Published on September 23, 2026

A new era in minimally invasive hysterectomy surgery

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If you are considering a hysterectomy, surgical options today look very different than they did even a decade ago. At Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, patients have access to one of the most advanced minimally invasive approaches available: vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES). vNOTES combines the advantages of traditional vaginal surgery with advanced laparoscopic technology — without requiring abdominal incisions.

What is vNOTES?

vNOTES is an innovative surgical technique in which the surgeon operates through the vagina using specialized instruments and a high definition camera, rather than creating incisions in the abdomen. This approach allows for exceptional surgical precision while eliminating visible scarring altogether.

While commonly used for hysterectomies, vNOTES can also be used for other gynecologic procedures, including the removal of ovaries and/or fallopian tubes, permanent sterilization and cyst removal.

vNOTESWhy patients choose vNOTES

Because vNOTES avoids abdominal incisions, patients experience a smoother recovery compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery. Benefits include:

  • No visible scars
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Reduced need for pain medication
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Faster return to everyday life

In many cases, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day. “With this advanced technology, my patients typically experience an easy recovery and very little pain afterward — only needing to take ibuprofen. I’m repeatedly told, ‘That was the easiest procedure I’ve ever had,’” said Rebecca Baudoin, MD, Western OB/GYN. “This is such a relief for women — especially considering that just a few years ago, hysterectomy recovery often meant several days in the hospital, a lengthy recovery, strict lifting restrictions and a slow return to work.”

Is vNOTES right for you?

Not every surgical option is the right fit for every patient, but for many women, vNOTES offers a safe, effective and less invasive alternative to traditional hysterectomy techniques and other gynecologic procedures. "I'm continually amazed at the complexity of the cases that are now able to be performed using vNOTES,” Dr. Baudoin shared.

To learn more about the vNOTES option or to find out if you may be a candidate, schedule an appointment at Western OB/GYN. The providers who perform vNOTES procedures include Rebecca Baudoin, MD, Tara Denke, MD, Heidi Edsill, MD, and Andraya Huldeen, MD

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