Effect of Paracervical Block on Postoperative Pain After vNOTES Uterosacral Ligament Suspension

A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effect of Paracervical Block on Postoperative Pain After vNOTES Uterosacral Ligament Suspension

This study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the effect of paracervical block on early postoperative pain after vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) uterosacral ligament suspension.

Eligible patients undergoing vNOTES uterosacral ligament suspension for benign gynecologic indications will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine or 10 mL of normal saline as a paracervical injection during surgery.

The primary outcome is postoperative pain assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 6 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include pain scores at multiple time points within 24 hours, total analgesic consumption, length of hospital stay, and patient satisfaction.

The study aims to determine whether paracervical block provides clinically meaningful pain reduction in the early postoperative period following vNOTES procedures.

Postoperative pain management remains an important component of enhanced recovery protocols in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Although vNOTES uterosacral ligament suspension is associated with reduced abdominal wall trauma, patients may still experience significant early postoperative pelvic pain. Paracervical block with local anesthetic agents has been proposed as a potential strategy to reduce early postoperative pain; however, high-quality randomized evidence in the context of vNOTES procedures is limited.

This single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will enroll 58 patients undergoing vNOTES uterosacral ligament suspension. Participants will be randomized using computer-generated permuted block randomization with allocation concealment ensured through sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. During surgery, a blinded syringe containing either 0.5% bupivacaine or normal saline will be prepared by independent personnel and administered as a paracervical injection.

Postoperative pain will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at predefined time points (0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours). The primary endpoint is VAS score at 6 hours postoperatively. Secondary endpoints include total analgesic consumption within 24 hours, patient satisfaction, and perioperative recovery parameters. Statistical analyses will be conducted according to the intention-to-treat principle.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female patients aged 18 years or older
• Symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse requiring uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS)
• Planned hysterectomy (vaginal hysterectomy or vNOTES hysterectomy) with concomitant BS or BSO, followed by vNOTES uterosacral ligament suspension
• ASA physical status I-III
• Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to bupivacaine or local anesthetic agents
• Chronic opioid use or chronic pain disorders
• Previous pelvic radiation therapy
• Severe hepatic or renal impairment
• Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy contraindicating injection
• Active pelvic infection
• Pregnancy
• Inability to understand the pain scoring system