Paducahan's energy returns quickly after hysterectomy

Shan Davis didn’t know she needed a hysterectomy. She just knew she was ready for relief from heavy menstrual periods and abdominal pain. She made an appointment with Baptist Health Paducah obstetrician/gynecologist Amber Savells, M.D., earlier this year. 

“I really didn’t have any idea what I needed, but it was such an ordeal that I was ready to move on,” said Davis, 38, of Paducah. “I had put off going to the doctor. I was so glad when I went to Dr. Savells, she listened to me.”

Dr. Savells recommended using the da Vinci robot for Davis’ hysterectomy. Baptist Health Paducah is the first hospital in the region with the da Vinci robot for hysterectomies, ovarian cysts and other abdominal problems, as well as prostate/kidney surgery and throat cancer.

“I thought that would work best for me,” Davis said of the da Vinci. “I had been cut open for a C-section in the past, so I knew traditional types of hysterectomies take longer to heal. 

Dr. Savells said patients not only leave the hospital sooner and recover faster, but also they experience less pain with the minimally-invasive hysterectomy. 

“Almost all patients who would traditionally be scheduled for an open hysterectomy would make great candidates for da Vinci surgery,” Dr. Savells said. “Patients have done amazingly well. Patients are surprised at how little pain they experience.” 

Davis was discharged the day after her surgery. “I did really well,” she said. “I’m relieved from my problems, and I can’t believe the energy I have now.”