A Historic First: Crystal Atkinson’s Journey as Good Samaritan’s

Crystal Atkinson's journey as the first robotic surgery patient at Good Samaritan was unexpected, but her resilience and the steadfast support of her medical team were evident every step of the way.

"Being the first robotic surgery patient at Good Samaritan was surprising, but it taught me that sometimes, embracing the unknown can lead to incredible breakthroughs in health care,” stated Crystal Atkinson, a Good Samaritan patient. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of medical history and to inspire hope for future patients."

Crystal had been grappling with health issues stemming from low iron levels and female-related concerns, despite prior medical treatments. Her primary care provider, Dr. Kristin Mahan, directed her to Dr. Dustin Blackwell for an ablation procedure. This set Crystal on a path that eventually made her the pioneer patient for da Vinci robotic surgery at Good Samaritan.

The decision to undergo hysterectomy surgery came swiftly when Dr. Blackwell proposed scheduling surgery the next day as part of the launch of the da Vinci system. Despite the suddenness of the decision, Crystal found reassurance in the presence of the entire surgical team, including various specialists and technicians.

Dr. Dustin Blackwell, DO, Good Samaritan Obstetrics and Gynecology Surgeon, stated, "Performing the first da Vinci robotic surgery at Good Samaritan fills me with immense excitement and pride. This technology marks a new era in surgical precision and patient care within our community. With the da Vinci system, we can offer our patients minimally invasive procedures with unparalleled precision, shorter recovery times, and improved outcomes. It's a privilege to be at the forefront of advancing medical technology to benefit our patients' health and well-being."

Since Crystal’s groundbreaking procedure, robotic surgery at Good Samaritan has grown rapidly, with 376 da Vinci surgeries completed in 2024 alone. The program's success highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing advanced, minimally invasive surgical options for the community.

Reflecting on her recovery, Crystal was pleasantly surprised by the minimal pain she experienced post-surgery. Her expectations of excruciating pain were defied, and she found herself recovering faster than anticipated. The support of her family, particularly her husband, and the care provided by the hospital staff made a significant difference in her healing process.