Transvaginal laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy: an oncological risk-reducing procedure

AIM: Since the first natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery procedure, renewed interest has arisen in further developing and advancing minimal access surgery. We introduce a natural orifice endoscopic approach for a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. PATIENTS & METHODS: Using the vagina as a natural orifice, we performed a transvaginal laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy to remove bilateral adnexa in patients with a strong family history of ovarian and/or breast cancer and those positive for BRCA1/2 mutation. RESULTS: Total 36 women underwent transvaginal laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy. Conversion to routine laparoscopy was required in eight patients to complete the operation. No peri-operative complications were noted. CONCLUSION: We describe a novel approach in gynecological surgery. Our technique proved to be safe and efficient with the advantage of avoiding any abdominal scars.