From Fear to Freedom: Robotic Surgery for Fibroids
July 3, 2025
Caprice Smith was struggling, exhausted and full of fear. She had a large uterine fibroid (noncancerous tumor) that needed to be surgically removed. It was causing excessive bleeding and low iron, draining Caprice’s energy. Symptoms from the fibroid majorly disrupted her life, triggering emotions ranging from insecurity to sadness and preventing her from enjoying the activities she loved.
“I struggled with extremely heavy periods,” Caprice said. “I bled for days and months at a time; I had no energy. It was a miserable time for me.”
Thankfully, Caprice was referred to Katherine D. Kirby, DO, FACOOG, a board-certified OB/GYN with Trinity Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology — Muskegon.
“Surgical and non-surgical options are available for treatment of heavy uterine bleeding caused by fibroids,” Dr. Kirby said. “Together, Caprice and I decided the best treatment to reduce her bleeding and improve her quality of life.”
Caprice was afraid to have surgery – so afraid that she canceled her first scheduled procedure. Dr. Kirby was able to ease her fears by spending time with Caprice, answering all of her questions with compassion and expertise, even the questions Caprice thought were silly.
“I am happy I met with her. She was kind and patient with me and my many, many questions and she was great at listening to my fears,” said Caprice. “Dr. Kirby and her team made me feel safe and secure. Shout out to anesthesia. They woke me up! Thank God! That was always my fear, but I knew I was in great hands.”
Caprice opted to have a robotic-assisted surgical procedure to remove the fibroid.
“Robotic Myomectomy is an outpatient, minimally invasive surgery that removes fibroids without a hysterectomy,” Dr. Kirby said. “It is optimal for someone who wants to keep their uterus.”
The surgery is performed through small incisions, causing minimal abdominal scarring compared with a traditional open myomectomy, which is performed through a larger incision in the abdomen. By choosing a minimally invasive myomectomy, Caprice had minor scarring, a shorter recovery time and still has the ability to become pregnant, if she chooses.
“I was shocked by how quickly I healed,” Caprice said. “I went home the same day. I’m so glad I had the surgery!”
After surgery, her fear and insecurity were gone along with the fibroid and Caprice was able to return to the life and activities she loved.
“Knowing the fibroid has been removed makes me feel so relieved,” she said. “I’m really happy the heavy bleeding has stopped. I can feel comfortable at the gym now!”
While Caprice is happy to leave the discomfort of her fibroid in the past, her care team left a lasting impact.
“Dr. Kirby is the sweetest and most amazing doctor. I recommend Trinity Health because of doctors like her. You don’t run into many kind doctors who will listen to all your crazy stories about your health!”
Up to 80 percent of women will be affected by fibroids before menopause. Dr. Kirby stressed that fibroids can continue to grow over time and symptoms often worsen without treatment.
“Typical symptoms can include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain or pressure,” Dr. Kirby said. “Symptoms like these can affect your whole life and you don’t have to live with the discomfort – relief is available.”
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids or are experiencing symptoms, Trinity Health Michigan’s caring women’s health experts are here to help. Learn more and schedule an appointment or consultation today.
Find Relief from Fibroids
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids or are experiencing symptoms, Trinity Health Michigan’s caring women’s health experts are here to help. Learn more and schedule an appointment or consultation today at