When Jessica Bermudez was diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm of the peritoneum, it was the next phase in what was becoming a serious ongoing health journey for the 42-year-old. Already battling ovarian cancer, Jessica learned that her cancer had spread to the lining of her pelvic area. The diagnosis explained the abdominal pain, bloating, and incontinence that had become a way of life. It also turned out to be somewhat of a blessing in disguise.
Following her successful ovarian cancer treatment, Jessica continued to experience the uncomfortable and life-limiting symptoms. Suspecting something else might be up, DeEtte Vasques, D.O., gynecologic oncologist on the medical staff at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth and at The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, began to look for other issues. Imaging tests revealed that Jessica had also developed cecal volvulus, a condition that occurs when the beginning of the large intestine or colon gets twisted and displaced. The condition can hinder blood flow or result in complete or partial obstruction of the bowel.
Jessica was then referred to general surgeon John Birbari, M.D., a physician on the medical staff at Texas Health Fort Worth, for further care. Birbari performs a variety of surgeries using minimally invasive robotic-assisted techniques. While robotic surgery isn’t new, Birbari is skilled in the use of the latest generation of robotic techniques that allow him to perform complex procedures with precision, flexibility, and greater control.
When Jessica first met with the surgeon in the summer of 2024, she had many questions about what was to come. “Dr. Birbari and his medical team went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and safe,” she says. “They reviewed the scan in a timely manner and got me in quickly. Dr. Birbari was understanding of my concerns given my health history and explained in detail what would need to occur and the outcome.”
To address Jessica’s unique situation, it was determined that she would need right hemicolectomy surgery to remove the affected portion of her large intestine. The good news was Birbari’s surgical expertise combined with the robotic technology would enable him to connect Jessica’s intestine without the need for a colostomy bag.
“The latest robotic surgeries allow surgeons to get a clearer visual of the impacted tissue, assess the blood supply surrounding it, and receive tactile feedback about the effect that the instruments are having on that tissue,” Birbari explains. “All of this collectively results in less trauma to the patient, leading to a faster recovery.
Ms. Bermudez’s entire operation was performed with three incisions, each the diameter of a ballpoint pen, and a single access site just two inches in width using an incision she already had from previous cancer surgery. What this does is ‘trick’ the body into believing that very little has happened to it. Most of the body’s energy is free to promote internal healing because the patient has little to recover from as far as incisions go. For Ms. Bermudez, the result was her being able to be discharged home the day after her procedure. This is less than half of the normal time expected for such an operation,” he adds.
Jessica is now healing and enjoying a much better quality of life without unwanted symptoms and a lower risk of future complications. She says she is especially thankful for finding her way to the surgeon. “Right before the procedure, Dr. Birbari let me pray with him to get the guidance needed for surgery and healing. It gave me such peace.”
Learn more about surgical care at Texas Health, including minimally invasive robotic surgery, or find a surgeon on the medical staff of a Texas Health hospital near you.