Transvaginal Hybrid NOTES Cholecystectomy: A Single-Centre Long-Term Experience on Sexual Function

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Gynecologic Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Transvaginal hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy offers an alternative to traditional laparoscopic gallbladder removal.
• Long-term outcomes, especially regarding female sexual function, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term clinical and sexual function outcomes of transvaginal hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy in female patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of female patients undergoing transvaginal hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy.
• Postoperative assessment using a 17-question survey on sexual function (satisfaction, pain) based on the German Female Sexual Function Index.

Main Results:

• 47 patients (58.6% return rate) with a median follow-up of 40 months were analyzed.
• No intra- or postoperative complications; no conversions to other surgical approaches.
• No significant differences in postoperative sexual function (pain, orgasm), though intercourse frequency decreased (p=0.022).
• 93.7% satisfied with aesthetics; 85.1% would recommend the technique.

Conclusions:

• Transvaginal hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy is a safe surgical option for female patients.
• The procedure demonstrates favorable long-term safety concerning sexual function.