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Robotic colectomy removes polyps

Learn how Larry felt when he heard about minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery from his surgeon, and how it changed his life.

March 30, 2022
Larry Bailey sitting on a recliner.

Take me to Brigham City Community Hospital: It’s amazing what they can do these days!

Larry Bailey hadn’t had surgery since his appendix removal at 4 years old. So, when 80-year-old Larry listened to his surgeon explain about minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery, it sounded almost too good to be true.

“It’s just wonderful!” Larry exclaimed.

“It’s amazing what they can do these days!” added Mary Bailey, Larry’s wife of 50 years.

As for Larry and Mary’s health, they make sure to schedule regular annual checkups and screening exams. In fact, it was a routine colonoscopy that revealed Larry’s pre-cancerous polyps on his colon.

Receiving hope: Skilled physicians devise personalized treatment plans

“When we learned about his polyps, we thought, ‘There’s nothing to be done, it’ll have to take its course and that’s it.’ But when we went to see Dr. Wride, he already had a plan and said he could take care of it laparoscopically. I didn’t think that was possible,” Mary said.

Dr. Noah Wride, a general surgeon practicing at Brigham City Community Hospital, explained that Larry had a very large precancerous colon polyp that was far too large to be able to be removed by colonoscopy. However, with minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery, he could remove the portion of Larry’s polyp-covered large intestines by only making four small incisions.

He also explained that the minimally invasive approach removes risks associated with traditional surgeries, and is associated with less pain, faster recoveries and shorter hospital stays. Plus, the robotic equipment enhances visibility and precision within the small incisions. The Baileys felt impressed to move forward.

“He also told us that a year ago, he did the same surgery on a woman who was 92 years old, and she did really great,” Mary said.

After their meeting with Dr. Wride, Larry underwent a few tests to ensure that his body would do well under anesthesia.

“I had an EKG, blood tests, a stress test and a CAT scan — all to see if my heart would withstand being in surgery. I had no problems. The next thing was the surgery,” Larry said.

Exceeding expectations: Compassionate medical teams make a difference

Dr. Wride performed a colectomy procedure on Larry that lasted just a few short hours. Then, Larry spent one night in the hospital before returning home.

“It was more than we ever hoped for! They removed a third of his colon — that’s a big deal, and yet it was just one night in the hospital, and he didn’t need even pain medicine,” Mary said.

Larry agreed that with the minimally invasive robot-assisted approach, the major surgery seemed surprisingly simple. He also noted that the Brigham City Community Hospital’s physicians, nurses and staff members helped him feel at home during the entire hospital experience.

“They were just wonderful. They’re the most courteous, warm people. They talked with me and helped me feel comfortable as I could be. They went out of their way for me. They’re just the sweetest people,” Larry said.

Although Larry’s large intestine measures significantly shorter than before, his health is top-notch. With his healed bowels and the removed pre-cancerous polyps, he can eat and digest all the foods he loves while enjoying every day of his 80th year on Earth.

“Mr. Bailey is the type of success story that we would like to see with all our patients,” said Dr. Wride. He did the right thing to stay up to date on his colon cancer screening. If he hadn’t, then we would not have found this very large growth within his colon. Luckily, we were able to identify this large polyp mass, and completely remove it before it could transform and spread throughout his body. We are very excited to be able to offer the most up-to-date technology and advanced, minimally-invasive surgery to our local residents and our community.”

Larry’s wife agrees. “For a man his age, it’s just remarkable that he recovered so quickly from something that serious,” Mary said. “I’d recommend Dr. Wride and Brigham City Community Hospital to anybody.”

80-year-old Larry Bailey hadn’t needed surgery since he was 4 years old.  A lot has changed in healthcare since then. So, when Dr. Noah Wride explained the minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgery that could remove his precancerous colon polyps, it seemed almost too good to be true.

“When we learned about his polyps, we thought, ‘There’s nothing to be done, it’ll have to take its course and that’s it.’ But when we went to see Dr. Wride, he already had a plan and said he could take care of it laparoscopically. I didn’t think that was possible.” — Mary Bailey

Published:
March 30, 2022
Location:
Brigham City Community Hospital

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