dVH/RALH: Help type of surgery changed DH to SAH

My dVH is May 20 and today was my pre-op. I told my doctor that I want to keep my cervix and ovaries. He said that since my fibroid is so large that he will have to do DH so that he can remove my uterus in one piece and make sure that a good pathology is done and not take it out in pieces. I am so confused because I thought that with the dVH that I could do this and keep my cervix. He does not have any problem with leaving my cervix and ovaries and total understands why I want to keep both and said there is no reason since I have had not problems with any of my pap. Did this happen with anyone else and can the uterus be moved whole with the dVH????????????????

Thanks
Cider

If I'm not mistaken, if they take the cervix as well as a large uterus they actually remove it vaginally with davinci help, like an LAVH. I don't know how they would remove the uterus if it was large and they left the cervix, and get it out a davinci incision in one piece. I think. But they do it (LSH) with the uterus in pieces, so sounds like it's the combo of "leave the cervix" plus "take the rest of the uterus in one piece" that's changing the plan. I hope it can all work out for you.

First, the cervix is the neck of the uterus. Thus, with several hysterectomy types where the uterus is wanted kept in tact, the uterus is separated from the body and then delivered vaginally.

If it is not necessary to keep the uterus in tact, a few other options are available but the uterus must then be cut into pieces to be removed through the small incisions sites.

If you would like to keep your cervix but your fibroid and the rest of the uterus needs to be removed whole, you may need to consider the SAH.

Have you had a second opinion yet about what might be best for you? Another doctor may have some other options you could consider.

To learn more about each hysterectomy type, you can click on Hysterectomy Options in the blue bar at the top of your screen.

s

I had Dvh with everything removed including cervix, ovaries and tubes, and it was all delivered vaginally.

I believe it depends on the size of your fibroids. I searched out a GYN/Surgeon known for her non-invasive surgeries only to be told my fibroids were too big to go the non-invasive route. Going into surgery
the ultrasound had shown 2 fibroids, 1 large and 1 small. During the surgery it was discovered that I had 8 gianormous fibroids, weighing almost 7 pounds! My DR said it took her an hour just to get fibroids out before she even saw my fibroid-filled uterus. I opted to keep my cervix & ovaries as you are hoping to.

Hope my experience helps!

Sh9tziLFK

Thank you, you answered my question. WOW that was some fibroid. How is your recovery going I hope well.

Thanks again
Cider

Hi Cider,

Thanks, it was 5 weeks ago today that I was in surgery. Hard to believe what an amazing thing the body is! Yesterday was my first day back at work after a month off and today is my first business trip. Not lifting over 15 lbs. will be a challenge, as will my tiredness but I am up for the challenge.

In looking over the stories of other HysterSisters, I have no regrets that my surgery was done abdominally. I believe that gave my DR the best view of my insides so there were no accidents. I'll be honest and say that incision is no picnic, but by the third week that was much, much better. And just one week after that it looks amazing!

One tip- I was given an abdominal binder at the hospital which I wore almost 24/7 the first three weeks. I really think it helped deflate my "swelly belly" and gave me reinsurance due to how supportive it feels. I made the hospital give me a spare so I always had a clean one! I will be switching to support panties for work as the binder is hard to conceal, but will wear the binder as I travel. You only have the chance to heal right once!

Good luck with your surgery!