Female sexual function after pure transvaginal appendectomy: a cohort study.

Area of Science:

• Minimally invasive surgery
• Gynecologic surgery
• Female sexual health

Background:

• The effects of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) on female sexual function remain largely unexamined.
• This study investigates the impact of pure transvaginal appendectomy (TVA) compared to traditional laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) on sexual function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the effects of transvaginal appendectomy (TVA) versus laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) on female sexual function.
• To determine if TVA has any adverse effects on sexual health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 42 patients with acute appendicitis.
• Patients were offered either pure TVA or LA, serving as controls.
• The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used to assess sexual function pre- and post-surgery (up to 1 year).

Main Results:

• Preoperative FSFI scores were comparable between the LA and TVA groups.
• Postoperative FSFI scores (at >60 days) showed no significant difference from preoperative scores in either the LA or TVA group.
• No specific domain of female sexual function was significantly altered by either surgical procedure.

Conclusions:

• Both laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and transvaginal appendectomy (TVA) appear to have no negative impact on female sexual function.
• These findings suggest that TVA is a safe alternative regarding sexual health outcomes.
• Results can aid in patient counseling regarding the sexual sequelae of transvaginal surgery.