Patient Experiences the Benefits of Robotic Surgery, Including Quick Recovery
February 20, 2024
Life was good for 73-year-old retiree Michael Shatto and his wife Phyllis. The couple lives in Terra Ceia Bay, located just north of Bradenton. Shatto enjoys fishing and tending to his more than 50 orchids and other potted flowers. He is noted for having a green thumb. “My plants do well when I talk to them,” he says with a smile.
Colon cancer diagnosis
However, things took a turn after Shatto learned he had colon cancer. “I had iron deficiency anemia and was being treated by a medical oncologist who referred me for a colonoscopy,” he says. After the procedure, Shatto learned he had cancer. “I was heartbroken,” reflects Shatto. “But I figured it is what it is. My Christian beliefs are very, very strong.”
The next step was for Shatto to find a surgeon to remove the cancer. After doing a lot of research, Shatto chose Lakewood Ranch Medical Center surgeon Samuel Yelverton, MD.
“Dr. Yelverton was very patient and kind, and he had a good bedside manner that put me at ease,” Shatto says. “He answered all my questions and both me and my wife felt very comfortable with him, and the whole office staff.”
Robotic sigmoid colon resection
Dr. Yelverton explains that Shatto underwent a robotic sigmoid colon resection, during which the cancerous part of the large bowel, along with surrounding lymph nodes, are removed and the remaining bowel is reconnected. The procedure was performed using the da Vinci® robotic system. “Robotic surgery, when compared to open surgery, has lower postoperative pain, less blood loss, early return of bowel function and a lower chance of future hernias from incisions,” explains Dr. Yelverton.
Quick recovery
After surgery, Shatto recalls experiencing a little pain where the incisions were made. The next day, Shatto felt ready to go home; however, the doctor explained he would first need to have physical therapy (PT) so they could assess his mobility. When PT arrived, they walked the unit hallways. After returning to his room, Shatto says he told the therapist, “Let’s go one more time.” He says the therapist looked at him with surprise and then took him for another walk.
Later that afternoon, Dr. Yelverton was pleased with Shatto’s recovery and discharged him to recover at home. “Most of my colon patients who undergo robotic surgery experience the benefits of less postoperative pain and early return of bowel function,” says Dr. Yelverton.
Big relief
Follow-up tests confirmed the cancer was gone and Shatto will continue with blood tests for the next five years. “I went from a stage 4 cancer to a stage 1 overnight, and of course, that is a big relief,” shares Shatto.
“Because we were able to get this patient into the operating room early and remove the cancer, along with more than the average number of lymph nodes and find out that he was stage 1 colon cancer, he does not have to undergo any postoperative chemotherapy or any other procedures,” Dr. Yelverton says.
Put your trust in people who can help you
“I feel a lot healthier than when my body was fighting the cancer, which made me tired,” Shatto says. “Now, I’m not as tired and I have more energy. I can get in the pool and do an hour or two of water aerobics.”
When reflecting on his diagnosis, Shatto explains, “I didn’t want to feel sorry for myself. You realize there are people out there who can help you and you put your trust in those people — people who give you the confidence you need and will uplift you. I had a lot of confidence not only in Dr. Yelverton and his crew, but the hospital team too. My nurses and everyone who cared for me were extremely nice and I just want to thank everyone who cared for me.”
Michael Shatto shares why he chose Lakewood Ranch Medical Center:
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.