How one dedicated surgeon saved a Rutherford County woman’s life

Debbie, a Murfreesboro, TN, resident, experienced a health scare that began on what seemed like an ordinary Saturday. She had lunch with her husband and returned home, expecting nothing out of the ordinary. However, within 48 hours, her condition took a sudden and alarming turn.

Late Saturday night, Debbie developed severe abdominal pain and persistent vomiting. Initially, she and her husband suspected food poisoning. However, as her symptoms worsened into Sunday morning, she became weak, dehydrated, and struggled to stay conscious. It became clear that this was more than a routine illness, and by Sunday night, her husband called for an ambulance.

For Debbie, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford wasn’t just the closest hospital — it was a place deeply personal to her. She had proudly served on the Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital board and on the Foundation board for 15 years, dedicating much of her time and heart to supporting its mission. Now, she found herself relying on the same compassionate care she had long helped champion.

At Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, a series of imaging tests, including MRIs and CT scans, revealed a partial bowel obstruction. While the scans identified the blockage, the exact cause was still unclear. Debbie remained in severe discomfort, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Dr. Bobby Rampp, general surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, was assigned to Debbie’s case. During his examination, he determined that the bowel obstruction was caused by a hernia tightly wrapped around her intestine. Using a careful manual technique, he was able to release the hernia’s grip, providing Debbie with instant but temporary relief.

Dr. Rampp’s evaluation did not stop there. He recommended robotic surgery to repair her hernia. While imaging scans had not detected any issues on Debbie’s right side, she had also been experiencing pain there. During surgery, as he addressed the known hernia on the left side, he decided to investigate further. His instincts proved correct—he discovered another hernia, hidden deep within her body and undetectable on scans. This second hernia was in a dangerous position and could have ruptured at any time, leading to a life-threatening emergency.

The robotic procedure was performed successfully, addressing the immediate obstruction and preventing potential future complications. Dr. Rampp’s thorough approach and willingness to go beyond the initial diagnosis played a crucial role in Debbie’s recovery.

Now 74 years old, Debbie reflects on how this experience reinforced the importance of expert medical care. Her case highlights the value of advanced diagnostic tools, physician expertise, and patient-centered care. Without Dr. Rampp’s diligence and skill, her condition could have led to severe complications.

Thanks to a dedicated healthcare team, she has returned to her normal life, grateful for many more ordinary—and healthy—days ahead.If you’re experiencing abdominal pain or have concerns that may require surgical care, don’t wait to get answers. 

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