Bluewater Health has announced a new advancement in its gynecologic surgical offerings, becoming one of the first hospitals in Ontario to perform Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomies. Obstetrician-Gynecologists Dr. Stephanie Lammers and Dr. Brittany Hoover successfully performed the hospital's first two vNOTES procedures on September 19, 2025. The vNOTES hysterectomy is a […]
Bluewater Health has announced a new advancement in its gynecologic surgical offerings, becoming one of the first hospitals in Ontario to perform Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomies. Obstetrician-Gynecologists Dr. Stephanie Lammers and Dr. Brittany Hoover successfully performed the hospital's first two vNOTES procedures on September 19, 2025.
The vNOTES hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the uterus is removed through the vagina using specialized endoscopic instruments. This technique is designed to offer several benefits for patients, including no visible external scars, reduced pain, a lower risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery period compared to traditional surgical methods.
"It’s incredibly rewarding to bring women in our community access to this next generation of minimally invasive surgery," stated Dr. Lammers. She also noted that the hospital's team is proud to be a leader in this type of surgery within the province.
Drs. Lammers and Hoover prepared for the new procedure by undergoing specialized training with leading surgeons in North Carolina. According to Dr. Hoover, the introduction of this technology reflects Bluewater Health's commitment to providing high-quality, up-to-date care to the region. She credited the achievement to the collaborative efforts of the hospital’s medical team and administration.
The vNOTES procedure also facilitates the removal of Fallopian tubes, which is considered a method to decrease the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. Additionally, it makes ovary removal feasible in a majority of cases, an option that was less common with traditional vaginal hysterectomy.
Bluewater Health's OBGYN department continues to expand its surgical program, with the addition of vNOTES reaffirming its focus on providing modern gynecologic care to the Sarnia-Lambton community.
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