A surgical team at Saint James Hospital has performed the first minimally invasive hysterectomy in Malta’s private healthcare sector, offering eligible women less pain, no external scarring and a faster recovery.

The six-member team, led by consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Johann Craus, successfully completed the hospital's first Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery, known as vNOTES.

This advanced technique allows surgeons to insert specialised instruments and a camera through the private area and remove the uterus without making incisions in the abdomen.

“This procedure is at the forefront of gynaecological surgery. Eligible patients can expect less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a significantly faster recovery, allowing them to return to their normal daily activities sooner,” Dr Craus said.

“The surgery was completed more efficiently than expected, thanks to the surgical team’s expertise and the advanced technology available at Saint James Hospital, including its state-of-the-art 4K laparoscopic imaging system. It was rewarding to see how the combination of innovation, experience, and teamwork came together to achieve an excellent outcome for the patient,” he said.

Dr Craus said vNOTES procedures were generally quicker than conventional laparoscopic hysterectomies. The absence of abdominal incisions also improved the cosmetic outcome and could help patients recover and resume their everyday activities sooner. 

The technique may also be used for selected procedures involving the removal of ovarian cysts or fallopian tubes. However, it is not suitable for everyone, and patients must first undergo a thorough clinical assessment.

”For example, patients with advanced endometriosis or other complex gynaecological conditions may not be eligible, as these can require a different surgical approach. Our priority is to always choose the safest and most effective treatment for each patient,” he said.

Saint James Hospitals CEO Jean Claude Muscat explained that hysterectomy procedures were among the more common interventions performed at Saint James Hospitals.

The introduction of vNOTES therefore marks another important step in the Group’s commitment to providing the most advanced minimally invasive procedures in line with best international healthcare practice found in leading international hospitals, he said.

“The benefits for eligible patients are significant. We look forward to making this approach available to more women who can benefit from it, while continuing to strengthen the range of advanced surgical care we offer at Saint James,” Mr Muscat said.