The Center of Attention

Hernia repair is a common same-day surgical procedure experienced by 300,000 Americans each year. What isn’t always as common is a surgery team who treats you like family. When Bob Munich of Brookings had his hernia repaired, he discovered what Brookings Health System’s high-quality, compassionate, personalized care is all about.

An umbilical hernia is a soft swelling or bulge near the navel. It happens when tissues bulge through an opening in the abdomen muscles. In Bob’s case, the cause was an old injury. 

“I had it for years,” said Bob. “I think what happened was many years ago I lifted a heavy piano when I shouldn’t have and it tore something lose.” 

Watchful waiting is generally not recommended for adults with an umbilical hernia. In Bob’s case, the hernia became more pronounced over the years to the point where it was dangerous not to repair it. Bob’s physician, Dr. Daniel Cecil, recommended Bob have the hernia repaired and referred him to General Surgeon Dr. Theresa Oey. Bob connected with Dr. Oey immediately.

“She just has a way of making you feel at home and like I was a part of the process.”

An operation is the only way to repair a hernia. As such, Dr. Oey recommended Bob have hernia surgery using the da Vinci robot which was less invasive than other surgical methods. Using the da Vinici surgical system would allow Bob to heal more quickly and experience less pain. 

“I thought there would be pain with this type of surgery. I didn’t feel any pain at all, even during the recovery,” said Bob.

Bob felt anxious when he arrived at Brookings Hospital on the day of his procedure. But the same-day surgery team immediately made him feel at home and calmed his nerves with their personal care and responsiveness.

“Everybody involved in the procedure, they all had smiles on their faces and they all welcomed me and made me feel like I was the center of attention,” said Bob.

After his procedure, Dr. Oey talked to Bob’s wife, Linda, to reassure her all went well. Bob was relieved he didn’t experience any major complications and that he was finally able to enjoy his life with a belly button again. 

In addition to a successful surgery, Bob appreciated being close of home. Once he was ready for discharge, Linda drove him to their house in five minutes. Bob also valued the personal feel of being care for by fellow community neighbors.

“It’s good to know when you come in you’re going to be taken care of like family because you are a community of family members.”

Want to know more? Listen to Bob tell his story online at www.brookingshealth.org/Bob_M.