Incision... Horizontal or Vertical???

I have heard so much from here and there about this one... I'm scheduled for 8/25 and Doc says Vertical is easier ... is that for him or me??? I've read that there is more pain involved if it's vertical.
We are also going back and forth on the ovary issue... one has to go (complex cysts etc.) ...he wants to leave the other in for the hormones... My general surgeon (she has done my breast cysts) says ... take it all out.

I would appreciate any input.

I had TAH/BSO 6/17 with a vertical incision. In my personal situation my Dr. explained that vertical gives them more....room to work..i guess is what i would call it. I had a very large fibroid and she said that if they went horizontal and didn't have enough room, I could end with both (I said NO THANK YOU, I'll take the vertical!)
But i insisted on stitches because I have an aversion to the concept of staples in my body. My incision is not have as ugly as I was afraid it might be, so vertical worked o.k. for me

Good luck

LoveThatZ~

I am having a bikini cut TAH/BSO/LOA. My advise to you is if you have concerns about your dr's conflicting opinions get a third opinion. This will verify at least one of your dr's opinions. You still have time, don't do anything you are not comfortable with, after all it is your body and your decision in the end.

Good luck and keep up posted.

I have to have the same Incision, I have asked several people a,d they have all told me that it is easier for your muscles. If you find out more on the subject please let me know. My surgery is on August 15 Good luck to you
Tamara

Tina, I've had both.

A bikini incision about 17 years ago - an attempt to remove tubal adhesions, blockage, and some endo.

A large vertical incision last week for tah/bso.

I may not be comparing apples to oranges here, because surgical and pain control techniques have most likely improved since then, but I can tell you that this vertical incision has been far less painful than the bikini one. I definitely have been able to stand up straight much sooner in the recovery period with the vertical cut... Just my experience, of course.

I had staples, was worried that it would hurt to have them removed, but was painless.

As far as ovaries...that's a hard decision, especially if you are younger. I'm 51, at menopausal age, i just wanted to get everything out of there. It wouldnt hurt to get a second opinion, or rather a third opinion... because it is a big decision.

I had a vertical with my first c-section and a horizontal with my second. Granted they are different types of surgeries I can comment on both types of incisions. Vertical they cut with the muscle and have to sew a lot more of the muscle back together. You can end up late on down the line with a herniated colon. (colon protruding through your muscles) But, be sure to ask the doc on that one. That is just my experience. It did end up protuding so the only thing left for me to do is have a tummy tuck (bummer huh?). I found it much easier to heal from my horizontal (I have had two) than my vertical. It is less conspicious than a vertical and easier for the muscles to heal.

My vertical went from my belly button to my pubic bone, not sure if yours would be that big. They (docs) have come so far in hysers that I would think the only time you would have a vertical is if you have something else in there they need to look at???

Not a doc but, that is my 2 cents worth. I hope it helps!

Tonia castle date of 8/4/03

Hi

I had both - the inverted-T incision, which involved both the vertical and the horizontal cuts.

With my vertical, rest assured, NO muscles were cut. Generally these days they simply retract the muscles, so there's no need to cut into muscle at all (unless there are complications).

Healing wise, there was very little difference to me; the vertical was actually easier to take care of than the horizontal, but that's largely due to my own bodyshape.

Ultimately there wasn't a major difference between either incision.

Take care and warm wishes

Tess