vertical vs horizontal incisions

Can someone please inform me why one is chosen over the other?

It usually has to do with the kind of work that needs to be done, and on the size of the uterus.

If you have a very large uterus, or if you need to have a lot of endo removed, or adhesions removed, then sometimes it is better to have a vertical incision.

hope that helps

My doctor said she did a vertical on me due to the size of the fibroid that was being removed.

She said she also recommends vertical incisions if she really needs to take "a good look around", such as with cancer.

Your DR will determine which incision will be done. He or she will consider the size of the fibroids and uterus, and the scope of the surgery - endo, ovaries, etc. My DR did a vertical incision because of the size and position of my largest fibroid. In addition, he said he wanted to be able to get a good look at my ovaries, and he doesn't like to do both a vertical and a horizontal incision.

Good question and one that I have as well but with a twist. In the early 1980s (hundreds of years ago :-) I had two transverse (bikini) incisions for infertility surgeries (ovarian wedge resections, tubal microsurgery, etc). I'm wondering now if my doctor will be able to do a third transverse incision for my TAH/BSO which is scheduled for 15 December? Anyone had experience with previous incisions like this?

Of course, I'll ask that question when I go for pre-op on 8 Dec. but just curious. My preference would be to have another transverse incision if possible. I'd asked if my surgery could be done vaginally but was told there were too many lumps and bumps for that procedure.

Thank you all for your quick replies. My DR has said he was doing a horizontal incision, but with reading on the site about vertical ones I was afraid he may have to change his mind and I already have a 4" scar just below the navel from an abdominal incisional hernia repair in June so don't fancy having to disturb the area again. I'm having the TAH on the 19th for uterine prolapse and fibroid, which I think is about 3"diam.

I have had 2 c-sections, and 2 vertical incisions. When I had my consult with my new OB/GYN this week he said he would use a vertical incision because the way my uterus and bladder are plastered togeter and I might have to have bladder surgery when the hysterectomy is done I still have to meet with the urologist still.

I agree with the other ladies, it all depends on how much he wants to do to you during surgery

Hope this helps

I had a very large fibroid even after taking Lupron for 3 months. My physician told me a vertical incision causes less post-op pain since the abdominal muscle has a natural seperation that runs vertically from the naval down. More nerve endings are cut doing a horizontal incision hence less pain. I have to say I did not have as much pain as I expected.. Hope this helps and Good Luck to you.

Travel Queen

I was told by my doc that if there are prior incisions, they always try to do the same type of incision because the intersection of different direction incisions creates a weaker closure.

Hi
I think everything said on here is true particularly with the Dr advice as to particular needs of individual patient problems.

Horizontal seems okay in my situation, but maybe not for others.
I wished I could have got away with no incisions. !!!
YEAH RIGHT DONT WE ALL !!!
I have incisions on incisions !! from all sorts of prior ops.

At the end of the day we just all want to be healed.
So whatever it takes has to be worth it.

Regards