Dairy Farmer Appreciates Coordinated Care [Keith Welgraven]

In this video, dairy farmer Keith Welgraven shares his experience with hernia surgery and coordinated care at Brookings Health System. He discusses choosing a surgeon, selecting da Vinci robotic surgery and how scheduling was tailored around the demands of farm life. His story highlights the value of expert, patient-centered care close to home.

  • Specialized Expertise Matters: Choosing a surgeon who specializes in hernia repair builds confidence and trust.
  • Advanced Technology Options: da Vinci robotic surgery can offer a less invasive approach with potential for quicker healing.
  • Coordinated Care: Collaboration between surgeons helped reduce downtime and streamline recovery.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Care was organized around the patient’s demanding farming schedule.
  • Strong Follow-Up & Support: Ongoing check-ins and attentive nursing care enhanced the recovery experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hernia surgery is a procedure to repair a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall where tissue or an organ pushes through. The repair typically involves repositioning the tissue and reinforcing the area, often with mesh, to prevent recurrence.

Surgery is recommended when a hernia causes pain, limits daily activities, enlarges over time or risks complications. A surgeon evaluates the size, symptoms and overall health of the patient before recommending repair.

Da Vinci robotic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive technique where the surgeon uses robotic-assisted instruments for enhanced precision and control. This approach may result in smaller incisions, less postoperative discomfort and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Watchful waiting may be appropriate for small, minimally symptomatic hernias. However, surgery is the only definitive treatment that repairs the defect, and delaying repair can increase the risk of complications in some cases.

Hernia surgery is generally safe, but potential risks include infection, bleeding, recurrence or pain at the surgical site. Robotic and minimally invasive techniques may reduce certain risks, but all surgical options should be discussed with a qualified surgeon.

Video Transcript

I'm Keith Welgraven. I'm a dairy farmer from Ruthton, Minnesota, and I milk cows for a living.

Why did you choose Dr. Oey for hernia surgery?

I had gone on the Avera site and started searching for surgeons, and Dr. Oey's name popped up and said she specialized in hernia surgery. And meeting with her for the first time, it just...she was...it was an instant hit. I mean, she seemed very confident in what she was doing and very personable. I mean, that's a very high quality, in my opinion, on a doctor, and I was just all around happy with what I've met anyway.

Why was scheduling important to you?

With dairy, you're busy 24/7, so to speak, you know, 12 months out of the year. And, you know, the cattle always have to be cared for on the dairy and the calves fed. And so, to be able to, you know, get everything organized, I had hip...not replacement, but actual repair done with my orthopedic surgeon. So, and Dr. Oey was really good about working with my orthopedic doctor also to be able to shave some of the downtime off, and it worked really well. I mean, couldn't ask for it to go any better.

Why did you choose da Vinci robotic surgery?

Well, she said it would take less time to heal. It sounded like it was a lot less invasive, and I just had trust in her. She knew what she was talking about, so I opted to go with that procedure, and it went really well. I mean, there was no problems, no issues, and she did a great job.

How was your experience with the staff?

Excellent. I had awesome care here. I've always been happy with the Brookings Hospital. The nurses from as soon as we entered in, to the very last one, and I can't remember her name, but she was just a wonderful doctor...or not doctor, nurse, I should say, on the release. You know, the care here was awesome. I mean, I'll gladly come back here again.

How was your recovery?

After I recovered, I was back to normal, you know, and back to doing chores. And yeah, it took my patience, I guess, to not do everything, but I could pretty much tell. And she told me right out, she knows the situation I'm in. And she says, "Well, your body's gonna tell you what you can do and what you can't. And just listen to it and don't push it." And I think that was pretty good advice actually. She's really good with giving that, so.

What did you appreciate most about your care?

Everything. I mean, everything was experienced well. You know, the nurses were so excellent to help you out and, you know, "What can we get you? What can we do for ya?" You know, "How is the pain?" You know, Dr. Oey came in, oh gosh, I don't remember, I bet you two or three times afterwards just to check on me to make sure I was good. Everything was just, like I say, you just couldn't ask for it to go any better.

Why do you recommend surgery at Brookings Health System?

Just because of the excellent patient care, in my opinion. And like I say, I don't know that many doctors here, but Dr. Oey I've already recommended to a couple of my friends that are looking for surgeons and she's just, like I say, she's tops in my opinion.

Are you one of Brookings Health System's grateful patients who would like to give back to us? Learn more about how you can give back at brookingshealth.org/mythanks.

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