Pure transvaginal umbilical hernia repair
Stephanie G Wood1, Lucian Panait, Robert L Bell
1Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, 40 Temple St., Suite 7B, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. stephanie.wood@yale.edu
Surgical Endoscopy
|February 26, 2013
Summary
This study demonstrates the first pure transvaginal umbilical hernia repair in a human, showing it is a feasible and safe minimally invasive surgery. The transvaginal approach offers cosmetic benefits and reduces future hernia risks.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES)
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Transvaginal NOTES procedures offer reduced recovery and pain.
- Hybrid transvaginal procedures are common.
- This is the first human case of a pure transvaginal umbilical hernia repair.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old female with a symptomatic umbilical hernia post-cholecystectomy underwent the procedure.
- A transvaginal approach utilized a SILS port and standard laparoscopic instruments.
- A 12 cm mesh was deployed and fixated laparoscopically through the vaginal incision.
Findings:
- The pure transvaginal umbilical hernia repair was completed in 103 minutes on an outpatient basis.
- No intraoperative complications occurred.
- The patient experienced no pain or recurrence at 9-month follow-up.
Implications:
- Transvaginal ventral hernia repair is feasible and safe in humans.
- This approach may enhance cosmesis and lower future hernia incidence.
- Further refinement of techniques and devices is expected for transvaginal surgery.