Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted minilaparoscopic nephrectomy: a step towards scarless surgery

The feasibility of a transvaginal hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) nephrectomy has already been demonstrated using standard laparoscopic ports through the abdominal wall. We evaluated the feasibility of a transvaginal NOTES-assisted minilaparoscopic nephrectomy (mLN). The patient is positioned in a semilumbotomy position with legs separated to allow for vaginal access. A 3.5-mm port is placed at the umbilicus for a 30° laparoscope; two 3.5-mm ports are placed in the flank in the same location as for a standard transperitoneal nephrectomy; and a 12-mm port is placed through the vagina, perforating the vaginal wall. Kidney dissection is performed following the steps of a traditional nephrectomy. The renal pedicle is dissected and secured with Hem-o-Lok clips through the vaginal access port. The specimen is then extracted through an extended incision in the posterior wall of the vagina. We treated five patients. The average operative time was 120 min, blood loss was 160 ml, and no complications were recorded. Our initial experience suggests that transvaginal NOTES-assisted mLN is feasible and appears to be safe. It is simpler than a pure NOTES procedure and ensures excellent cosmetic results.