Abdominal vs da Vinci? Any advice?

I have had both types, daVinci and abdominal. I first went in for the daVinci hysterectomy. They were unable to continue because of unforseen complications. They found my uterus fused to my colon and my gyno would not continue without assistance from a colorectal surgeon. I then went back in several weeks later for a total abdominal hysterectomy. The recovery hasn't been as bad as expected but much more than it was with daVinci. The incisions didn't even hurt with daVinci after the first day and I am still having some pain over a week later with abdominal. The hospital stay was 4 days abdominal vs onernight with the da Vinci. I feel the da Vinci is a much easier surgery and have friends that have had it and are back at work in 2 weeks. Not so with abdominal. I will be off 6-8 weeks. If I had a choice I would always choose daVinci.

I had a 5 pound, 7 month size, very elevated uterus. I had TAH, vertical incision. The incision is 5 inches, starting just below my belly button. My surgeon said there's a certain amount of compression you can do with the uterus to get it out. I didn't have an option besides TAH, and I've been recovering very well. I have a family member who had da vinci, and her recovery was definitely faster. Plus she went home the same day. I stayed two nights in the hospital.

I have an estimated 10.5 cm fibroid and at least 5 others. Uterus on exam is the size of a 4 month pregnancy. On ultrasound they had to estimate the size of the fibroid because of the position of it on the uterus probably larger.

My surgeon has over 20 years experience. I am a registered nurse with over 15 years experience. I went into my pre-op consult knowing based on my visit and testing that a hysterectomy was going to be recommended and came very prepared. As soon as she mentioned robotic surgery, I got a little worried about her judgement, but, thankfully she moved past that very quickly. Whew, I was worried. It is not best in my case. I have a large fibroid. I am very petite. I have adhesions and severe endometriosis. So, TAH is our best choice.

Rational: Lots of room to work. Easy to visualize and access everything she needs to. Time on the OR table is less than with robotic. So less anesthesia. I could still go home the next day, if I am ready which means if it is safe. For me TAH is so much safer so there was no problem for me at all making a choice. My mind was already made up. As far as recovery, I had a laparotomy and it was no big deal at all. I do expect this one to be a little rougher, but for the most part, I think it will be doable. I have a small horizontal incision at my bikini line. Very discreet. I wear a bikini. And will again after this surgery.

Some tips I might offer, ask each doc the pros and cons of each superficial approach specific to your case. Everybody's situation is different. Research rates of complications/morbidity/mortality related to each. Those may or may not weigh into your decision, be cautious about choosing a certain procedure just because the recovery itself or time to recover and hospital stay may be quicker.

Sorry about the novel, just trying to be honest about it all. Whatever you decide I wish you an uneventful surgery and fast and easy recovery!