Robotic vs. abdominal hysterectomy

I am scheduled for an abdominal hysterectomy at the end of March and had a second opinion with a surgeon who performs it robotically. I have scar tissue from a previous c-section, tubal, and ablation, and I have high blood pressure so I worry about being under anesthesia a long time. My gyn for 20 years who performed the c-section is prepared to do it abdominally but the surgeon who doesn't know me thinks I should do it robotically. i am thinking it is better to have the doctor who knows me perform it and although the recovery is longer, it is a cut and dry procedure to do it abdominally which she has done over and over. I am stressed about which procedure to have done. Any advice would be helpful

Is the davinci surgeon highly experienced, including dealing with extensive scar tissue?that's one reason they end up converting to abdominal so you could start davinci and end abdominal if things get tricky. If length of surgery is an issue, davinci often does take longer. I'd ask the davinci Dr about his experience, conversion rate, and time estimate before I went that route. Davinci surgery isn't always easier to recover from---although for some it is--so the other factors are important. It's a hard choice and either way I hope it goes well for you.

The surgeon came highly recommended from another surgeon and he has performed about 1000 of these procedures. He is affiliated with a major city hospital. He supposedly is a great doctor and he rarely has to convert to an abdominal surgery. I believe he said 1%. I think my major apprehension is that a robot is doing the surgery, longer anesthesia time, and not having a comfort level with a doctor I've known for 20 years.

Actually the surgeon controls the robotic arms so it's not a separate thing, if that helps. He does sound very experienced. Either surgeon seems a good choice. But bottom line is your comfort level and rapport with the surgeon, assuming both are competent (sounds like both are). No matter how good the Dr, if you aren't comfortable, go with what makes you comfortable. Davinci has a lot of hype and yes it has advantages, but as you say, there are drawbacks, too. I think they both sound like they could be a good choice. It sounds like you would prefer your usual GYN. Best wishes making the decision that feels right for you.

I've been debating the exact same decision. My doctor, who I have a great relationship with and trust completely, doesn't do Davinci. She feels laparoscopic would end up being abdominal because the biggest fibroid is high and behind my belly button.

A friend of mine had Davinci a few years ago so I could consult her doctor, but I just don't know if I want to since I'm so comfortable with my doctor. My friend didn't have an exactly easy recovery with Davinci. She returned to work at week 5 and was so tired she took mid-day naps in an empty office.

I'm thinking just for the mental peace of mind, I'll stick with TAH with my doctor. I don't know if a couple of weeks of speedier healing is worth the anxiety it would cause me to switch doctors.

All the best to you!

I had a TAH with vertical incision and it went great - very quick and easy recovery. I had a much easier time than a lot of DaVinci people I read about in the post op forum.

I had a TAH with the bikini line cut, ~6-7 inches. From what I have read, it is a shorter surgery - 1-1/2 - 2 hrs as opposed to 3-4 hrs. Also, with the abdominal, you may have an option for a spinal block and sedative instead of general anesthesia. I have large fibroids and a chance of cancer (needed to be removed whole) and my uterus was to big for a vaginal, so abdominal was really my only option. Robotic surgery goes longer becausee it takes longer to maneuver and get everything done. Prayers you get good counsel and can make a good decision.

:new I had the same issue...female GYN wanted to slice bikini line but I got a second opinion from a male GYN who specializes in using Davinci. The female doc spent 7 minutes mostly covering the abdominal procedure...the male doc spent an hour going through each procedure. I felt at ease with the idea of a more humane approach to this surgery, since it HAS to be done to get rid of my fibroids. I didn't want to have my mother's surgery! Do all the research and make the best decision for you, weighing the pros and cons :-)

I'll be thinking happy thoughts for you!