The National Conference of the Society of Vaginal Surgeons of India (SOVSICON 2026) concluded in Delhi with leading national and international experts in vaginal surgery, uro-gynaecology and related disciplines coming together for an extensive academic exchange focused on advancing surgical knowledge, skills and patient care.
Organised by the Society of Vaginal Surgeons of India (SOVSI), Delhi Chapter, in collaboration with AOGD and DGF, the conference was supported by the Conference Secretariat at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, 4C Industrial Area, North Extension, Model Town 3, Delhi – 110009. The conference was chaired by Dr V P Paily, with Dr Sonal Bathla serving as Organising Chairperson.
The two-day scientific conference, held on September 26 and 27, followed a pre-congress surgical workshop at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital on September 25. The workshop provided participants an opportunity to observe and learn advanced surgical techniques, with sessions covering natural orifice vaginal hysterectomy, vaginal adnexectomy, pelvic organ prolapse, sacrospinous fixation, uterosacral ligament suspension, procedures for nulliparous prolapse and surgeries for urinary incontinence.
The scientific programme featured keynote addresses, surgical videos, case-based discussions, debates, panel discussions, expert interactions and presentations covering the entire spectrum of vaginal surgery. Key topics included management of vulval pathology, vaginal cysts and fibroids, urinary fistula, cervical cerclage, natural orifice vaginal hysterectomy, prolapse surgery, complications in vaginal surgery, AI and regenerative medicine in gynaecology, and medico-legal aspects of vaginal surgery.
The second day continued with sessions on rectovaginal fistula repair, perineal tear repair, vaginal approaches to fistula repair, pelvic organ prolapse, stress urinary incontinence, atypical clinical situations and emerging approaches such as V-NOTES. The conference also provided a platform for doctors and postgraduate students to showcase their academic work through free papers, posters and video presentations.
President Dr V P Paily, SOVSICON said, “Vaginal surgery offers a significant advantage because it is not dependent on expensive, technology-driven infrastructure and, when appropriately indicated, can be performed even in district hospitals, smaller healthcare units and primary health centres with a limited set of instruments. This makes it particularly relevant for improving access to quality gynecological care in rural and underserved areas. While advanced technologies such as laparoscopy and robotics have their role, vaginal procedures can provide effective treatment without requiring tertiary-care facilities. The scope of vaginal surgery is also expanding, including procedures for conditions such as urinary incontinence, offering women effective treatment through a natural route.”
National Advisor SOVSICON, Dr P C Mahapatra said, “Uterus removal can be performed through different routes, including abdominal surgery, laparoscopy, robotic surgery and the vaginal route. Whenever medically appropriate, vaginal hysterectomy should be considered because it uses the body’s natural passage and avoids abdominal incisions or multiple punctures. Patients generally experience less surgical trauma and can mobilise early, often returning home quickly. Just as we approach the tonsils through the mouth, the uterus can be accessed through the vagina rather than unnecessarily entering the abdomen. The Society of Vaginal Surgeons of India aims to create greater awareness among gynaecologists and patients about this established, minimally invasive surgical approach.”
Dr Sonal Bathla, Organising Chairperson, SOVSICON 2026, and Director & HOD – Obstetrics & Gynaecology Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town said, “SOVSICON 2026 has been conceptualised as a platform where experience, evidence, innovation and practical surgical learning come together. Vaginal surgery has a rich history, but its continued relevance depends on our ability to refine techniques, understand changing clinical situations and ensure that every procedure is guided by patient safety and appropriate surgical decision-making.”
“The response to the conference has been extremely encouraging. Through the pre-congress surgical workshop, delegates had the opportunity to observe experienced surgeons and understand the nuances of procedures in a real clinical environment. The scientific sessions further expanded this learning through surgical videos, keynote addresses, debates, panel discussions and case-based interactions. Such formats encourage meaningful dialogue rather than limiting learning to conventional lectures.
Dr. Sonal added, “One of the key strengths of SOVSICON 2026 has been the breadth of subjects discussed—from natural orifice vaginal hysterectomy and prolapse surgery to fistula repair, urinary incontinence, challenging clinical situations and newer areas such as V-NOTES, AI and regenerative medicine in gynaecology. Discussions around complications and medico-legal considerations were equally important because surgical excellence must always be accompanied by careful patient selection, informed decision-making and responsible clinical practice.”
Dr. Sonal also added, “We also wanted to create meaningful opportunities for young gynaecologists and postgraduate students. The free paper, poster and video categories allowed participants to present their academic work, exchange ideas and learn from established experts. This is essential for building the next generation of surgeons and researchers.
Most importantly, a conference such as SOVSICON reminds us that surgical advancement is not only about adopting newer technologies. It is about choosing the right approach for the right patient, continuously improving our skills and learning collectively from our experiences
The conference concluded with a valedictory session, bringing together the faculty, delegates and organisers in a collective commitment to preserving and advancing the art and science of vaginal surgery. The conference brochure describes its focus as combining surgical workshops, expert interactions, debates, panel discussions, keynote addresses and opportunities for academic presentation.