Endometriosis: Vaginal vs Abdominal?? Anyone Know the Answer?

Hi,
I have a question: Have any of your heard that it is more effective (as in better odds of not having the endo return) to have a Total VAGINAL Hysterectomy (with everything removed) for endometriosis because they can magnify the endo vs a Total ABDOMINAL Hysterectomy??
Confused?
Lara

I don't really know the answer to that, however, I would assume that abdominal would give the surgeon better freedom and a better view of the entire abdomen. Although, with laparoscopy assisted, they can do wonders, I think.

I am having abdominal for endo and adeno, but more because of the size of my uterus than anything else. Otherwise, she probably would have done it vaginally, lap assisted, since the uterus size was the deciding factor.

In any case, my doc also suggested that I take the ovaries, too, because the estrogen production is what the endo loves. Are you having ovaries removed, too?

Yes, I am having the ovaries too. My Dr. said the risk of the endo growing back is greater with the ovaries left in and she says it can be more difficult to go back after that later.
Good luck to you. Yours is pretty soon. I hope all goes well and we both get some relief from all this.
Lara

Hi Lara,
I had a partial hyst 4 yrs ago on 6/22/04 and my ovaries were left in. About 1 1/2 - 2 yrs later I started having the pain I did before my hyst (I had endo & adhesions). The Dr. put me on hormones to help w/the pain. That worked well until about 3 wks ago. I am now scheduled for surgery on August 5th because of the pain. He is going to remove the ovaries and any endo. He will go in the same incision that he went in for my hyst. I am ready to get it over with, but then I know what it's going to be like the first week or two.
Good luck and if I was you I'd tell him to take it all.
Ellen

Hi everyone,
I am scheduled for a complete hysterectomy, removing ovaries too on July 17. YIKES!!! I have endo badly and have for so many years, it will be nice to have this taken care of. My doctor told me he had to do mine abdominally so he could clean all the endo out as well as remove all my parts. I am 34 and a little concerned about the menopause part. Oh well, no pain will be great. Good look to all you girls who will be going before me. Candy