How to choose a surgeon?

Hi! I have been doing a lot of reading on this site and I'm impressed. I have to have a hysterectomy and I live in Austria. I have talked w/ a few drs. and none of them do the LSH. IF I find someone who does, how do I know how competent they are?

ask them how many they have done and what their success rate is..how often do they have to convert to an open incision. the best way to find one is to go to a large teaching hospital/university. i had to travel four hours round trip to have my lsh and i wouldnt do it any other way. the surgery is amazing and the recovery is very easy.

I was just lucky to find an OBGYN (through my insurance provider) who specializes in laparoscopic hysterectomies - she is a top surgeon and very well known. She does 10 surgeries a week. She is very strange - brusque and abrupt, to the point of being almost rude: zero bedside manners. At the end of the day I wanted to be in the hands of surgeon who is experienced so I went with her. Who cares about the sweet talk. I am 7 days post-op and recovering nicely.

Thanks for the info...I think I have chosen one now. LSH is not a method that is very well known here, so I've chosen a dr. who can do a good job (so I've been told) w/ a vaginal hyster. He came highly recommended by a friend who works at the same hospital. Glad you are doing well! Mine is scheduled for 29 April so I have to wait a bit to say what you did...but I believe I'll be saying it too!