dVH/RALH: Cervix and daVinci ?? Want to make the right decision...

First question: is it possible to keep the cervix in a da Vinci procedure? The doctor said matter-of-factly that it would be removed, so - just curious.

Second: I have unbearable cycles, very heavy bleeding. Uterus is extremely enlarged, and I have suspected adenomyosis, possible endometriosis, thickened endometrium, fibroids, inflamed ligaments (specifically the ones supporting the uterus - I can't spell it wo looking it up), and the uterus is tilted and heavy and interfering with my sciatic nerve. Question #2 is -- is there any way to KEEP the cervix and guarantee that my problems will go away? Is there anyway they can guarantee that I will never bleed again? If the cervix and everything else is gone, I won't ever bleed...right? (once recovered)

Third: will the recovery be better if the cervix stays?

Will vaginal prolapse be more likely one way or the other?

At first I was sold on getting rid of the cervix, but I really, REALLY want to be sure. It's not like they can put it back in!

Thanks!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by kbid First question: is it possible to keep the cervix in a da Vinci procedure? The doctor said matter-of-factly that it would be removed, so - just curious. Second: I have unbearable cycles, very heavy bleeding. Uterus is extremely enlarged, and I have suspected adenomyosis, possible endometriosis, thickened endometrium, fibroids, inflamed ligaments (specifically the ones supporting the uterus - I can't spell it wo looking it up), and the uterus is tilted and heavy and interfering with my sciatic nerve. Question #2 is -- is there any way to KEEP the cervix and guarantee that my problems will go away? Is there anyway they can guarantee that I will never bleed again? If the cervix and everything else is gone, I won't ever bleed...right? (once recovered) Third: will the recovery be better if the cervix stays? Will vaginal prolapse be more likely one way or the other? At first I was sold on getting rid of the cervix, but I really, REALLY want to be sure. It's not like they can put it back in! Thanks!

If there is nothing wrong with your cervix, why not keep it?

I had the daVinci, and the doctor did not discuss this with me, he just took it out. My fault too, I did not ask.
I had polyps, a benign tumor, and complex atypical hyperplasia cells on my cervix.
I don't think I was given much of a choice for good reasons.

My doctor had to make a vaginal cuff. For some reason, I am having a hard time with the end of it healing. I have some granulation problems.

Also, DH keeps running into the cuff with his penis. This causes some pain.
I am not going to be impatient with this, as I want to avoid another surgery. I want to fully heal and take sex step my step.
We have not been able to have sex in any other position but the missionary position. It hurts really bad if we do.

On the other hand, this may not happen to you at all.

Good Luck.

Kbid. I had davinci 5 weeks ago. They took my uterus and cervix. I did discuss keeping my cervix with my doc, and I know he said he could still do davinci and keep the cervix, but for other reasons (hx of abnormal paps, HPV, etc) I was fine with having it removed. My doc said recovery is not easier or more difficult leaving it vs taking it. He also said that if you have never had children (I have not) that risk of prolapse is very very small because you will have more support in the pelvic floor not having carried or delivered a baby.

If you keep your cervix, the is always a possibility of continuing to have mini periods. The cervix is the neck of the uterus. They are not 2 distinct organs and in removing the uterus, there is no "magic line", so, often some of the uterine lining remains at the top of the cervix, allowing you to still bleed.

I had a very easy surgery and smooth recovery. I am very happy with my decision. All the best to you whatever you decide.

I didn't see an advantage to keeping the cervix. Had a Davinci and removed uterus and 1 ovary due to endo. It was the best thing I ever did. No bleeding, no pain. My friend kept her cervix and she is now complaining of the mini periods.

Has your doctor told you why h/she is planning to remove it? Since the cervix is not a separate organ, just to lower portion of the uterus, it is best for it to be removed in some cases because there is no exact line where the doctor will cut and uterine tissue will remain.

If you keep your cervix and your ovaries, mini periods are possible. Many doctors will cauterize the cervix in an attempt to prevent mini periods and it works for some women.

I had a TVH for suspected adenomyosis and fibroids and my cervix was removed. It was the right decision for me because I had a fibroid very close to the cervix and I didn't want to have fibroids growing on my cervix afterwards. Adenomyosis was confirmed at pathology so that was a good confirmation that I had made the right decision.

The Pre-Op Article Keep Cervix? Hysterectomy Planning is a good place to start your research.

Be sure to have a discussion with your doctor because like you said, it can't be put back in.



Deb