vNOTES Specialist in Columbia, SC
No scars, less pain and a quick return to your busy life!
In the U.S. over 500,000 hysterectomies are performed every year. vNOTES (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) is a minimally invasive gynecologic approach using the vagina as a surgical access route. Hysterectomy is the most common procedure performed via the vNOTES technique.
You play an important role in your surgery and your recovery. Research shows that patients who are well informed about their treatment options enjoy a better outcome and are more satisfied with their results. Board-certified gynecologist, Dr. Albert Odom Jr. is highly-trained at preforming the hysterectomy procedure for patients using the vNOTES technique. He will take the time to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis to determine if vNOTES is right for you. For more information, contact our gynecology clinic at (803) 907-7300 and schedule an appointment today!
What is vNOTES?
vNOTES (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) is another option to consider for your hysterectomy. It is the next advancement in minimally invasive surgery and does not require abdominal skin incisions.
In the vNOTES procedure, your doctor uses specialized instruments inserted through the vagina instead of creating visible abdominal incisions in the body. This allows your doctor to gain access to the uterus and/or fallopian tubes and ovaries without any visible scarring.
Common Conditions Treated By vNOTES
- Fibroids
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Prolapse of the uterus
- Chronic pelvic pain
What Are The Benefits of vNOTES?
vNOTES has been shown to provide the following benefits to patients compared to the laparoscopic approach:
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery time
- Less pain medication used
- Less postoperative pain
- Reduced operating time
What to Expect During Your vNOTES Procedure?
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE: Your doctor will advise you on any pre-surgical tests and give you guidelines for eating, drinking, and taking medications.
DURING THE PROCEDURE:
vNOTES is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep throughout the procedure.
- An incision is made in the vagina, and a specialized vNOTES device is placed to provide your doctor access to the uterus and/or fallopian tubes and ovaries.
- The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas (similar to traditional laparoscopic surgery) to give your doctor the necessary space to see and operate.
- A high-definition camera and specialized instruments are inserted through the vNOTES device, allowing your doctor to operate with the utmost precision and visualization.
- Once the surgery is complete, the vNOTES device is removed, the gas is evacuated, and all internal incisions are closed.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE: You may be discharged the same day as your procedure. Your doctor will advise you on your recovery and schedule a follow-up appointment.
Schedule a vNOTES Consultation in Columbia, SC
Only a trained doctor can determine whether you are eligible for a vNOTES procedure. All minimally invasive surgical procedures, including vNOTES, present risks to the patient, such as the potential for conversion to a traditional vaginal, laparoscopic, or abdominal approach. These specific risks may only be evaluated in consultation with Dr. Albert Odom. To discover if the vNOTES procedure is right for you, contact our gynecology clinic at (803) 907-7300 and schedule an appointment today!