Analysis of feasibility, effectiveness and safety of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(vNOTES) of ectopic pregnancy: a retrospective study

Background vNOTES has been documented as a viable approach for conducting benign gynecologic surgery; however, its application in ectopic pregnancy cases remains relatively scarce. The principal objective of this investigation was to assess the practicability, effectiveness, and safety of vNOTES in surgical procedures related to ectopic pregnancy. Methods Clinical data pertaining to patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy at Beijing Hospital between January 2018 and August 2023 were retrospectively collected (This study retrospectively registered with the China Clinical Trial Registry with the registration number ChiCTR2100052223 in September 22, 2021.). Based on the surgical technique employed, participants were categorized into two groups: the vNOTES group (29 cases) and the conventional laparoscopy (CL) group (34 cases). The baseline data, including age, body mass index (BMI), parity, and maximum diameter of pregnancy objects, were collected and analyzed, along with intraoperative indicators such as operation time and intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative indicators including postoperative exhaust time, hospital stays after surgery, and postoperative pain score at 24 h. Results A total of 73 patients were included in this study, and all surgeries in both groups were performed according to the assigned procedures. There were no statistically significant differences observed in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stays between the vNOTES group and the CL group (P > 0.05). However, the vNOTES group exhibited significantly lower postoperative exhaust time and 24-hour VAS scores compared to the CL group (P < 0.05). Conclusions vNOTES proves to be a safe and effective approach for performing conservative tubal festration or salpingectomy in cases of tubal pregnancy. Furthermore, vNOTES offers a more minimally invasive surgical technique, resulting in reduced postoperative pain in patients.