LSH vs. TAH? What are the reasons for each?

I am confused. I am scheduled for a TAH on May 15, but wondering why my Dr. didn't offer LSH as an option. He said he could do LAVH if I did not want to keep the cervix, but becasue I do want to keep it, I could only have TAH. I am keeping tubes and ovaries - having hyst for uterine fibroids. I have never had children. I will certainly ask my Dr. these questions when I see him next, but does anyone know a reason why one couldn't have LSH? Does it mean more time under anesthesia, or require a much greater degree of skill? Thanks for any info.

Sheila

The reason he didn't offer an LSH may be that he does not have the skill or equipment. An LSH is a high skill operation where an TAH is a low skill. By the way, TAH is total, meaning he will take everything. An SAH is abdominal as well but leaves the cervix in. LSH is very new and there aren't a lot of doctors that do it. It isn't taught in med school yet and a doctor has to donate his time (about 9 months) and $$$ to get the training. A doc can be certified to do hysts after 25 abdominal and 25 vaginal hysts. To be certified to do an LSH you have to have done 65.

But believe me the operation doesn't take more time. It varies but remains close to the same. I think I was under about 2 hrs. or less...don't remember.

Good luck.

Dear Sheila,

The type of surgery recommended to you will depend on your symptoms AND your doc's level of skills. Theoretically, any of the less invasive hysterectomy procedures could develop into an abdominal surgery, depending on what transpires in the OR.

Perhaps you would benefit from a 2nd or 3rd medical opinion. My doc #2 had MUCH more cutting & pasting in mind than my doc #3 (who eventually did my surgery).

Get smart about your symptoms and your options, and make the best choice for YOU.

Sending huge cyberhugs