Abdominal vs. Vaginal

I am 37 years old. My uterus is the size of a 5-month pregnancy. I have large fibroids and endometriosis.

My doctor has indicated that abdominally is the only way for me because of the above facts.

Does that sound right? I have been reading internet articles about the different methods and controversies.

Help!

Hi Ferret,

I had a TAH about 11 weeks ago. I live in Germany and my doctor also recommended that I have an abdominal instead of a vaginal because of my severe endometriosis problems. He said that it was my choice, but that it is much easier for them to be completely thorough (move the organs around to look for endo) with an abdominal.

My surgeon and Gyn both said this. You just have to make the decision yourself. The healing time for a TVH is much quicker (from what I hear), but the TAH was really not that bad for me. I was only really down for 2 weeks and then started moving around alot. I feel absolutely great now.

Best of luck!!

Hi...I also had TAH due to enormous fibroids. My doctor said there was no way to do it vaginally...as it was they had to section the broids to remove them through my horizontal incision.

The incision is the only difference between an abdominal and vaginal procedure. The same internal work is done. You don't have the incision to deal with, but the realistic recovery time is the same.

There are probably very good reasons why your doctor feels there is only one way to go. If you are comfortable with him/her, it's probably the right approach. If you are not 100% sure, seek out another opinion or two. You may end up right back where you started, but you will have satisfied yourself that it's the right thing for you.

Please read the pull down menus at the home page to find specific stories from other sisters who have had both procedures. Also visit the Alternatives forum to see the posts there regarding different options.

Hope you find the info you need to make the right choices!!!

Karen

Hi Ferret,

My uterus was 8-week size and my doctor said he wouldn't know whether he could do the surgery vaginally until he actually got in there. So that sounded as though the 2-month size might be the borderline to decide which method. Hope that info helps.

Hugs,

My fibroids were very large and doctor put me on Lupron Depot monthly shots for 5 months in an attempt to shrink the fibroids to allow for a TVH. She said it appeared it was going to be possible at my pre-op appt but if it turned out to be not so I could wake up with a TAH. She was able to do the TVH although surgery did take about an hour longer than she thought.

Best of luck to you in making your decision.
Hugs,
Miranda

Hi Ferret You sure found the right place for great information and lots of support.

I had my sugery, in December, for fibroids and rectocele aggravated by the huge fibroid. At the time, my uterus was enlarged to that of a 4 or 5 month pregnancy.

Originally, I was scheduled for a TAH. Since the rectocele repair is done through the vagina, that would have meant I would have been sore in two places

Often, doctors will opt for a TAH for large fibroids, not only because they might be harder to get out the "natural way", but also because of the risk of hemorraging (the larger the fibroids, the larger the blood vessels - it is easier to control bleeding with a TAH - more room to work in, easier to get at).

I was very surprised when my doctor informed me, as I headed to the OR, that he would attempt a TVH. He decided to try this, since I've given birth vaginally to two large babies (over 9 pounds). He told me I would know when I woke up. I was very pleased when I woke up and my only pain was from the stitches in the perineum

Regardless of whether a TAH or a TVH is performed, the initial recovery is the same: 6 to 8 weeks. That is because we all have the same internal stitches.

If you are uncertain about the direction your doctor is going in, you are entitled to a second opinion. As Karen said, you might still end up where you began, but you will at least be satisfied that this is the best option for your situation.

Read the pull-down menus, available at the bottom of the Hyster Sister Home Page and do a search on "fibroid" in order to find out more.

Best of luck,