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ROBOTIC SURGERY
Melanie
Andrews was no stranger
to gallbladder issues.
“I saw my mother go through
gallbladder removal and recovery,
and it just wasn’t a process that I
was willing to go through,” says the
52-year-old Allen resident, who had
experienced gallstones and gallbladder
attacks for several years.
“She had such a long incision and
painful rehabilitation that I honestly
would have rather stuck with the
gallbladder pain.”
It wasn’t until her husband had a
gallbladder attack of his own that her
opinion shifted.
He was referred to Gary White, MD,
general surgeon on the medical staff at
Rich in
health
, rich in
life
How Melanie Andrews decided a Single-Site robotic procedure was right for her
Methodist Richardson Medical Center, to
discuss options for eliminating his pain.
They chose the Single-Site™ gallbladder
removal with the da Vinci® Surgical System
as the best course of treatment. The precision
of da Vinci’s robotic technology equips
the surgeon to operate through a single
small incision, delivering minimal pain and
scarring and a dramatically shorter recovery.
Second course
Even after her husband’s positive
experience with Single-Site, Andrews
was unsure whether she wanted it for
herself — until another attack and
round of gallstones struck.
“At that moment, Melanie’s condition
wasn’t an emergency, but waiting for the
pain to get worse could have caused
some serious health issues for her
down the line,” Dr. White says.
Andrews had her Single-Site procedure
in September 2013, went home the
same day, and is glad to be free of her
unhealthy gallbladder.
Sweet rewards
Since surgery, the Andrewses have been
able to enjoy a richer life without worrying
about painful complications.
“We don’t eat rich meals that often, but
when we do, it gets to be our treat and
we don’t have to worry about having an
attack,” Andrews says. “Life is richer in a
healthier way, and I have Methodist
and Dr. White to thank for that.”
“Life is richer in a
healthier way, and I have
Methodist and Dr. White to
thank for that.”
— Melanie Andrews
MAN VERSUS MACHINE?
Not at all. Da Vinci® is a game changer in
modern-day surgery, helping physicians
create the best outcomes for patients. Visit
to learn more.
Methodist Richardson Medical Center
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Summer 2014
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