What is vNOTES?
Gynaecological surgery is undergoing a quiet but decisive revolution: vNOTES (Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery), or vaginal surgery through a natural orifice. This technique allows complex gynaecological procedures to be performed without any incision on the abdomen.
In practice, the surgeon introduces miniaturised instruments and a high-definition camera via the vaginal route. The entire procedure is carried out from the inside, leaving no visible scar on the abdomen.
In Marseille, Dr. Yasmine Maazouzi is trained in this technique and offers vNOTES to her patients at the Hôpital Privé Beauregard.
Advantages of vNOTES over conventional laparoscopy
Traditional laparoscopy requires several small abdominal incisions (3 to 10 mm each). vNOTES eliminates these incisions entirely, offering concrete benefits:
- No visible scar on the abdomen
- Reduced post-operative pain: the absence of abdominal incisions significantly reduces discomfort
- Faster recovery: return to normal activities within a few days
- Shorter hospital stay: day-case procedure in the majority of cases
- Optimal cosmetic results: no visible marks
Which procedures can be performed by vNOTES?
vNOTES enables a large number of gynaecological procedures to be carried out:
Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
Indicated for large fibroids, symptomatic adenomyosis, uterine bleeding resistant to medical treatment, or certain early-stage endometrial cancers.
Treatment of endometriosis
Excision of endometriotic lesions by vNOTES achieves the same outcomes as laparoscopy with a more comfortable recovery.
Ovarian cystectomy
Removal of an ovarian cyst (endometrioma, dermoid cyst) with preservation of healthy ovarian tissue.
Repair of genital prolapse
Placement of a pelvic organ support mesh via the natural vaginal route, without abdominal incision.
Salpingectomy and adnexectomy
Removal of the fallopian tubes or adnexa (tube + ovary), particularly for permanent sterilisation or in the context of tubal pathology.
Dr. Maazouzi's training in vNOTES
Dr. Yasmine Maazouzi has undergone rigorous training to master this technique:
- University Diploma (D.I.U.) in vaginal and perineal surgery — Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, University Lyon 1 (2021)
- vNOTES training — Rouen (2025)
This dual training reflects the technical expertise required to offer vNOTES safely to patients.
Is vNOTES suitable for all women?
vNOTES is appropriate for the vast majority of women requiring gynaecological surgery. A pre-operative consultation with Dr. Maazouzi allows the indication to be assessed and ensures you receive full information about the technique best suited to your anatomical situation and your condition.
Some relative contraindications may exist (history of extensive pelvic surgery, particular anatomy), but these are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
How to prepare for a vNOTES procedure?
Preparation is similar to that for any gynaecological surgery: pre-operative anaesthetic consultation, standard blood tests, and fasting instructions the evening before. The procedure is performed as a day case or with one overnight stay depending on the intervention carried out.
Are you considering scar-free gynaecological surgery? Consult Dr. Yasmine Maazouzi at the Hôpital Privé Beauregard (23 Rue des Linots, Bât. B5 ICOGM, Marseille 13004) to assess whether vNOTES is right for your situation.