From Fear to Freedom: Robotic Surgery for Fibroids
July 3, 2025
Caprice Smith was struggling. She was exhausted and she was full of fear.
Caprice, 31 years old, had a large fibroid (non-cancerous tumor) in her uterus. It was causing excessive bleeding, draining Caprice of iron and energy. The fibroid was impacting her life — it interrupted activities that brought her joy and caused her to feel insecure and sad.
“I struggled with extremely heavy periods,” said Caprice. “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,” said Dr. Kirby. “Caprice and I decided together the best treatment to reduce her bleeding and improve her quality of life was to have surgery.”
Caprice was very afraid to have surgery. So afraid that she canceled her first scheduled surgery. Dr. Kirby was able to ease her fears by compassionately spending time with Caprice and answering all of her questions — even the questions Caprice thought were silly.
“I am happy I met with her,” said Caprice. "She was kind and patient with me and my many, many questions and she was great at listening to my fears. 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 was able to have outpatient, robotic-assisted surgery to remove the fibroid.
“Robotic myomectomy is an outpatient, minimally invasive (small abdominal scars) surgery that removes fibroids without removing the uterus (hysterectomy),” said Dr. Kirby. “It is optimal for someone who desires 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 option to become pregnant, if she chooses.
“I was shocked by how quickly I healed,” said Caprice. “I went home the same day. I’m so glad I had the surgery!”
Through robotic-assisted surgery, Caprice was able to reclaim her life, her joy and her sense of security. She no longer has looming fears.
“Knowing the fibroid has been removed makes me feel so relieved,” said Caprice. “I’m really happy the heavy bleeding has stopped. I can feel comfortable at the gym now!”
Caprice was happy to leave the discomfort of her fibroid in the past; yet her care team left a lasting impact.
“Dr. Kirby is the sweetest and most amazing doctor,” said Caprice. “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% of women will be affected by fibroids before menopause. According to Dr. Kirby, women don’t have to live with the discomfort of fibroids — relief is available.
“Fibroids can continue to grow over time and symptoms can become worse unless medical or surgical treatment is performed,” said Dr. Kirby. “Typical symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain/pressure.
“I’m so glad I was able to help Caprice, and I look forward to helping others in our community.”
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