vertical or horizontal incision?

I have had 2 c-sections--one with a vertical incision and one with a horizontal (add those two scars to the 3 small ones from laproscopic surgery 2 years ago--my tummy looks like its been through WWIII --LoL!!)

So--had anyone been in this situation--which way are most TAH incisions done?--Do they remove old scar tissue or just add to the collection?

If I get a choice--which way is easier to recover from?

The following is from a site called The Pelvic Floor. It is by a DR and shows pictures from actual surgeries, it is very graphic; I don’t want to offend anyone so I don’t include the link.

	Quote:
"It has to be made clear that the smallest or most inconspicuous incision, is NOT always the best. Unfortunately I can't explain here why that is, but trust me, its true. Or better yet, don't trust me at all; ask your own doctor... It is important to note that NO abdominal muscles are usually cut. The rectus muscles are separated from one another, and spread apart, using the retractor. The bowel is then carefully packed upward and out of the surgical field, using swabs"

A lot depends on the size of the uterus, and what they expect to find. I had a TAH with a "bikini" incision. My uterus turned out to be a lot larger than expected and presented a challenge to remove via the incision, my DR managed it, but said she almost had to do a second, vertical incision.

I don't think recovery is much different from either.

I was desperate to have a bikini cut, as gyn said this does heal better and doesn't scar as much. Luckily my fibroid did shrink enough for him to do this.

Good luck,
Mel

I also had two c-sections but both were horizontal cuts. During my hyst he made another identical to the two c-section cuts. I felt like he did it this size to make sure he got everything cleaned out the best he could. I did have some scar tissue that needed to be removed. I have been sore but a good soft pillow goes a long way. Good luck. Everything will go well.

pianolover