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How an Unexpected Appendicitis Episode Led to a Life-Saving Surgery: Peter Pietrzkiewicz

Peter Pietrzkiewic patient story

Peter Pietrzkiewicz, a Miami resident of eight years, has always prioritized his health. Whether it was eating a balanced diet or exercising routinely, he certainly never considered facing a life-threatening emergency. However, the day before his father’s surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Peter found himself checking into an emergency room while traveling to New York.

As Peter experienced abdominal pain, which he originally chalked up to indigestion, his father’s diagnosis stuck with him. His father was diagnosed with Stage 2 colorectal cancer after Mount Sinai physicians investigated an unrelated urinary tract infection further. After Peter’s emergency room visit, he was prescribed antibiotics and traveled back to Miami – but the pain persisted.

Still in considerable discomfort, Peter reached out to Kiranmayi Muddasani, MD, the colorectal surgeon at Mount Sinai who performed his father’s procedure just weeks before.

“Dr. Muddasani was recommended by Dr. Cusnir during my father’s journey,” Peter said. “I was so grateful that we had formed a connection, because when something felt off, I could go to someone that I trust, someone who knows what’s best.”

Dr. Muddasani was able to confirm appendicitis, and with Peter’s pain mounting,, she scheduled him for surgery quickly. However, what was a routine laparoscopic appendectomy quickly escalated.

During the procedure, Dr. Muddasani uncovered severe inflammation of the colon and a rare colon rupture, which required the pivot to a more extensive partial ileectomy procedure. Part of Peter’s colon was removed in surgery, but thanks to the laparoscopic approach, his recovery was swift.

“That technique left me with only a few incisions and minimal pain,” Peter recalled. “And, within a couple of days, I was able to leave bed. I went from feeling about 30% to 75% by the end of the first week.”

Peter remained at Mount Sinai Medical Center for nearly a week after the procedure, but after 10 days, he was close to recovering fully.

Peter’s experience reaffirmed his commitment to early intervention, frequent check-ups, and trust in medical experts.

“Don’t take your health for granted,” Peter advises. “If something feels off, seek expert care immediately. It could save your life.”

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