The first case was an open surgery. While this does not necessarily line up with my topic of study, I do really enjoy watching open cases from time to time to see new perspectives on similar surgeries. In any case, it would be impossible to do this specific surgery robotically. The 55 year old patient’s stomach was incredibly distended due to her ascites and swelling. My mentor’s intended procedure was an exploratory laparotomy, a hysterectomy including both tubes and ovaries, an omentectomy, frozen section, and possible staging. It is quite a mouthful, all the more reason to do the procedure open. Unfortunately, the pathology confirmed her omentum was extensively invaded by adenocarcinoma, a common malignancy. She will need chemo and radiation in the future to stop her cancer and hopefully reach remission. Overall, having the opportunity to observe such a long and complex case was incredibly fascinating and enjoyable.
The second case was robotic and much less complex. Her diagnosis was chronic pelvic pain due to endometriosis, and via the endoscope endometriosis was definitely the issue. Her entire uterus was ridden with the corrupted tissue, and Dr. Heffernan did his best to remove it all (which was not possible given the sheer amount).
In addition to observing surgeries, we also worked some on my Original Work, my research paper. Overall, it was an incredibly successful visit both medically and academically.
