The Mandeville Regional Hospital (MRH) in Manchester has become the first hospital in Jamaica to perform a scar-free minimally invasive vaginal surgery known as Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES).

The groundbreaking procedure, which allows surgeons to operate through the vaginal canal using specialised instruments and a camera, eliminates the need for abdominal incisions and visible scarring.

The milestone was achieved during a three-day surgical mission held from June 9 to 11, when local doctors partnered with specialist surgeons from the Jamaica Awareness Association of California (JAAC). The annual mission aims to strengthen Jamaica's capacity in advanced laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery.