Epigastric Ventral Hernia Repair Through Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery

Ventral hernia repair is a commonly performed operation and can be executed by open or laparoscopic approach. The search for even less invasive techniques continues. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a known method of minimally invasive surgery.

We performed an epigastric ventral hernia repair through vaginal NOTES during a concurrent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy. We used the access to do a synchronous hernia repair with mesh augmentation. The technique of repair was identical to the laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair (Lap. IPOM).

We reported a sufficient hernia repair without intra-operative complications. Also, post-operatively, no problems were encountered. Follow-up after 4 weeks showed a good and strong hernia repair. The complaints of the patient were relieved. CT scan 10 months after operation showed no recurrence nor signs of mesh infection.

Ventral hernia repair through vaginal NOTES can be considered a possible new and minimal invasive (scarless) technique for ventral hernia repair but further investigations on a larger scale are needed to confirm feasibility & safety.