What kind of an incision to expect?

Hello everyone,

I'm sure my questions will get more significant as I approach my TAH surgery (keeping ovaries) in September. But I've read about others getting a "bikini cut"...just curious as to what kind of an incision is commonly performed these days for a TAH

In 1999, I had a tubal ligation which left me with an incision below the belly button approx. 2 inches long (running up and down). Doctor says my fibroid is 8 cm big and uterus VERY large comparable to a 22 week pregnancy. Doctor mentioned a similar incision will be made in the same direction.
Which I guess is the best for my situation; so not to look like a "tic-tac-toe" game?

Thank you in advance for your input.

If your fibroid is huge (and depending on its position...), your doctor may not have too much of a choice in terms of incision - you may end up with a vertical vs. a horizontal.

I had a TAH/BSO with three humongous fibroids, the largest of which was the size of a 24 week pregnancy, and I had no choice but to have a vertical incision. Turned out, it really wasn't that bad after all...

I just suddenly got this image of you inviting friends over to play tic-tac-toe on your belly.

I think a lot of the incision placement depends on your particular problem.

It looks like I lucked out. I already have the bikini cut (or, as I like to call it, smiley face) incision across my lower abdomen. Since my uterus is lying on it's side (either adhesions or weight of the fibriods), the horizonal incision is perfect for me again.

Good luck with your surgery!

Thank you, I appreciate the input

I was told that I'd have a vertical incision due to the size of my uterus. I was already having a horizontal incision because they were doing a panniculectomy to remove some abdominal fat and skin.

When I woke up, I only needed the horizontal incision.

Best wishes for your surgery and recovery.