Minimally Invasive Surgery Patient Stories

Every year our physicians and staff care for many patients. We're proud to share some of their stories with you.
Bariatric Surgery
Cardiac Surgery
Esophageal Surgery
Gastrointestinal Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Urology
Pediatric General Surgery
Pediatric Neurosurgery
Pediatric Urology

Bariatric Surgery

90 Pounds Gone …. and Counting
Karen has lost 90 pounds just four months after having laparoscopic duodenal switch surgery at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Also, her asthma has disappeared, and her knee and ankle are feeling better, making it easier to walk and exercise.

Cardiac Surgery

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery: William's Story
Because William previously had two open-chest surgeries, his doctors were worried he would not survive another operation he need for a badly functioning mitral valve. William's doctors referred him to the University of Chicago Medical Center for minimally invasive heart valve surgery, an approach that resulted in a faster recovery, less scarring and a lower risk for complications. Video included.

Esophageal Surgery

Woman Seeks Second Opinion for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Treatment
For years, Theresa Daddono experienced chronic pain caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Learn how Dr. Marco Patti used a minimally invasive surgical procedure to relieve her symptoms.

Medical Center Surgeon Provides Relief for Iowa Teen with Rare Swallowing Disorder
For nearly one and a half years, Nick Metcalf struggled with a swallowing disorder called achalasia. After having laparoscopic myotomy and a partial fundoplication surgery at the Medical Center, Metcalf is back enjoying life as a normal, healthy teenager.

Gastrointestinal Surgery

Surgical Technique Helps Woman Avoid Colostomy
When Lena Knezevich was diagnosed with anal cancer, she knew she wanted to come to the University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment. Doctors were able to shrink and remove the mass from Lena's lower anal canal, leaving her sphincter muscles in tact and sparing the need for a colostomy.

Thoracic Surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgery a 'Lucky' Option for Woman's Early-Stage Lung Cancer
In an ironic way, Barbara Arvia is grateful for the bunion on her foot. Preparation for foot surgery led to a surprising diagnosis of lung cancer--and to state-of-the-art treatment with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Barbara's surgery was performed through three small incisions, which resulted in a shorter recovery and a faster return to her active lifestyle.

Teen Finds Relief Through Minimally Invasive Surgery
Hyperhidrosis, a condition that results in excessive sweating, caused daily problems for young Ashley. Thoracic surgeon Mark Ferguson, MD, treated Ashley's condition using a minimally invasive approach performed with thin instruments.

Urology

Robotics Aid Surgeons in Operating Room
Chicago resident Christine Fulara, 70, had a cancer-bearing kidney removed at UCMC in 2002. She went home two days after the surgery and was out walking four days later -- trying to convince her doubting neighbors that she really did have major surgery.

Pediatric General Surgery

Minimally Invasive Approach Used to Remove Liver Cyst from Tiny Infant
A large growth called a choledochal cyst threatened baby Anushka's liver and bile duct function. Donald Liu, MD, PhD, used an advanced minimally invasive technique to remove the cyst and reconstruct her bile duct -- all done through very small incisions.

Pediatric Neurosurgery

Diagnosing Teen's Brain Tumor with Precise Technology
Sixteen-year-old Matthew Ukachukwu was diagnosed with a rare, but highly treatable brain tumor. With advanced diagnostic technology and an innovative approach, our doctors are delivering specialized treatment--sparing Matthew the undesirable consequences that treatment elsewhere may have cost him.

Pediatric Urology

Robot-Assisted Surgery Repairs Complex Kidney Condition in Teen
When Justin Ham was diagnosed with a complex case of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and horseshoe kidney, his parents searched for a surgeon who was skilled in minimally invasive urologic surgery. Their search brought them to Mohan S. Gundeti, MD, director of pediatric urology. Dr. Gundeti successfully treated Justin's conditions using a robot-assisted approach, which resulted in a faster recovery and minimal scarring.

Robotic Surgery Helps Girl With Neurogenic Bladder
Soon after Aaliyah Dellar was born, her bladder stopped growing. She was diagnosed with neurogenic bladder, a condition that caused an uncomfortable feeling that she always had to urinate. Aaliyah needed surgery to treat the embarrassing condition that was interfering with her life. Rather than operate through a long, 6-inch incision, Mohan S. Gundeti, MD, treated the problem with robotic surgery, an advanced surgical method that left only tiny scars.

Medical Center Physician Spares Children Post-Surgical Pain and Complications with Robotic Approach to Common Problem
Kyle Loess, age 5, was born with swelling in the urine-collecting structures of his kidneys, known as hydronephrosis, as well as vesicoureteral reflux and ureterocele, a bulbous dilation of the lower end of the ureter. Robotic surgery to correct his condition spared Kyle from more invasive, open surgery.

Five-Year-Old Boy Becomes First in World to Undergo Minimally Invasive Procedure
Graham Ahmad was born with Prune Belly Syndrome, a rare condition marked by urinary tract abnormalities, undescended testicles and other complications. Recurring urinary tract infections and scarring in his kidneys meant he needed surgery. But instead of performing the surgery via a long incision, Graham's surgeon, Mohan S. Gundeti, MD, did the surgery through small incisions, using a robotic approach.

Robotic Surgery Marks Chicago Breakthrough for Pediatric Patients
On Jan. 7, 2008, ten-year-old Jaime Bazan returned to school and sports activities -- a monumental feat considering that only 11 days earlier, he became the first Chicago pediatric patient to undergo robot-assisted urologic surgery.