Minimally Invasive Surgery Testimonials
Teresa Garcia-Blom - Hysterectomy
Teresa Garcia-Blom, 56, is once again enjoying her walks near Cascade Falls, since her quick recovery from a minimally invasive hysterectomy.
Non-cancerous fibroid tumors in her uterus had caused Teresa constant pressure on her lower back and abdomen. Her doctor had tried a nonsurgical procedure called embolization, which attempts to shrink the fibroids by blocking their blood supply. This proved to be unsuccessful and, since fibroid tumors often will shrink with the onset of menopause, Teresa and her doctor decided to take a wait-and-see approach. Read more »
Tennille Daly - Myomectomy
Thanks to a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed with the daVinci robotic surgical system, Jackson couple Tennille and Marc Daly were able to welcome their daughter, Elise, into the world six months ago.
Through a routine exam with Arthur Vendola, MD, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Tennille learned she had a large fibroid tumor in her uterus—unwelcome news for a newlywed who wanted to begin a family. But, Dr. Vendola determined that she was a candidate for da Vinci® robotic surgery – which can result in less pain and a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.
“I had every confidence in Dr. Vendola, and I knew right away I wanted to continue in his care for the birth of my children,” Tennille said. ”I was back at work within two weeks, and now Marc and I are enjoying every day with Elise.”
Christy Lindsay - Myomectomy
Eight-month-old Isabella Lindsay is a delight to her parents, Brad and Christy, and her big brother, Harley. Her long-awaited arrival into the world was made possible by the daVinci Robotic Surgical System® and Arthur Vendola, MD, Obstetrics/Gynecology.
Before Isabella was born, Christy Lindsay experienced several miscarriages, due to fibroid tumors in her uterus. Dr. Vendola determined that she was eligible for minimally invasive robotic surgery, which can result in less pain and a quicker recovery time than traditional surgery.
He performed the surgery, called a
myomectomy, at Allegiance Health, and Christy was back at home the next
day. “It was an easy recovery, and I had very little pain,” she says. “I
returned to my normal activities—including taking care of my active
three-year-old son, within two days.”
Harley Lindsay is very happy to have a baby sister, his mom says. “He especially loves to sing to her and giver her kisses.”
Elizabeth Lovett - Myomectomy
Elizabeth Lovett happily welcomed her third child, Kayson Dean, into the world in January. She credits her son’s birth to Arthur Vendola, MD, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and to the da Vinci robot.
After experiencing three miscarriages, Elizabeth learned she had a large fibroid tumor in her uterus. Her obstetrician, Arthur Vendola, MD, determined that Elizabeth was eligible for minimally invasive surgery using da Vinci® robotic technology – which can result in less pain and a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.
Elizabeth was able to return home the day after surgery, which was especially good news for her two older children, Camren, 5, and Cordelia, 3. “It hurt just a little bit for about a day, then I hardly knew I had surgery,” Elizabeth said.
If you have uterine fibroids and are contemplating surgery, ask your physician if you are a candidate for a minimally invasive da Vinci procedure. Elizabeth “absolutely recommends it.”
Tammy Neelis - Hysterectomy
Tammy Neelis, a 36-year-old runner and spinning instructor, avoided having a hysterectomy for as long as possible, primarily because she did not want to interrupt a physical fitness regime that is both her passion and her way of life.
When her gynecologist, Gary Farhat, MD, told Tammy about the availability of a minimally invasive hysterectomy involving robotic technology and requiring a far shorter recovery time, she was interested. “I had a chance to see the daVinci® Surgical System in action, and it was amazing,” Tammy said.
Progressively difficult menstrual cycles finally convinced Tammy it was time for surgery, and she scheduled hers at Allegiance Health. “If I had known how easy it would be for me, and how much better I would feel, I wouldn’t have waited so long,” she said. “After having the surgery, I can honestly say I feel better than I ever have.”
The daVinci Surgical System is a high-precision robotic that allows physicians to perform delicate surgeries with greater control and much smaller incisions. Patients often experience less pain, minimal scarring and a quicker recovery. “My surgical experience was wonderful, fabulous really, and the staff took excellent care of me,“ said Tammy.
Tammy was home the next day, never took a prescription pain killer and took her daughter to the movies the following day. Within two weeks, she had the okay to return to work—and she ran three miles that same day.
As soon as she returned to work, Tammy began training for the half marathon she will run in late spring. “This wouldn’t have been possible if I’d had a traditional hysterectomy. Allegiance Health’s purchase of the daVinci robot was a great investment for our community,” Tammy said.