New Innovative Procedure for Hysterectomies Now Performed at Southern NH Medical Center

A new minimally invasive procedure for women who must undergo a hysterectomy is now being performed at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. Janine L. Keever, MD, FACOG, CPE and Vice Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center is among the few surgeons in New England who have been specially trained on this innovative approach to hysterectomy and other common gynecologic procedures.

The procedure is called Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery, or vNOTES. The approach is the most advanced gynecologic technique and newest approach to hysterectomy procedures. This innovation provides patients with many benefits including shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain, no visible scars, and a faster recovery time. In addition to hysterectomy, this new procedure can be used for ovarian cystectomy, tubal sterilization, treatment of pelvic pain and more.

“At Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, we provide the highest quality care for patients. vNOTES is a cutting-edge technique that certainly enhances patient care for women,” said Dr. Keever. “As a less invasive option, vNOTES provides many benefits to our patients including no abdominal incisions and a faster recovery. Almost all patients are able to leave the hospital on the day of the procedure and return to work and family much more quickly.” 

J.S., a patient who had the vNOTES procedure, said, “The surgery with Dr. Keever was so easy, even though it was significant. I have a newborn daughter, and the next day I was able to return to taking care of her. I took almost no medication after the surgery because I didn’t have much pain, and I was up and moving around during my usual activities the next day. I’ve been telling my friends about this procedure, because I recommend it if they need it in the future.”

The vNOTES technique, which uses the vagina as a surgical access route, is the newest approach to hysterectomy procedures. For the surgery, a vNOTES device known as the GelPOINT V-Path transvaginal access platform is placed through the vagina into the pelvic cavity, giving access to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to give the surgeon the space needed to see and operate with the utmost precision and visualization. Once the surgery is complete, the vNOTES device is removed, the gas is evacuated, and the incision is small and hidden.

Hysterectomies are performed each year for women with chronic pain, fibroids, heavy bleeding, endometriosis and precancerous or cancerous tumors. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists have recommended vaginal hysterectomy, whenever feasible, as the recommended approach.

For more information, a second opinion, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Keever, please call Amherst Obstetrics & Gynecology at 603-577-7971 or click here.