what kind of abdominal incision is "better"?

I have a huge ovarian mass, well, 3 total, but the right one is about 20cms, and extends upward between my kidneys.

So my oncologist said that my incision will be from my naval downward.

My friend had endo and had a hyst last year, but her incision is the other direction, like a c-section, which I've also had.

So is he doing mine vertically because of the size of the mass or what? Does one heal up quicker or better than the other.

I'm overweight (5'2" and 230 lbs.) and am concerned about my large abdominal wall (fat!). Seems like a lot of fat to cut through, whereas he could just go back in where my c-section scar is.............

Thoughts?

My guess is that he's doing it because of the size of the mass, and the vertical midline incision provides the best exposure of the abdominal cavity, so he will be able to check the condition of the surrounding organs better also.

I agree with leday. I had 2 prior c-sections with a vertical incision. My surgeon used that incision for my TH/BSO. I also had an ovarian mass. Also, with being heavier, I found the vertical incision much easier to heal.
Good luck and let us know how you are doing.
Margie

Hi, I had a huge football sized ovarian cyst removed along with everything else, my surgeon explained exactly what leday said. I had a cut from 1" above my navel to below the hairline. I have had no problems with the healing of it and the op. itself was nothing like as bad as I'd imagined.Best wishes for the 25th!!!