Transvaginal Specimen Extraction After Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Tumors

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic gastrectomy is a standard treatment for gastric tumors.
• Minimally invasive approaches aim to reduce patient morbidity.
• Transvaginal specimen extraction (TVE) is an emerging technique in minimally invasive surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of transvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric tumors.
• To evaluate the safety and outcomes of TVE in this context.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study included 24 female patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric tumors.
• Inclusion criteria specified patients not planning future pregnancies and with accessible vaginal anatomy.
• Exclusion criteria included benign gastric conditions and emergency surgeries.

Main Results:

• Transvaginal specimen extraction was successfully performed in all 24 cases without conversion to open surgery.
• The mean operative time was 287.7 minutes, with a mean blood loss of 122.5 ml.
• No intraoperative transfusions or specimen extraction-related complications were reported; median hospital stay was 7 days.

Conclusions:

• Transvaginal specimen extraction is a feasible and safe approach for selected patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy for stomach tumors.
• This study represents the largest series to date on transvaginal extraction of gastric specimens.