Need safest surgery option for large uterus.

I had the exact same as you. Large uterus and 8 cm fibroid with many more hiding underneath. My surgeon was surprised at how large my uterus was when she got in and they were considering converting to abominable incision, however persevered with LAVH but the surgery was over double the time. I am 4 weeks post op and feel great, and swelly belly is all gone. I only have the 3 incisions - and they are barely noticeable. I have heard many successful surgeries for large uterus and fibroids via laparoscopic and DaVinci, so I would trust your surgeon. I was also warned that they may have to switch abdominal, so was prepared mentally if they did change - this is pretty standard in the consult.

Best of luck. The end result will be what your surgeon feels is best. Regardless of the procedure I am sure you will be happy with the result after. I feel so much better than before.

if those 100 procedures have all been this year or the last two years, she is well fixed and with able assistance, can likely perform the procedure fine. If she only does 2-4 a year, you want someone who performs them more regularly.

My uterus was HUGE - 6.5 pounds with many large fibroids. My doctor said it was possible but was not comfortable doing a Da Vinci. I was still interested in the procedure and she gave me the name a several Da Vinci specialist. I made appointments with two.
Both of them were confident they could do the surgery (but warned they might need to go to a TAH) but their biggest concern was the time it would take to do the surgery (5-7 hours) and the amount of anesthesia. They both said sometimes the recovery from that much time under is worst than the recovery of the surgery. I asked what would they recommend if their sister or wife had to do this. They both said a TAH. (These were two separate doctors in two different practices that specialized in difficult Da Vinci operations.)
I went back to my original doctor and said lets do the TAH. I am 5 days out and I'm feeling good. I just went to have staples out and the nurse said I was walking well. I have had no pains meds for a couple of days except some Advil.

Because everyone's situation is different it's not ALWAYS possible to have the Da Vinci. Jennybea2 it was great that you got second opinions. Then decided what was best for you. My Doc tried the Da Vinci but for several reasons was unable to do it. She gave me all the info I needed going in and let me know that I may have to have a abdominal incision. I trusted her to make that decision, and while talking to her after surgery I'm glad she made it.

I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy and found out after how large my uterus was and there were fibroids as well. I had it done in West Bend, had a great Dr who has been wonderful!!!

I had a DaVinci with a few huge fibroids (they had gone on for years too long-whole other story). My ob-gyn never seemed concerned about an inability to use the Da Vinci, never suggested anything else, even while I was "under" and my surgery took 5 hours, because my uterus was 5 times (yeah, you read that right) its normal size. I had no major recovery issues. I do have fibromyalgia so I am sure that hindered faster progress. But I would have that surgery again, in a heartbeat! My surgery was 2 years ago, 12/21/2011

I had the Davinci hysterectomy and my uterus was large. He said it took some doing, but was able to take it out vaginally.
They took my uterus and cervix, kept ovaries. I'm doing great.

Ladies, thank you so much for sharing your stories. I feel truly encouraged. You are all so wonderful. I am feeling stronger about going through with the procedure. I am most likely going for Da Vinci procedure. God bless you all. HUGS!!

I was in a similiar situation with a "5 month" fibroid. I opted for the TAH for several reasons. 1.) I was in a time crunch because I needed the surgery before Dec 31 because I have to change to a higher out of pocket insurance as of January 1 2.) because of the time crunch I didn't have time to get a 2nd opinion although it may have been possible but the 1st doctor wasn't comfortable doing the da vinci 3.) I did some research online and found out that the da vinci would be a longer time under anesthesia and I wasn't really comfortable with that 4.) no guarantees that once they got in there that they wouldn't have to switch to TAH anyway. I am now 11 days post op. The first 4 days were rough just due ot the fact that it was major surgery and I didn't want to be in the hospital (2 days inpatient). But once I got home, started walking, using an abdominal binder, I am managing. Good luck to you! Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for sharing your stories. I will likely go for Da Vinci but bearing in mind that it may end up as TAH. As long as the procedure has a positive, safe outcome, I will be ok with it, either way. Happy Holidays all!!!