Transvaginal Hybrid NOTES Cholecystectomy: Current Techniques and Advantages

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has proven to be a safe and effective procedure, with low rates of complications and mortality since its introduction in the late 1980s. However, surgeons have been working to develop alternatives to this technique to improve clinical outcomes and the level of patient satisfaction. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is one such alternative. NOTES has potential benefits compared to conventional laparoscopic and open surgery, including reduced abdominal wall trauma and trocar site complications, lower infection rates, less postoperative pain, decreased hospital stays, and excellent cosmetic results. Transvaginal hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy is the most common NOTES procedure performed. The objective of this article is to review this surgical technique and its clinical outcomes based on the current scientific evidence available in the literature.