Robotic Surgery Close to Home
Morgan Likens
Morgan Likens thought she pulled a muscle in July of this year. After a visit with her OB/GYN provider, Likens was scheduled to undergo surgery. However, the pain she was experiencing led to an emergency surgery with referred physician, Robert Bowers, MD.
“The ultrasound showed that I had a 17-centimeter mass near my left ovaries,” said Likens. “Dr. Bowers said that my mass was as big as a 400-milliliter IV bag. My surgery was performed with the Robotic-Assisted da Vinci® and required removing one of my ovaries.”
Thanks to the advanced technology of Robotic-Assisted da Vinci® surgery, Likens returned to work three weeks after her surgery, which was sooner than expected.
“After the second week of recovery, I was able to get up and start moving again,” said Likens. “I did not have to take as much pain medication, and the relief I felt was great.”
Likens shared that everyone on her care team was kind and helpful. She shared that this kindness was the best part about having her surgery at Holzer. Advice she would give others if they may be experiencing any issues is to make sure you schedule your annual exams.
“It may not be a pulled muscle,” said Likens. “It may seem silly to go get checked for a slight pain, but people should still get examined just in case.”
Likens resides in Point Pleasant, W.Va. with her husband, Mason, and their two German Shepherd dogs. In her free time, she enjoys watching her younger brothers play sports and spending time with her husband at their local fire department’s events.
Dr. Bowers completed his medical education at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine - Huntington, West Virginia, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Bowers and the Gallipolis Surgical staff are robotically trained to complete surgeries utilizing the da Vinci® Surgical System. Since 2000, surgeons using the da Vinci Surgical System have performed over 1.5 million operations worldwide.
Holzer’s Obstetrics and Gynecology department is committed to maintaining and improving women’s health. Conducting preventive health screenings can find problems early and prevent health issues before they occur. For more information on the type of services available at Holzer Health Systems, call 1-855-4-HOLZER or visit www.holzer.org.
