For Iris Vanegas, life has been a series of battles and victories. At just eight years old, Iris was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, a condition that would shape her future. By age 36, after years of managing her health, Iris faced kidney failure and severe complications, leading to a pancreas and two kidney transplants in 2015. The three transplants gave her a new lease on life, but another challenge loomed.
For decades, Iris endured severe pelvic pain. What began as discomfort in her youth escalated into debilitating pain that affected every aspect of her life. Sitting became unbearable, making it nearly impossible to work as a medical assistant in physical therapy, a job that required strength and mobility. “I couldn’t massage patients or use my body weight to help them,” Iris recalled. When the pain became overwhelming, emergency room visits and hospital stays became routine.
Determined to reclaim her life, Iris sought urogynecologic surgical care for pelvic pain and urinary incontinence. But finding a surgeon willing to operate was an uphill battle.
Five doctors declined, citing the complexity and risks associated with her history of three organ transplants. The challenges were significant: altered pelvic anatomy, increased surgical risks, and the need for advanced techniques. Iris researched minimally invasive and robotic surgical options, leaving voicemails and visiting specialists across Houston and the Texas Medical Center, only to hear “no” time and again.
Then came a turning point. Iris learned about Christopher Jayne, MD, FACOG, URPS, MIGS, Chief of Gynecologic Surgery at HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center, a surgeon known for tackling complex cases with a multidisciplinary approach. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Jayne agreed to perform the surgeries Iris desperately needed. His plan combined minimally invasive techniques and a highly skilled team.
Iris underwent three procedures: a total laparoscopic hysterectomy with removal of ovaries and pelvic organ prolapse surgery. These surgeries resolved the pain that had plagued her for more than 25 years.
“Caring for a patient with a history of three organ transplants requires an extraordinary level of precision and collaboration,” said Dr. Jayne. “Iris’s case was complex, not only because of her surgical history, but also due to the altered anatomy and heightened risks involved. It’s in these moments that training, experience, and a dedicated team make all the difference. Our goal was to combine advanced techniques with compassionate care to restore her quality of life, and seeing her pain-free today is the ultimate reward.”
Today, Iris feels like a new person. She exercises, does yard work, and most importantly, she lives without pain. “Dr. Jayne is a God-send,” Iris says. “Most surgeons saw me as too risky because of my transplants, but he took the time, had the expertise, and gave me my life back.”
Surgical care in the Medical Center
As a boutique surgical hospital, HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center specializes in a wide range of both inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures. Whenever possible, these procedures include the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as laparoscopy, endoscopy and robot-assisted surgery. Learn more about our surgical services and find a doctor.