Mandeville Hospital pioneers scar-free vaginal surgery in Jamaica

Mandeville Regional Hospital (MRH) has achieved a significant milestone in Jamaican healthcare by performing the country's first scar-free, minimally invasive vaginal surgery. The procedure, called Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES), allows surgeons to operate through the vaginal canal, eliminating the need for external incisions and visible scarring. This advanced technique was successfully employed during a three-day surgical mission from June 9 to 11, 2026. Local doctors collaborated with specialist surgeons from the Jamaica Awareness Association of California (JAAC) for the mission, which aims to bolster Jamaica's expertise in advanced laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries. During the mission, teams completed approximately 21 advanced procedures, including complex hernia repairs and gynecological surgeries like hysterectomies using the vNOTES approach. Dr. Ashok Kotagiri, Senior Resident in Surgery at MRH, highlighted the high level of expertise required, noting that not all gynecologists, even in the US and Europe, possess the skills for such advanced laparoscopic gynecological surgery. Dr. Sharon Shiraga, Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Southern California and a volunteer physician with JAAC, emphasized the mission's dual focus on patient care and training local medical teams. The hands-on mentorship provided during the program has been crucial in building confidence among junior residents, enabling them to perform complex surgeries successfully.

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These included advanced laparoscopic hernia repairs using techniques such as Transabdominal Preperitoneal, Totally Extraperitoneal and Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh, laparoscopic gallbladder removal, and advanced laparoscopic gynaecological procedures, including hysterectomies, bilateral salpingectomies and ovarian cyst surgeries using the vNOTES approach.