‘Transvaginal endoscopic surgery’ using robots
The surgical area is smaller than that of a conventional laparoscope.
Fast recovery and quick return to daily life
Considering factors such as myoma location and surgical history… Must be performed by an experienced professional medical team
Park Sang-hee (pseudonym, 47) recently visited a hospital near her home as daily life became difficult due to symptoms of irregular menstruation, abdominal distension, and persistent bladder pressure. The hospital diagnosed me with multiple uterine fibroids (abnormal muscle masses that form in the uterus). The medical staff said, “The size of the fibroids is increasing, so surgery is inevitable,” and recommended, “Hysterectomy should be performed through an open abdomen.” However, for Mr. Park, the fact that open surgery would leave a large scar was a huge burden.
Ms. Park told the inside story to her acquaintances, received information that scarring could be minimized, and visited Professor Choo Seong-pil of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Inha University Hospital. Through various tests, Professor Chu diagnosed her with multiple fibroids accompanied by a 10cm giant fibroid and adenomyosis (a disease in which abnormal endometrial tissue is found). Next, we reviewed whether scar-free surgery was possible in order to resolve the difficulties faced by patients who were burdened by large scars.
Professor Chu determined that hysterectomy surgery could be performed without scars through ‘transvaginal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES).’ After hearing the explanation in person, Mr. Park decided to have surgery.
Professor Chu removed approximately 1.7 kg of the uterus through vNOTES hysterectomy using the da Vinci SP robot. In the case of existing laparoscopic surgery, surgical tools are usually inserted through the navel area and the uterus is removed, so some scars may remain. However, scarless surgery is accessed through the vagina and leaves no external scars. Additionally, the pain experienced immediately after surgery is less compared to other surgical methods, and recovery is faster. Mr. Park’s surgery was successful, and he recovered quickly and without scars.
In modern medicine, interest in scar-free surgery has become an important factor. Many studies have shown that scars, which were once considered simply a cosmetic feature, now affect the overall quality of life. This is because scars remind patients of their surgical experience and place a mental burden on them. In particular, not only can the scar left after a hysterectomy cause a sense of loss due to not having a uterus, but it is often accompanied by psychological pain along with other symptoms six months after the surgery. These changes can affect women’s quality of life.
Scarless surgery has great advantages other than leaving no scars. Compared to conventional laparoscopy, the surgical area is smaller, resulting in less pain after surgery and fewer complications such as hernias. Another advantage is that recovery is faster than laparoscopy, which involves making an incision in the abdominal wall and performing surgery, making it easier to return to daily life.
Scarless surgery can also help reduce the sense of loss you may feel after a hysterectomy. The absence of externally visible scars not only increases the patient’s external satisfaction, but also serves as a factor in maintaining the quality of life as a woman.
However, scarless surgery is not suitable for all uterine fibroid surgeries. Various factors must be considered, including the location of the myoma, the patient’s physical condition, and previous surgical history. If you have a history of surgery or have a severe pelvic infection, scarless surgery may be difficult. Vaginal surgery requires careful technique because it is difficult to secure a view of the space behind the uterus compared to surgery performed through the navel. Accordingly, this surgery is safe only when performed by an experienced professional medical team.
Professor Chu said, “Scarless surgery is a surgical method that goes beyond simple external cosmetics and takes the patient’s mind into consideration,” adding, “Our goal is to find the optimal surgical method for each patient and achieve maximum results with minimal scars.”
- I’m sad
- 0dog
- I’m angry
- 0dog
- I recommend it
- dog
Hot news now
Time.news Interview: The Future of Scarless Surgery with Professor Choo Seong-pil
Editor: Welcome, Professor Choo. It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss the exciting advancements in transvaginal endoscopic surgery, specifically the vNOTES technique. To start, could you explain how vNOTES differs from traditional surgical methods?
Professor Choo Seong-pil: Thank you for having me. The primary difference lies in the approach. Traditional laparoscopic surgery often requires incisions in the abdominal wall, typically through the navel, which can leave visible scars. In contrast, vNOTES utilizes the vaginal route, allowing us to perform hysterectomies without any external scars. This not only minimizes visible signs of surgery but also significantly enhances recovery time and reduces post-operative pain.
Editor: That’s fascinating! Scarless surgery seems to provide both physical and psychological benefits for patients. Could you elaborate on why the absence of scars is so crucial for many women?
Professor Choo Seong-pil: Scarless surgery impacts more than just aesthetics. Scars can serve as constant reminders of a surgical incident, sometimes leading to feelings of loss, particularly after a hysterectomy. Many women experience psychological distress due to the visible changes in their bodies. By eliminating these external scars, we help mitigate that burden, which can be a vital component in maintaining their quality of life post-surgery.
Editor: It sounds like the emotional well-being of patients is equally as important as their physical recovery. However, you mentioned that vNOTES is not universally suitable for every patient. What factors must be considered before opting for this approach?
Professor Choo Seong-pil: Absolutely, patient selection is crucial. Factors to consider include the location of the myoma, the individual’s overall health, and their surgical history. For instance, if a patient has had prior surgeries that could complicate the anatomy or has severe pelvic infections, performing vNOTES may pose additional challenges. This method requires a surgeon to have a well-trained hand since it can be technically demanding due to the limited visibility of the surgical field through the vagina.
Editor: It certainly sounds like vNOTES requires a high degree of expertise. How important is the role of a specialized medical team in ensuring the success of this procedure?
Professor Choo Seong-pil: The role of an experienced medical team cannot be overstated. Successful execution of vNOTES necessitates not only surgical skill but also comprehensive patient evaluation and planning. Our team at Inha University Hospital is adept at assessing which patients are best suited for this advanced technique, ensuring that the procedure is done safely and effectively. A collaborative approach leads to reduced complications and improved patient outcomes.
Editor: As we move forward in the field of gynecological surgery, what do you envision for the future of robotic-assisted surgeries like vNOTES?
Professor Choo Seong-pil: The future is promising. As technology continues to evolve, we expect to see even more sophisticated robotic systems that will enhance precision and safety in minimally invasive surgeries. Improvements in surgical instruments and imaging techniques will likely allow us to expand the scope of procedures effectively performed through less invasive methods, such as vNOTES. Ultimately, our goal is to offer patients effective and less traumatic options that prioritize their overall well-being.
Editor: It’s incredible to see how innovation in surgery can significantly enhance the patient experience. Thank you, Professor Choo, for sharing your insights on this game-changing approach to gynecological surgery.
Professor Choo Seong-pil: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure discussing this important topic. I believe that with continued research and advancement, we can further revolutionize women’s health care.