daVinci vs TAH

First of all, here's my situation. I have no insurance right now. Three weeks ago I had a cervical hemorrhage and had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance. They did emergency surgery to stop the hemorrhage. Friday I got all the test results back and found out I don't have cancer, but the doctor doesn't know what caused the hemorrhage. I also found out that my fibroids have grown to the size of a 22 week pregnancy. I knew they had grown because I could feel them WAY above my belly button for about the last 6 months.

Anyway, the doctor (from a low-income clinic here) recommends a hysterectomy with cervix removed. I agree. The thing is, he says my uterus is so big that it needs to be a vertical incision abdominal hysterectomy because of the size. Saturday I went to a health fair where they were demonstrating the daVinci. The doctor there said if I made an appointment he would examine me and see if I were a candidate for the daVinci system.

Here's my dilema though. Having no insurance, do you think it's worth the cost of a consultation with another doctor and the higher cost to see about the daVinci system? The doctor that is proposing the vertical incision surgery is very nice and competent and it would be a lot cheaper to go that route. I'm already looking at close to $20,000 for the first surgery.

I guess what I'm asking is what would you do? I'm so confused. I want to get it done as soon as possible because I'm scared to death the hemorrhage may happen again.

Dear noins:

Regardless of which surgery type you want (or end up with), I think it's prudent to get a second or third medical opinion.

Keep asking questions.... get smart about your symptoms and your options, and make the best choice for YOU. I am sending huge cyberhugs

The biggest thing though is the cost. Even of the second opinion. If I had insurance it would be a no brainer.

I'm sorry you have to weigh this type of decision on your health due to price, being Canadian, we don't even think about it. I don't know what the cost difference would be, but I know that here, and on a program I just watched about the Davinci, uterus size doesn't matter, it can be cut up to be removed if necessary, it's just a bit more work for the doctor, they can just pull the uterus out through the vagina as well which can easily handle it.

in the long run, the da vinci maybe be less expensive. most ladies that have that go home the next day while with a vertical incision, you will probably be inpatient for 3-4 days. just do what you are most comfortable with. the da vinci would be much less invasive and is a great option if you qualify for it. good luck with your decision.

Hi Noins-it's always good to get a second opinion. I was scheduled for the DaVinci. My uterus was the equivalent of a 22 week pregnancy also. Once my surgeon got in, I had endometriosis as well. My right ovary and tube were greatly affected and not to incur damage to my right ureter he had to open and finish as a transabdominal. It is true that with the DaVinci, the recovery is less and only overnight. I actually did very well and was to go home in 2 days even though I had a conventional hysterectomy. Make sure when you go for the opinion, you ask about the urologist. In order to have the DaVinci performed, a urologist will also be in the OR. They have to check the bladder and insert stents into both ureters so your surgeon can see where they are located. This is because the ovaries and tubes are in close proximity and they don't want to damage the urinary tract. You will also incur a charge from the urologist as well. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks dgxr for that info. Geez, I'm still getting bills for different things from my first surgery 3 weeks ago!

I'm just wondering if I go for a second opinion on the da Vinci if they can just use my ultrasound and from when I had the first surgery to see if I would be a candidate for it.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by noins01 First of all, here's my situation. I have no insurance right now. Three weeks ago I had a cervical hemorrhage and had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance. They did emergency surgery to stop the hemorrhage. Friday I got all the test results back and found out I don't have cancer, but the doctor doesn't know what caused the hemorrhage. I also found out that my fibroids have grown to the size of a 22 week pregnancy. I knew they had grown because I could feel them WAY above my belly button for about the last 6 months. Anyway, the doctor (from a low-income clinic here) recommends a hysterectomy with cervix removed. I agree. The thing is, he says my uterus is so big that it needs to be a vertical incision abdominal hysterectomy because of the size. Saturday I went to a health fair where they were demonstrating the daVinci. The doctor there said if I made an appointment he would examine me and see if I were a candidate for the daVinci system. Here's my dilema though. Having no insurance, do you think it's worth the cost of a consultation with another doctor and the higher cost to see about the daVinci system? The doctor that is proposing the vertical incision surgery is very nice and competent and it would be a lot cheaper to go that route. I'm already looking at close to $20,000 for the first surgery. I guess what I'm asking is what would you do? I'm so confused. I want to get it done as soon as possible because I'm scared to death the hemorrhage may happen again.

Personally I would explore the option of the Davinci, and try to see if the Dr could gathere some colleages to Possibly Donate some services, I have a co-worker/Friend that is facing a similar dilema and I would love to see her and you get a opportunity like that. I had the Davinci procedure to remove fibroids and endo that covered my bladder, and had stuck to bowels. My uterus was large too in fact I went down a whole pant size after the procedure. Any way for what it's worth explore your options.

I had a DaVinci and never got any bills from a urologist, the urology consult may have been that particular situation or the procedure at that hospital.

I know of someone who had no insurance and got a DaVinci at reduced cost by going through the social services at the hospital. I'm not sure exactly how she worked it all out and I'm not close enough to ask. Just thought I'd mention that sometimes things can be arranged at a lower cost.

I agree that it might be less expensive overall as you generally only stay one night afterwards.

Best of luck to you.

Thanks so much for all the advice. I think I will get a ssecond opinion on the Da Vinci. Here's my question though. Should I tell my dr that I'm getting a second opinion or just call and get it and then tell him if I decide to go another route?