedmont Henry’s OB/GYN department, has been specially trained on this innovative approach to hysterectomy and other common gynecologic procedures. Dr. Fapohunda, who is among a few surgeons in metro Atlanta performing this technique, has been offering vNOTES to enhance patient care for women.
The vNOTES technique, which uses the vagina as a surgical access route, is the newest approach to hysterectomy procedures. For the surgery, a device is placed through the vagina into the pelvic cavity, giving access to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The device is the means by which the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to give the surgeon the space needed to see and operate. A high-definition camera and specialized instruments are inserted through the device, allowing surgeons to operate with the utmost precision and visualization.
“The procedure often lasts less than an hour now,” said Dr. Fapohunda, who credits the advances in visualization technology for making the procedure different than in the past. “Most of my patients have never heard of this procedure, but are very interested when they find out about it.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists have recommended vaginal hysterectomy, whenever feasible, as the approach of choice.
"As a surgeon, I am continually seeking opportunities and training to offer the most cutting-edge techniques to my patients," said Dr. Fapohunda. "My patients who have had this procedure spend less time intubated, have fewer complications, and are able to do so much more by the time of their follow-up appointment than those who have gone with surgeries requiring incisions.”
“It is standard for a patient to stay overnight after this procedure for observation, but I was asking to go home after two hours. I felt fine,” said Erica Gondek. “The next day I was home and walking in my neighborhood.”
Learn more about this procedure or women’s services at Piedmont Henry by calling 770-979-0200 or visiting piedmont.org/womens-services.