LAVH vs. TLH

I had my pre-op today and thought I was having a LAVH but when I saw my paperwork, it turns out that I am having a TLH instead. I've tried researching the differences between the two procedures but can't really find much info. The two seem very similar. Can anyone tell me what is differences are? Or direct me to somewhere on the site that has the info?

They are very similar surgeries. At first I was scheduled for TLH, but they switched it to LAVH. Here's a helpful link I found : http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1839957-overview. The second paragraph tells you the difference. The two procedures do not seem radically different to me, but it seems TLH was preferred by my docs.

Thank you for the link. It helped me understand things better

:ywelcome9: I was just thinking it might be a good idea to ask your doctor why she/he decided to change the procedure. That way you can make sure you are both on the same page and that there is nothing else that has been changed that you don't know about. Can't hurt to ask.

If you click on Hysterectomy Options in the blue bar across the top of the screen, you will find some easy to understand explanations we have put together about each hysterectomy type.

The biggest difference between the LAVH and TLH is the vaginal involvement. With the LAVH, the uterus is delivered vaginally. Depending on the surgeon, the cuff can be created vaginally or on the pelvic side.

With the TLH, the total surgery is done laparoscopically and the uterus is typically cut and removed through the small lap incisions. Whether or not the uterus can be cut into strips can depend on the diagnosis. For instance, when there is a cancer concern the uterus should be removed in one piece.

To make things a bit confusing, some doctors will deliver the uterus vaginally even with a TLH. Thus, to find out specifically how your surgery will be done (i.e. will your uterus be delivered vaginally, in one piece, or cut into strips), you will have to ask your surgeon.

S

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Weiser If you click on Hysterectomy Options in the blue bar across the top of the screen, you will find some easy to understand explanations we have put together about each hysterectomy type. The biggest difference between the LAVH and TLH is the vaginal involvement. With the LAVH, the uterus is delivered vaginally. Depending on the surgeon, the cuff can be created vaginally or on the pelvic side. With the TLH, the total surgery is done laparoscopically and the uterus is typically cut and removed through the small lap incisions. Whether or not the uterus can be cut into strips can depend on the diagnosis. For instance, when there is a cancer concern the uterus should be removed in one piece. To make things a bit confusing, some doctors will deliver the uterus vaginally even with a TLH. Thus, to find out specifically how your surgery will be done (i.e. will your uterus be delivered vaginally, in one piece, or cut into strips), you will have to ask your surgeon. S

The reason I assumed it was a LAVH in the beginning was because he is removing the uterus vaginally. After he told me it was a TLH I was confused because of the vaginal involvement. I thought that was only done in LAVH. Thank you for letting me know about the Hysterectomy Options. I will definitely check it out. My hysterectomy is being done because of precancerous cells found during a biopsy. I can't remember the exact term for it though. And that's why he wants to keep it in one piece. If he can't remove it vaginally then he will have to make the large incision which I am really hoping he doesn't have to do.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Elsie 1122 I was just thinking it might be a good idea to ask your doctor why she/he decided to change the procedure. That way you can make sure you are both on the same page and that there is nothing else that has been changed that you don't know about. Can't hurt to ask.

I don't think he changed the procedure. I assumed it was a LAVH because he is removing the uterus vaginally. I guess I should have asked but I was too excited that it slipped my mind. lol!