[Perception of natural orifice surgery. Results of a survey of female physicians and nursing staff].

BACKGROUND

Natural orifice surgery (NOS) is now being elaborated with the aim to make abdominal surgery simpler and safer. In order to obtain women's perception of NOS and their willingness to consent to this type of approach a survey was conducted among female employees from surgical disciplines at the University Hospital Charité Berlin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A written description and information on minimally invasive surgery and the NOS concept were distributed among 500 female physicians and nursing staff along with a 14-item questionnaire. Of the staff members 118 participants completed the questionnaire anonymously. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 16.0.

RESULTS

With regard to ovarectomy 55% of women surveyed indicated that they would prefer a transvaginal approach to standard laparoscopy (44%) or a transgastric approach (1%). When asked about preferred access for cholecystectomy only 31% would prefer the transvaginal method compared to 61% for the laparoscopic technique. Objections against the transvaginal access concerned the impact on a healthy sexual life and effects on fertility. Reasons for choosing NOS were no wound pain and no scar.

CONCLUSION

This survey shows that among the surveyed female medical employees the transvaginal approach is associated with concerns and fears but these are not justifiable, as the transvaginal access has been used for more than 100 years for gynecological purposes. There is a strong need for outcome data to enlighten female patients and to help guide physicians when talking to patients regarding NOS and the transvaginal approach.