Upcoming hysterectomy (TLH) 2/2 with *large* fibroids

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Originally Posted by erinkc Hi ladies - So, my doctor has gone over my MRIs and even sent me for a blood test that can help diagnose sarcoma v. fibroids and is confident they are all benign fibroids. She is confident she can do my hysterectomy laparoscopically despite the size of my fibroids and uterus. To be extra cautious she wants to do a mini lap where she'll do the surgery laparoscopically and then do a ~4cm c-section incision to remove everything after only cutting things up slightly (inside a bag) rather than cutting them into many small pieces. (They do not do power morcellation, only contained hand morcellation). The alternative would be a 20+ cm vertical incision, which I absolutely want to avoid. Has anyone had a TLH with a very enlarged uterus? Or this hybrid type surgery? I have a great deal of trust in my surgeon and her team. This is what they specialize in and she said she'd not attempt this if she didn't think it was appropriate and possible. But, I'd still love to hear other people's experiences! I know there is always a chance the approach could change once I'm in there, but I do love the idea of trying the least invasive method possible. I also have a very large cervical fibroid that makes the surgery a bit more complicated around the ureters. Has anyone else had a large cervical fibroid? Thanks!

Hi Erin,

I had a robotic hysterectomy for the same issue in August. My uterus was to my stomach. They removed 2 large fibroids-grapefruit and golf ball sized. They also discovered I have severe endometriosis. Most of it is cleaned out but I can still have issues. I have 5 incision scars. My doctor told me I was his 2nd most challenging case. He is an awesome doctor. The worst part of this was not being allowed to have my hubby present in my room. He was allowed in admission, pre-op, and surgical waiting. I know you are nervous but my life has been better as a result.

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Originally Posted by SCNH Hi, I had a 2 pound fibroid attached to my cervix. Its was benign and a very easy surgery from me. Divinci lap they used bag not to spread "if there was signs of cancer" The only pain I experienced was the gas bubble and it was horrible my hubby went and got me vicks vapor rub and rubbed in my shoulder where the pain was and it went away. I was out and about in 1 week rode roller coaster in two weeks. My dr was also a specialist who used advanced recovery. No pre prep for surgery and I consumed protein drinks before. Did not need pain meds. Only motrin and ibuprofen I am coming up on my year Feb 21st. All i can say is research your Dr. I interviewed more than 6. Even one in baltimore

Sorry, what does advanced recovery mean? When you say no prep do you mean no bowel prep? Thanks.

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Originally Posted by GravelGertie512 Hi Erin, I had a robotic hysterectomy for the same issue in August. My uterus was to my stomach. They removed 2 large fibroids-grapefruit and golf ball sized. They also discovered I have severe endometriosis. Most of it is cleaned out but I can still have issues. I have 5 incision scars. My doctor told me I was his 2nd most challenging case. He is an awesome doctor. The worst part of this was not being allowed to have my hubby present in my room. He was allowed in admission, pre-op, and surgical waiting. I know you are nervous but my life has been better as a result.

Thank you! I can't bring anyone with me at all, which is going to be so hard! I know pre-op will be the worst part with all the anxiety. I'm glad you're through yours and feeling better!

Worth looking into UFE for fibroids; it preserves your uterus. Hysterectomies often have negative health affects including not being able to have sex.

My doctor does not seem the least worried to remove my fibroid trough vaginal laporastocopy. Mine is over 10 cm. I expressed concerned about biopsy and he said they dont do biopsy so all i can do is trust the guy. He is my second choice.

My fibroid was 6 pounds.... 23cm long. I had to have an abdominal hysterectomy with mine. First two weeks were rough (my ob/gyn warned me that would be the case). The next few weeks were all about resting and regaining strength.

I see that I am late to the party and I hope your surgery went great! I just wanted to let you know that I had the exact same surgery. The surgery itself was done laparoscopically and my Dr used a smaller incision just above my pubic bone to remove my uterus. Mine was done that way to preserve my cervix. I did also have an unknown and unexpected large fibroid on my cervix. My surgery ended up taking longer than expected by about half an hour while she worked to separate the fibroid from the cervix while retaining the cervix. My recovery was really good. The hardest part to recover from was the incision but even that wasn’t a big deal. I was able to drive 11 days post op, but I did take 7 weeks to recover before getting back into my regular routine. I’m almost 9 months post surgery now and I feel great!

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Originally Posted by ColoradoBecky I see that I am late to the party and I hope your surgery went great! I just wanted to let you know that I had the exact same surgery. The surgery itself was done laparoscopically and my Dr used a smaller incision just above my pubic bone to remove my uterus. Mine was done that way to preserve my cervix. I did also have an unknown and unexpected large fibroid on my cervix. My surgery ended up taking longer than expected by about half an hour while she worked to separate the fibroid from the cervix while retaining the cervix. My recovery was really good. The hardest part to recover from was the incision but even that wasn’t a big deal. I was able to drive 11 days post op, but I did take 7 weeks to recover before getting back into my regular routine. I’m almost 9 months post surgery now and I feel great!

Thanks for checking in! I'm doing really well. My surgeon was actuslly able to get everything out my belly button incision so no bikini cut! I'm on Day 5 and feel pretty good. I wake up a bit woozy but feel better after some tea and breakfast. I was able to make myself breakfast this morning. Mostly I'm laying on the couch watching Netflix! My fibroids/uterus were 2.5 pounds so I'm feel better than I did before surgery in many ways!