News Release: February 24, 2011

Channing Huser has been on a five year journey and she is hopefully one step closer to the end. Karen Finkelstein, M.D., performed a hysterectomy surgery today using the da Vinci® robot at Presbyterian Hospital to finally learn the reason behind Huser’s condition.

Starting at 4:40 a.m., Presbyterian tweeted Huser’s story while she was in surgery. Her friends and family were able to follow Presbyterian on Twitter - @PresHealthcare.

Over the past several years, Huser has experienced a difficult journey filled with uncomfortable symptoms, expensive treatments and different doctors. The 44-year-old ski instructor and massage therapist searched for the right surgeon, and finally decided on Dr. Finkelstein and the da Vinci robot. Because this was a minimally invasive surgery, this will allow for a quick recovery time so that Huser can return to the ski slopes in Santa Fe soon.

The da Vinci robot is a fairly new technology for New Mexico and provides a less invasive option for patients undergoing surgery. This robot allows surgeons to be more precise and increases the likelihood of a fast recovery, while minimizing the pain and risk associated with larger incisions. Presbyterian Surgery program has 10 surgeons newly trained to use the robot.

Huser’s friends have donated thousands of dollars to help her cover her medical bills. On Monday, in Santa Fe, her friends held a benefit fundraiser at Louie’s Corner Cafe and raised $5,000 for Huser to use as she recovers. For more information on Huser’s fundraising efforts, visit http://channingbenefit.bbnow.org/