Women requiring surgery for complex gynaecological conditions can now access a minimally invasive robotic technique at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, that avoids visible abdominal scars.
The hospital is offering Robot-Assisted Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (RA-vNOTES) for appropriately selected patients. The technique combines robotic assistance with a natural-access surgical approach, allowing surgeons to reach the pelvic area through the vaginal route rather than making conventional abdominal incisions.
The procedure is being considered for a range of gynaecological conditions, including cases requiring hysterectomy, myomectomy and ovarian cyst removal. It may also be suitable for selected patients with conditions such as large uteruses, fibroids and adenomyosis, as well as those with a history of caesarean sections, pelvic adhesions or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Robotic precision with a minimally invasive approach
Unlike conventional laparoscopic surgery, vNOTES uses the natural vaginal passage to access the pelvis. Robotic assistance adds enhanced three-dimensional visualisation and flexible surgical instruments, helping surgeons perform procedures that may otherwise be technically demanding through a minimally invasive route.
According to Apollo Hospitals, appropriately selected patients may benefit from reduced postoperative discomfort, earlier mobilisation and faster return of bowel function. Some patients may be discharged within one to two days, depending on their condition and recovery.
The hospital also reports improvements in quality-of-life measures, including sexual well-being, among patients followed after the procedure.
The RA-vNOTES programme at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, has also received recognition from the Association of Gynecological Robotic Surgeons of India (AGRS).
Dr Nirmala Papalkar, Senior Consultant Gynaecologist and Urogynecologist at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, said: “Advanced patient-friendly surgery is not only about technology or making an operation scarless; it should ultimately be about making the patient’s journey easier by combining safety, precision and faster recovery while choosing the right procedure for the right patient.”
The introduction of RA-vNOTES adds another minimally invasive option for women who require gynaecological surgery. As with any surgical technique, suitability depends on the individual patient’s condition, medical history and assessment by the treating specialist.
The adoption of scarless robotic techniques reflects the continuing shift towards less invasive gynaecological surgery. For appropriately selected patients, RA-vNOTES may offer an alternative that combines robotic precision with reduced external surgical trauma and a potentially faster recovery.
(The above image is AI-created and it for illustrative purpose only)