Robotic Surgery: Wendy's Story

"I was impressed with my care at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. Everything was so organized and the whole process went like clockwork.” —Wendy Gao, shown here with her husband Patrick.

In 2016, Wendy Gao and her family traveled 9,000 miles from New Zealand to resettle in the United States. Her husband Patrick was busy traveling for his new job and her daughter was adjusting well to high school and thinking ahead to college. But Wendy faced a troubling medical crisis that tested her natural resilience and optimism.

The 49-year-old Shanghai native—herself a trained physician—had been experiencing pain in her abdomen for months. The pain raised concerns in her primary care physician who ordered a sonogram, which revealed ovarian growths.

That’s when Wendy’s doctor referred her to James Barter, MD, medical director, Gynecologic Oncology Research, Holy Cross Health—a research clinician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers.

“Dr. B,” as Wendy affectionately calls him, ran some additional tests and recommended surgery to remove the growths, which is the only definitive way to determine if the growths are cancerous, precancerous or benign.

While no one likes the prospect of an operation, Dr. Barter had some good news for Wendy. Her procedure would be performed using a minimally invasive technique that features sophisticated robotic technology. And she could have her surgery close to home at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital.

Revolutionary Anatomical Access

“The robotic surgery program at Holy Cross Health continues to pioneer minimally invasive surgery advancements as part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and high-quality care,” explains Dr. Barter. “Holy Cross Hospital was the first hospital in Montgomery County to offer robotic surgery in 2008, and now Holy Cross Germantown Hospital has acquired the da Vinci Xi® Surgical System, the latest in robotic technology.”

Robotic surgery allows surgeons to perform more complex and intricate procedures with faster recovery times for patients.

Nationally Recognized Expertise

Holy Cross Health is a regional leader in the treatment of medical problems requiring gynecologic surgery. Our gynecology experts, including gynecologic oncologists, urogynecologists and gynecologic surgeons, are innovators in gynecologic surgical procedures.

In fact, our specialists perform more gynecologic and gynecologic oncology inpatient surgeries each year in Maryland than any other health system or hospital. Holy Cross Hospital’s gynecologic surgery program is designated as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology^TM by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the Surgical Review Corporation. Additionally, the Holy Cross Cancer Research Program provides access to clinical trials, offering state-of-the art, innovative medical treatments.

In and Out in One Day

For Wendy, robotic surgery was ideal. She was admitted to the hospital early one morning in June—and released that same afternoon.

“Her procedure took just one hour,” Dr. Barter explains. “I removed cysts from each ovary, as well as both fallopian tubes. Through the greater precision achieved through robotic surgery, I was able to preserve a good deal of her ovaries.” The best news? The growths were benign.

“Apart from a little pain the first couple of days, I resumed life as usual within a week,” says Wendy, who now is happily building her new life in her adopted country—including weekly yoga classes with her daughter.

Extensive Women's Services

In addition to comprehensive gynecologic care, Holy Cross Health provides advanced medical expertise and research to meet a wide spectrum of women’s life-long health care needs including pelvic, breast, obstetrics and more. We also offer a full complement of health and wellness classes, and support groups.

For more information about our comprehensive care for women at every stage of life, visit HolyCrossHealth.org/Womens-Health.