The Giep needle pass: a simple technique for the passage of needles for vaginal cuff closure in robotically assisted...

The passage of needles and suture to close the vaginal cuff during a robotically assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy typically necessitates the use of a 10-12 mm accessory port to allow for the passage of a CT-1 sized needle. This results in a relatively large incision, which may lead to increased patient discomfort and dissatisfaction with cosmetic results compared to a smaller incision. Our technique of passing the needle and suture through the vagina allows us to use a smaller caliber accessory port while maintaining our ability to use a larger CT-1 needle easily and safely, with a reduced risk of losing the needle within the patient's abdomen.