A Gratitude Story - Herb

It’s safe to say that no one looks forward to surgery. But many do feel grateful looking back on the experience when it was successful and improves their health and well-being in a meaningful way. Such is the case with Herb Obodda.

Several years ago, Herb’s primary care doctor referred him to Gyan Pareek, MD, Chief, Division of Urology, and Co-Director, Minimally Invasive Urology Institute (MIUI), for a urological issue that turned out to be early-stage bladder cancer.

When his initial course of treatment proved unsuccessful, Dr. Pareek consulted with his colleague, Dragan Golijanin, MD, Co-Director of the MIUI and Director of Genitourinary Oncology, and it was determined that neo-bladder reconstruction surgery – a complex and still novel procedure – was Herb’s best option.

Herb Obboda

gratitude...

I felt cared for and cared about every time I stepped foot in that hospital. I can’t even quantify my feelings for The Miriam...It’s just a wonderful place.

Using the state-of-the-art da Vinci Surgical System, Dr. Golijanin was able to remove Herb’s nonfunctioning bladder, create a new one from a section of his small intestine, and attach it to his urethra, the tube that controls the release of urine from the body. The six-hour, minimally invasive surgery was a success, and Herb did not require a stoma or collection bag.

After a week of inpatient recovery and about three months of “taking it easy,” Herb reports that he was back to his active lifestyle with minimum disruptions. Flashing forward to present day, Herb adds that he cherishes the “second life” he credits our doctors and nurses with providing him, and the excellent quality of life he has enjoyed in the years since his surgery.

“The personal connection I had with my doctors and nurses was strong,” he explains. “They were all amazing and very attentive. I felt cared for and cared about every time I stepped foot in that hospital. I can’t even quantify my feelings for The Miriam...It’s just a wonderful place.”

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