TAH: Questions about scar tissue inside !

Hi ladies, Is there anyone here that has been told they have alot of scar tissue inside there abdomin ? I was was suppose to have my hysterectomy Oct 20. I went into surgery, was opened up and when my Gyno saw the amount of scare tissue I had inside, closed me back up again. I am going into surgery for my TAH Jan 12 with a team of surgeons to separate my bladder from my uterous and my uterous from my bowels. The Gyno said he couldn't tell were my bladder ended and my uterous started, as well as where my uterous started and my bowels ended. When my Gyno came to my bed side post Op and told me that he couldn't do my hysterectomy because of scare tissue, I thought I was an alien inside. I had never heard of scaring from previous surgery is common.

Has anyone gone through this ? What am I in for ? I am of course worried that I my end up with organ damage from the removal of scare tissue. I feel so alone, please is there someone out there that can tell me there experience, and help me through this.

Pauline
Canada

Yes, I've been through this. I have had 2 c-sections back in 2001 and 2003 and laproscopic surgery back in May. I ended up having my TAH on Nov. 2nd. I had scar tissue so bad that they could also not see any of more organs. I had organs attatched to my uterine wall, my bladder, etc. They were able to remove everything without any complications. Today is 4 wks. post op for me. I had my post op appt. this morning and the doctor said everything looked great! All of my stitches had disolved and everything was healing like it should.
I hope this little bit of information helps you and can maybe put your mind at ease. I understand though!

Is it common for them to close you up and have you come back? That seems like the pain and recovery twice to me.

I think you are lucky your Surgeon's ego didn't get in the way and they decided a more skilled approach would be more successful for you. Good Luck!

Hi wishing,
In 1992 my bowel was plastered to my uterus, ovaries all stuck down, choc cysts, endo everywhere & multiple fibroids (one the size of a large grapefruit) My bladder was also all stuck up, but I was asymptomatic in that area, so I can't remember details. My surgeon did the same with me. He opened me up laparoscopically, did a big whooops, then rescheduled me for a laparotomy (open abdomen) a few weeks later. I was told to rest up for 6 weeks after the surgery (It's similar to a hys in terms of recovery, I believe) and I did. After this surgery and post recovery was the best I had felt for over a decade. When your organs bind up so slowly over time you don't really notice the changes. I did have a laparoscopy 12 months later for more adhesions, however after that I felt brilliant. (I believe scar tissue is more likely in an open procedure) So my experience was - it's a long road, but you get there in the end. I was healthy for about 10 years after this surgery. I hope this helps, good luck & all the best.

Wishing,

I did not know about possible scar tissue until I read about it on this site. I am concerned that I will have a lot of scar tissue because I have had 3 c-sections. I also had a laparoscopy for an ovarian cyst that turned into a laparotomy since endo was found. My last surgery was in December of 1987.

My doctor never mentioned seeing scar tissue and he was the one that did all the surgeries but one c-section.

I am curious if a CT scan or an internal ultrasound would show scar tissue? I know they should my fibroids and enlarged uterus. I would think that tests would show the binding of the organs?

Patty

most tests won't show scar tissue is what I've been told. They really have to be in there to see. I had a LOT of scar tissue from a c-section in '98, but my doc. was able to continue the hyst. laparascopically (LAVH.) Having issues now, but not really realted to general scar tissue, more to a prolapse of tissue that is probably still stuck on the other side of the cuff. (seeing a specialist now.) But know that this situation, prolapse, is quite uncommon. So don't start thinking that will happen with you. ;-)

:xmashug4:

Adhesions/scar tissue itself can't be seen with these tests, but a good radiographer can usually get an indication on ultrasound, particularly with the ovaries which should move around freely. It's only an indication, however. I agree with mountainwoman - you're lucky to have a surgeon who knows his limitations & is not going to be a cowboy with your body.