MRI & Laparotomy followed by Laparoscopy

January 12, 2004

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to thank everyone for their posts - I've learned so much

from you all.

I'm currently looking for a doctor to possibly perform a second myo.

I have both fibroids and endometriosis. I had a lap last June that

didn't turn out the way I hoped ... I still have bladder symptoms,

pain with sex, etc. Six of 12 fibroids were removed and some, but

not all, of the endo. The biggest fibroids were not removed. Since

I think I rushed into surgery last time, this time I'm going slow and

have made appointments with several doctors to get different opinions

before I decide. I'm 35 and still want children. The first doctor I saw

recommended a laparotomy followed by a laparoscopy 6 days later

to remove adhesions. Has anyone had this done or have any info

on this? The thought of having two procedures back-to-back makes

me nervous.

I've been thinking about what criteria I can use to evaluate doctors

(besides that I really like how they interact with me and explain things).

Dr. Indman mentioned that a doctor who is experienced in dealing with

fibroids will have a transvaginal ultrasound machine in the office. Dr.

mentioned that an experienced doctor will look at the MRI films and not

just the report. These both seem like good indications to me. My MRI report

is very terse and does not describe the size and location of the fibroids,

except for one. I had a transvaginal ultrasound for the first time last

month

and apparently I have two fibroids I didn't know about. I'm confused about

this - why wouldn't these show up on an MRI? Does a transvaginal ultrasound

give different info than a pelvic MRI, or the same info in a different form?

Which tests should a doctor order before surgery? Before my first myo the

doctor just read the MRI report and did a manual exam. I think this is why

not everything was removed. I'm now told that because of position I would

need a laparotomy to remove the fibroids, particularly the one pressing on

my bladder. My doctor didn't mention the possibility of a laparotomy, we

only talked about a laparoscopy.

Thanks!

Jean

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