New Lenox Woman Feels Fabulous after Robotic Hysterectomy at Silver Cross

Midwest Institute of Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross #1 in Chicago area for the most surgeries

For 55 year-old Teresa Brennan, the past four years were filled with painful abdominal cramps and exhaustion. She was even anemic due to excessive bleeding during her menstrual cycle. On the recommendation from her neighbor, the New Lenox resident made an appointment with Gamilah Pierre, M.D.. After trying a variety of conservative treatments, Dr. Pierre determined that the best option to relieve Brennan’s discomfort was with a robotic hysterectomy at the Midwest Institute of Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital More hysterectomies are performed at Silver Cross than any other hospital or surgery center in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Pictured with Gamilah Pierre, M.D., is New Lenox resident Teresa Brennan, whose now pain free due to a robotic hysterectomy procedure she had at Silver Cross Hospital. Watch Teresa’s video.

“I literally came out of my robotic surgery feeling like a million bucks,” said Brennan. “I realized after my surgery how unhealthy I was because my recovery was tremendous. I sure didn’t feel like I just had a complex surgery. I had no pain and was up walking around an hour after my procedure. In fact, I felt so good that I found it difficult to remember to follow my doctor’s orders and not ride my bike during my recovery.”

How Does Robotic Surgery Work?

Controlled by a surgeon from a console, the innovative da Vinci robot is used to make 1 to 2 cm incisions and then long, delicate instruments are inserted into these incisions that enable specially trained physicians to perform the surgery.

Interestingly, misconceptions still exist that the robot is actually performing the surgery all by itself. “The important aspect to understand is that the robotic system cannot be programmed, nor can it make decisions,” said Gamilah Pierre, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital who has performed more than 150 robotic surgical procedures. “The da Vinci System requires that every surgical movement be performed with direct input from the surgeon.”

The enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control of the robot allows physicians to perform an excellent surgery even for complex cases. “Robotic surgery offers women, many potential benefits over traditional open surgery, including minimal blood loss, less scarring, shorter hospital stay, low risk of complications, and a faster recovery,” said Dr. Pierre. “Some patients, like Teresa, can be back on their feet within a few hours. The benefits are incredible!”

Advice to Other Patients

“I highly recommend other women who are experiencing the same problems to have robotic surgery at Silver Cross and see Dr. Pierre,” said Teresa. “I am so grateful for Dr. Pierre’s expertise and approachable personality. She made me feel that I could ask her any questions. I’m also so thankful to the Silver Cross nursing staff, who were so personable and attentive to all of my needs.”