Second Opinion Question

On Monday my doctor recommended I have surgery to repair my Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Uterine, Rectal and Bladder Prolapse.

She is saying that she'll perform these surgeries using a daVinci Robot:

Supracervical Hysterectomy
Cystoclele & Rectocele Repair
Sacrocolpopexy
Perineorrhaphy

I think I want to go have a second opinion from another Urogynecologist because it seems so overwhelming to have so much surgery. I'm 36 and after two BIG babies (my largest was 10.7) I know that something is off and I believe that I do have Pelvic Organ Prolapse, I don't think she was making it up.

I just wonder if the Sacrocolpopexy with the mesh is my best surgical option.

Do I tell the next doctor what the first doctor told me? Do I even mention that I'm only in their office for a second opinion? Or should I just let them tell me what they think is wrong and what options they would provide me?

I'm not sure what the best approach is. I'm scared and I want to make sure I'm getting the best advice and that my doctor isn't going to remove my uterus for no reason.

Thanks for any advice!

I would be upfront with them and tell them you are scared of all the surgery. And with all of that surgery, I would want more opinions. Also be careful about mesh. There are lots of reports of serious complications from mesh. Before doing it, check with your doc and see if there is an alternative. Hopefully you can get some good information.

You may opt to go with the 2nd Dr so I wouldn't rule that out. I guess I'd say you're getting another opinion as to diagnosis and treatment options, and give your symptoms. I wouldn't go into what you've been told much, but have questions ready. There's a whole mesh side effect support section here so you might want to investigate beforehand in case mesh is proposed you'll have questions ready. Most specialists are used to being a 2nd opinion. Good luck.

Don't feel bad about going for a second opinion. I've seen 3 urogyns and each had a different opinion and rec a different surgery. Here in Baltimore they all know one another, some are aggressive and some are timid about using mesh. I will probably do the same surgeries that were rec for you, with the surgeon with the most experience. A good benefit with going for more opinions is that one may see something the others don't and that can be addressed. (The last one rec perineoplasty which I want!) The surgeon you choose will be honored that you have trust in him/her after seeking more opinions. Good luck to both of us as we make these important and scarey decisions!

I would be honest with the doctor about being a second opinion. I also would be very wary of mesh. Is that would your current doc is recommending? I had very extensive repairs with my hysterectomy and do not regret it. It really depends on the skill of our surgeon.

You should ask them how many of these surgeries they have done and what success rate they have and what percentage of their patients prolapse again.
Ask what methods they use (mesh, sling, sutures) and what type of hysterectomy they use. Also what restrictions you will have post op and if you will have lifetime lifting restrictions .