General Surgery

Success Stories

Former Maryland State Senator Francis Kelly is Golfing Again Following Triple Hernia Repair Procedure

Former Maryland State Senator Francis Kelly

Former Maryland state senator Francis X. Kelly is founder, chairman and CEO of Kelly & Associates Insurance Group of Hunt Valley. As a senator he played a leading role in privatizing the University of Maryland Hospital, which today has grown to become a six-hospital medical system. Senator Kelly was also instrumental in establishing the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. In recognition of his efforts, the nation’s first endowed chair in trauma surgery was named in his honor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in April 2000. Senator Kelly is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System Board of Directors and chairman of the Shock Trauma Center Board of Visitors.

Senator Kelly had a laparoscopic incisional hernia operation at the Medical Center on May 25, 2004. It was one of three hernias repaired by Dr. Adrian Park, head of General Surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center and professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Senator Kelly recalls his experience below.

Over the last two years I developed a hernia. I found out I had a triple hernia (multiple defects), which caused me to have pain in my left side. The hernia was progressively getting worse with exercise. I play golf frequently, which involves a lot of twists and turns.

Because of my affiliation with the University of Maryland Medical System, I was very familiar with the expertise of Dr. [Adrian] Park. When my hernia was bothering me last fall in 2003, I went to see Dr. Park, who came highly recommended.

At that point surgery was optional so I postponed it. I then went to Florida and played golf, which caused the hernia symptoms to become more aggravated.

I saw Dr. Park again in April 2004 and that’s when we scheduled the hernia operation. Dr. Park repaired three hernias, one of which was incisional. The staff was great. They were professional and they treated me perfectly. I had the operation at 7:30 a.m. I was awake by 11 a.m., back in my room at noon and by 1:30 p.m. I was walking around. I felt pretty good, and four weeks later, I started playing golf again.

Dr. Park was great. He is a nationally known expert in laparoscopic surgery. I have complete confidence in him, and his bedside manner made me feel comfortable. He inspires a lot of confidence.

Dr. Park is highly innovative and has excellent credentials and experience. I think he’s an excellent surgeon. I was glad he was able to perform my surgery.

This page was last updated on: July 11, 2007.

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