Thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies both on the list and privately.

It is a tough situation as I am not sure of the experience level for Lap/spays for the surgeon and am waiting to talk to him today.

My girl did not have an uncomplicated C-Section as part of her uterus was torn and needed to be sutured and she was treated for peritonitis during the surgery itself at the time of her C-Section. I don't know if this has any bearing on if a Lap spay is appropriate for her or not based on her history. Hope to talk to them today about it.

For my young dog however who I plan to spay when she is closer to 18 months of age.. I will for sure consider it.

Recently spayed a very active (did I say VERY) 6 year old bitch after her last litter, the traditional way. No problems. I will continue to do it the traditional way. May as well remove everything in there she doesn't need.

The last bitch I spayed I had a Laprascopic Ovariectomy done and highly recommend it.

While it was $100 more than a traditional spay, recovery was only 24 - 48 hours. You did not even know she had surgery. No shaved belly, only 3 stitches.

We asked about the risk of pyro with the uterus still intact and we were told that there is no risk as the hormones are what causes it.

I think that you should do a regular spay on your girl. Her complicated c-section must have caused adhesions that can cause complications latter. Opening her up would give the surgeon a chance to check on that.
I have seen pyometra in cases where the uterus was left alone. I've also seen stump pyometra. So the risk is always there.

These pyos after spays are caused by remnants of ovarian tissue that are left behind; if you have a careful and diligent surgeon, post-spay pyos can't happen.