Nervous-DaVinci-likelihood of intestinal complications?

Hi - I'm 49 yrs old, have had endometriosis since my teens and fibroids since my 30s, with all the usual "lovely" (ugh) symptoms. Had a myomectomy 15 yrs ago to help alleviate issues, but the fibroids came back and are getting bigger (not sure re: endo). I now have 7 fibroids, the largest now being about the size of a 4 mo pregnancy (or so the ultrasound tech said). My GYN has discussed the possibility of DaVinci before and I have an appt with her tomorrow to discuss "options,"as she says...so I anticipate that's where things are headed, as we've been "watching and waiting" for a very long time now. I'm honestly kind of ready, but curious to know how others have fared with the DaVinci procedure. I'm an avid exerciser so I'm hoping that will help me recover more easily. The one thing I'm esp worried about is that after my previous surgery, I developed an intestinal obstruction (from adhering scar tissue on the outside of the uterus)... emergency surgery, definitely no fun... so I'm wondering if the risks of adhesions are similar (or less) with a DaVinci hysterectomy. I'll definitely ask my drs but if anyone has insights, I sure would appreciate. I'm nervous but hoping for the best.THANKS!

I had a great DvH experience. I had short stay outpatient and was at home in my own bed by 1:30 pm that day. I had very little pain. No pain meds at all after the 2nd day. Not even Tylenol. My recovery has been a breeze. I was also an avid exerciser prior and wondered if that helped with a quick recovery. I can't wait to get back at it. That being said, I had a textbook surgery, he removed everything but my fibroids were reasonable and I had no endo, scaring, adhesions or repairs. I think those things might add to pain and recovery time.

Overall I highly recommend the proceedure.

I had davinci they took out all except ovaries. I had huge fibroids and endo. I was off my pain meds on the 3rd day, out of the hospital the following day, and have never really had pain only discomfort the first 3 days with the CO2 gas in the shoulders. I had the single incision so everyone I show is shocked that I don't have c-section like scars. I exercise a lot so being sedentary is what is annoying me the most. If ur a candidate do it!! I haven't regretted my decision not once! Godspeed.

I had dVH because adhesions made it impossible for my first doctor to remove an ovary with a suspicious mass. My adhesions caused my left ovary to be "cemented" to my uterus. My adhesions and endometriosis was widespread throughout my abdomen. My original doctor sent me to a dVH specialist because it was determined to be the best way to complete the removal of the problem with the amount of adhesions that I had. The surgeon that did my hysterectomy was able to remove most of the adhesions and endometriosis. The procedure took 5 hours, but was worth it. After any abdominal surgery, there is a risk of new adhesions, but at least the old ones were cleared out. My recovery so far has been easy. I recommend the dVH.

If you might have adhesions davinci is the way to go. Make sure your surgeon is experienced. I had serious scarring and adhesions and my surgery took almost five hours. I consider it a miracle what the doc did for me. He is my hero. Davinci, being less invasive, helps guard against further scarring as well.

Thanks to all of you for sharing your insights - I really appreciate it. Your comments are encouraging! Hopefully I'll know more after tomorrow's dr visit. Take care, everyone!

I had the Da Vinci almost three weeks ago. I too, am an avid exerciser and in my experience, I have been able to walk starting Day 2 Post-op, but haven't been able yet to get back to my regular routine.

But I'm a big fan of the Da Vinci. My recovery has been basically pain and complication free! I was off Percocet by Day 3-4. I'm still taking ibuprofen, sporadically, but I would say if anything I'm fatigued and uncomfortable. I have five 1 cm. scars on my abdomen and that's it.

My doctors said the pros of DV are they can see better and manipulate better once inside my body because of the smaller robot hands. They look through a magnifier, so when they are making cuts they are getting a much better view. In my experience, my surgery couldn't have gone better and my recovery has been way better than expected!

I hope you are able to do it, if it works for you!

lrsister