MY RELATIONSHIP TO DA VINCI SURGERY: Patient

MY CONDITION: Excessive Menstrual Bleeding

TYPE OF PROCEDURE I HAD: da Vinci Hysterectomy

DATE OF PROCEDURE: Aug 27, 2009

MY SURGEON: Dr. Jonathan L Thomas

HOSPITAL WHERE MY PROCEDURE WAS PERFORMED: Columbia Regional Hospital

OTHER TREATMENTS I CONSIDERED BEFORE DA VINCI SURGERY:
Had ablation in 2008

THE BIGGEST CONCERNS I HAD ABOUT TREATMENT:
pain, recovery

WHY I CHOSE DA VINCI SURGERY:
research online; Dr Thomas and staff education

HOW LONG I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL:
24 hours

MY PAIN AND/OR DISCOMFORT LEVEL:
very mild

ABOUT MY RECOVERY TIME:
days

WHEN I RETURNED TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES:
24 hours

ABOUT MY SURGEON AND/OR FACILITY STAFF:
excellent

HOW DA VINCI SURGERY COMPARED TO MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES OR PRECONCEPTIONS OF SURGERY:
wonderful

I WOULD RECOMMEND DA VINCI SURGERY TO MY FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS!

History:

1984: Gallbladder: large open incision, long recovery, pain
1998: C Section: separation of incision site about 1", large scar, slow healing process, pain
2005: Roux en Y : little pain, quick recovery
2006: Hernia repair: incision, longer recovery, moderate pain
2008: Ablation: vaginal, rapid recovery, decreased amount of bleeding, extreme cramps continued after procedure

August 27, 2009: da Vinci Hysterectomy for: bleeding and extreme cramps/pain at left ovary area, cyst found on ultrasound, periods every 21 days with a 5-7 day duration of pain and bleeding.

I had surgery with Dr. Thomas at Columbia Regional Hospital, receiving excellent care. I experienced immediate but mild post-op discomfort in my lower mid abdominal area, which was relieved by Percocet. I was up and out of bed, ambulatory in the hospital halls within an hour after surgery, and returned to room from the recovery room. I was discharged 24 hours after surgery and immediately returned to my daily walking routine of 3-6 miles per day. I experienced 48 hours of very mild discomfort; within 72 hours, there was no pain/discomfort. At 3 weeks post-op, the Steri-strips and Tegaderm were removed from 5 surgical [incision] sites, all scabbed, with no drainage, redness, or pain.

I have had friends who have had vaginal and abdominal hysterectomies. They have reported pain for days/weeks and reported slow return to normal activities.

This [da Vinci Hysterectomy] procedure offered by Dr. Thomas is amazing!