At 28, I was diagnosed with a left ovarian dermoid cyst. My first OBGYN immediately suggested an open surgery with a vertical incision and a possible hysterectomy after 1 murky pelvic ultrasound that incorrectly identified the cyst on the right ovary.

It was during this time I decided to seek a second opinion – and I am glad I did. I met Dra. Rebecca Singson upon the recommendation of a close relative. On our first consultation, she explained the origin of my illness (it was congenital) like we were having a biology class that was very easy to understand. Dra. Becky then told me of a non-invasive procedure using Robotic Surgery where incisions are the size of band-aid cuts. She is very honest to her patients and remains medically objective, telling them the circumstances when Robotic Surgery may not be an option during the course of the procedure. Nonetheless, she assured me she will save all viable tissue as possible in the least invasive method the medical situation allows, only removing the ovary (not hysterectomy) when deemed absolutely necessary. Her secretaries Ms. Jessie (Asian), Ms. Joana (Asian), and Ms. Karen (St. Luke’s BGC) are all very kind and accommodating to patients.

Compared to traditional laparoscopy, robot-aided surgery allows your surgeon to have a hi-def 3D view of the surgical field and can adjust your surgeon’s hand/finger movements to scale, making for more precise and complex maneuvers. Dra. Becky ordered an ultrasound, this time with Doppler, and MRI of the whole abdomen to gather an accurate imaging of the cyst – both tests confirmed it was on the left ovary at 8.5cm in size. She also ordered a Food Intolerance test for me so I can monitor what I eat. She promptly gathers all necessary information before proceeding, a sign that as a professional, she is meticulous with her craft.

Getting rolled into the OR was not frightening at all, specially when you know you have a competent surgeon and OR team tending to you. The OR nurses made sure I was comfortable and that my IV line is secure and does not hurt. Being an IT professional, seeing the Da Vinci Si Surgical Robot (3rd Gen) in the OR was both a medical and technological marvel. I was amazed with all the science in the OR. I was also relieved to know that in Robotic Surgery, the anesthesia was inhaled gas and not to be administered via the spinal cord. No blood transfusion was needed as there was minimal blood loss. My catheter was already removed in the recovery room before I returned to my booked room. While I needed assistance from the nurse and the expected post-op pain kicked in, I was already able to use the bathroom less than 24 hours after surgery.

In 3 weeks time, I could physically go back to work if I wanted to, but decided to take the full 60-day paid leave benefits under Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) not just for recovery but also to prioritize my health lifestyle. I knew I needed to take a much needed break from fast-pacing my career for the last 2 years. Dra. Becky informed me of the provisions of this law applicable to both government and private sectors which is greatly helpful to working women. With MCW, women do not have to worry about exhausting their remaining sick leaves while being fully paid based on their gross salaries shouldered by their employer. I have no large ugly surgical scars and by the second week, I was covering the small incisions (8-12mm) with regular waterproof band-aid from Watsons.

Dra. Becky continuously studies to learn modern medical techniques here and abroad to give the best care possible for her patients. She considers their welfare not only in the OR but also outside the hospital and their financial situation. She takes pride in her expertise and competence – and rightfully so.