Risks of LAVH vs. TAH?

Can anyone give me their opinion: I am doing pretty well with the anxiety of my upcoming surgery. The only thing still bothering me is the possible risk of a gas embolism from the CO2 that is used to insufflate the ab. When I saw my doc on Friday, he told me that if I wanted him to do a TAH instead of the LAVH that was fine (I think with him being a gyn/oncologist, he is more comfortable with this procedure). I know that the recovery time is longer with the TAH - however, I am wondering if the overall risks are lower, same, or indifferent between the two procedures. I would think that with a TAH the surgical time would be lessened as it would be easier to see what was happening in the pelvis, thereby reducing the amount of time under general anesthesia. It would eliminate the CO2 (right)? Opinions please, ladies. Thanks.

Lori,

I don't have a scientific answer but could offer that my OB/GYN is also doing a TAH b/c he is more comfortable. This is the same dr. that did both my C/Ss(1 emergency & 1 scheduled) plus my D&C/EA.

I have a friend insisting that I demand a LVH. However, I am comfortable with his decision to go TAH b/c he is unsure of what he will find (adenomyosis plus suspected adhesions).

I am sure others will chime in to offer their experiences and can offer more insight. However, one thing I have read is that some go in expecting a LVH and end up with a TAH for whatever reason... Me personally would prefer to expect the worse and be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't go that extreme...

I am comfortable with my decision and feel hyster recovery (while more physically demanding) might be somewhat easier than C/S post-op since there will not be a newborn to cater to!

Teri
TAH scheduled for 10 Apr
Castle clean-up has begun (honest and true nesting has started-- my ceiling fan blades have been cleaned! ) and I am ready to migrate from scullery maid to a princess!

Lori, I'm sceduled for a combo. with Laparoscopy to remove adhesions first and then a VH. Five years ago I had adhesions removed via lap. and everything went fine. Trust that you will be taken care of and just make sure that your doctor has adequate experience.

Suzette
scheduled for Apr 10

Thanks for the input. My doc says he is going in laparascopically to remove any endo. and adhesions, and then will do the VH. Of course he did advise me that if something unforeseen occurs he will do a conversion to a TAH.

I had a very experienced lap dr. perform my TLH. I am very glad I didn't have to deal with recovery from a large insicion. The surgery was hard enough for me to recover from with that. I had very little pain but alot of fatigue and overall weakness.

The most important thing is that you physician is experienced. Many dr.s haven't taken the time to learn or become experienced with lap hyst. I would not want to be a guinea pig. Make sure you ask your dr. what his comfort level is and how many has he done.

Sherri