Da Vinci or TAH

Ladies

What is the difference between Da Vinci and TAH? I know there is info on website in regards to both of them, but can I hear from someone who has had either one? Also, I heard if your fibroids are too big you can not have a Da Vinci, but yet heard the it dont' matter what size fibroids are you can still have Da Vinci! With Da Vinci is the uterus removed with fibroids or fibroids only. Educate me please, cause I am scheduled for a TAH becasue my doctor stated my fibroids are big, my uterus is enlarged(cause of fibroids), I want the fibroids compeletly gone and I am miserable so then my doctor said with all these reason I am a candidate for TAH!!!

Links to the various hysterectomy types can be found here: https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_opt2.htm.

In a nutshell, an incision in the abdomen, either horizontal or vertical, is made for the TAH. The uterus and "friends" can be removed in piece this way. A da Vinci hysterectomy involves the use of a robot and several small incisions in the abdomen. The uterus and "friends" are not removed in one piece. Thus, if there is a specific reason the uterus and/or "friends" need to be removed without being cut into small pieces, the da Vinci hysterectomy may not be an option.

The recovery is usually shorter for the TAH than the da Vinci Hysterectomy.

Hope this helps!

I am scheduled for the Da Vinci procedure for June 16. I have a large fibroid(s) that measures a 20 week gestation. My Dr assures it can be cut up and removed. My understanding is that the Da Vinci allows a much faster recovery, which is why I'm opting for that. Also, I heard that you can take hormones to shrink the fibroids before surgery if you really want to use the Da Vinci method.

You might want a second opinion from a Da Vinci trained surgeon to see if you would be a good candidate. I had to look long and hard to find one in my area. Actually, I am going to have to go 45 miles away to have it done. But I think the shorter recovery time will make the travel time well worth it.

Good luck!

I just had the daVinci hysterectomy last week and so far, I am very pleased. There have been a few surprises (like feeling emotional and sleep issues, which is par for the course with all type of hystos, I guess), but the surgery itself was great! I took pain meds for only a few days and the scars will ne next to nothing!

I was told that I was not a candidate for the Da Vinci, not only is my uterus enlarged, 28+ right now but that when it does get that big there is a chance that my ovaries are fused to the uterus and they need to be separated. In my ultrasound they could not see my left one and the right one appears alright. But she will have to get in there and see.

The other thing she said is with the stomach problems and bowl problems I have had, might also mean that the uterus has cysts that might of fused to other organs.

I believe there is a way for them to do an orthoscopic exam to see what the status is in there and then decide what surgery you will needs. But really that comes down to you and your Dr. and the insurance company. For me, I really had no choice. there is a lot of damage in side it seems.

I had my da Vinci hysterectomy (uterus + cervix, kept ovaries) last Tuesday. The (very experienced) surgeon was able to dissect my ~6.3 cm fibroid and remove the halves vaginally. My "regular" OB/GYN thought she would not be able to do vaginal, and I would need a TAH. For me, the da Vinci was a much more attractive alternative. Surgery was 7:30am Tuesday, home by 5:30pm Wednesday.

My pain has been minimal. Just 1 Percoset + 1 Tylenol every 6-8 hours while in the hospital. One smart nurse gave me a bunch of crackers so I had those on hand to take whenever the meds came, to potentially offset nausea. I never got sick. I've been taking only ibuprofen after returning home and don't need anything else.

So far, so good!