Busy Entrepreneur Back At Work

One Week After Robotic Hysterectomy

Carol Davis was shocked when genetic testing revealed she carried the BRCA2 gene, which predisposed her to a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Already a victim of breast cancer 10 years ago, the 54-year-old Genesee County native made a tough, but steadfast decision.

"I chose to have a prophylactic hysterectomy," she revealed.

Her medical oncologist, T. Trevor Singh, M.D., referred her to oncology surgeon, Sukamal Saha, M.D., who presented the option of a robotic-assisted hysterectomy. In this procedure, the surgeon performs a hysterectomy using the da Vinci surgical robotic system. This system is only available in the Genesee County region at McLaren-Flint.

"I researched robotic surgery online and decided that was the way to go," Carol said. "It was everything Dr. Saha said it would be. I knew I could expect less pain and a faster recovery with this procedure, as opposed to an open hysterectomy or even a laparoscopic hysterectomy. And, it was virtually pain-free. I was in the hospital one night, driving in five days, back to work in a week and at a party just three days after surgery!"

Carol noted she was very confident in the robotic surgical technique because it allows for more precision for the physician.

"I had the utmost trust in Dr. Saha, but I knew that robotics eliminates even the slightest tremor or hand movement that might occur," she noted. "I also knew that the doctor is in total control of the robotic arms and that, with robotics, the visual field is greatly enhanced."

Carol couldn't be more pleased with her outcome, and she is quick to share that she has recommended this procedure to family and friends who are facing a hysterectomy.

Fully recovered, Carol is back at the helm as CEO of Fireside Coffee, a business she started 22 years ago, with headquarters in Swartz Creek, Michigan.