“I feel great and I am so thankful to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset for everything they have done for me!”
Arjit Mahal has suffered from several painful abdominal hernias over the past 40 years and has undergone several surgeries. Last year after pushing a wheelchair, he felt a pull in his abdomen, resulting in another hernia.
This time, it was larger than before. Located near a previously repaired hernia and resulting scar tissue, it was especially complicated to repair.
He underwent robotic surgery in July at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset to repair the hernia, with abdominal wall tissues and mesh used to stabilize it.
“I’ve had several surgeries in my life and this was one of the best experiences,” says the retired management consultant and author from Flemington. “From Pre-Admission to the Operating Room and Recovery, everybody at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset was very polite and professional and made me feel very comfortable. I can’t say enough about the great nursing care.”
He recently reunited with his surgeon Sarah Bryczkowski, MD, who is board-certified in general surgery and specializes in robotic surgery, and Thangamani Seenivasan, MD, chair of the Department of Surgery at RWJUH Somerset, to share his appreciation.
“Dr. Seenivasan and Dr. Bryczkowski are down-to-earth people,” he says. “They are so pleasant and they talk to you in plain language to explain everything. I felt very confident about my surgery.”
Seenivasan, MD
“Both surgeons are thoughtful listeners and devote 100 percent attention to you when examining and discussing your case,” he adds. “Their communication style is polite and encouraging, which gave me a lot of confidence that I was in the right hands. They are never in a rush.”
Using the daVinci Robotic Surgical System helps provide a high-definition, 3-D view that guides surgeons and helps them operate with greater precision through smaller incisions, says Dr. Bryczkowski.
“Complex procedures that once had to be done through open surgery can now be performed with robotic assistance, resulting in less pain and faster recoveries,” she says.
One of the first community hospitals in New Jersey to offer robotic surgery, RWJUH Somerset recently added a third daVinci Robotic Surgical System, expanding its robotic surgery capabilities. In addition to general surgery, robotic surgical procedures performed at the hospital include urological, gynecological and colorectal surgeries.
“Our surgeons have extensive experience in robotic and minimally-invasive surgical techniques,” said Dr. Seenivasan. “We are proud to be able to offer our community state-of-the-art surgical care close to home.”
Mahal experienced only minor discomfort after robotic surgery to repair his hernia, managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. After his incision healed, he underwent four months of physical therapy to strengthen his abdominal muscles and resumed an active lifestyle.
A Past Grand Chaplain with the Freemasons, he teaches mentorship and is also an author of several historical, business and health books.
“I feel great and I am so thankful to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset for everything they have done for me!”
Learn more about Robotic Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson University Somerset.