A MINIMALLY INVASIVE SOLUTION: HOW ROBOTIC MYOMECTOMY CHANGED A MOM’S LIFE

Sally Lu

Sally had the procedure in November 2024 and was pleasantly surprised. “I only stayed in the hospital overnight, and within nine days, I was already back to doing small chores like driving my kids to school,” she shared. “After three weeks, I was fully back to normal.”

For Sally Lu, dealing with fibroids had been a long and frustrating journey. Initially, her symptoms were manageable—irregular bleeding and occasional spotting— but over time, the fibroid grew, causing discomfort and unpredictability in her menstrual cycle.

After monitoring the fibroid for years, her doctor recommended a hysterectomy. But Sally hesitated. “I only had one fibroid, and I did not feel that
removing my entire uterus was the right choice,” said Sally. Determined to explore other options, she sought a second opinion and found Samuel Im MD, a gynecologic oncologist at PIH Health.

Dr. Im specializes in robotic myomectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. Using the da Vinci
robotic system, he performs these surgeries with greater precision, minimal blood loss, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.

“This robotic procedure is the perfect option for women who want to preserve their uterus,” explains Dr. Im. “Without it, patients who undergo open surgery often face larger incisions, longer hospital stays, and more blood loss. With robotic myomectomy, we can remove fibroids safely and efficiently, allowing for a much quicker recovery.”

Sally had the procedure in November 2024 and was pleasantly surprised. “I only stayed in the hospital overnight, and within nine days, I was already back to doing small chores like driving my kids to school,” she shared. “After three weeks, I was fully back to normal.”

Sally credits Dr. Im’s compassionate approach for making the experience smooth and stress-free. “He really took the time to listen to my concerns and answer all my questions. I never felt rushed, and he made me feel completely comfortable about my decision,” she shares.

For women struggling with fibroids, robotic myomectomy at PIH Health Whittier Hospital offers a life-changing solution, and with Dr. Im’s expertise, patients can feel confident they are in the best hands.

For more information on women’s health services at PIH Health, go to PIHHealth.org/WomensHealth