Life-Saving Surgery Abroad: Kelsey O’Connor’s Journey to Recovery

In September 2024, Kelsey O’Connor, a 33-year-old traveler from Kansas City, embarked on a week-long trip to Belize with a friend, seeking adventure and cultural experiences. However, their dream vacation turned into a harrowing ordeal when a car accident forced both women into emergency medical care in a foreign country. This incident not only tested their resilience but also highlighted the complexities of receiving medical treatment abroad.

The accident occurred while O’Connor and her friend were exploring the picturesque Belizean landscape. Their vehicle was struck head-on by another car that had lost control, leading to serious injuries for both travelers. Local residents quickly intervened to stop traffic and summoned an ambulance, which transported the injured women to a small regional hospital. Unfortunately, the facility lacked the necessary resources and surgical expertise to address their critical medical needs.

"We advocated for ourselves to be transferred to a larger hospital in Belize City," O’Connor recounted. After an arduous hour-long journey, they arrived at a hospital equipped to perform the necessary procedures. O’Connor underwent an exploratory surgery, where doctors suspected a serious injury to her pancreas. As the situation unfolded, she managed to contact her family back in the United States to arrange an air ambulance for both her and her friend.

The air ambulance could only transport them to San Antonio, Texas, but this journey marked a significant turning point in their medical crisis. Upon arrival, they faced additional weeks of hospitalization as healthcare professionals worked tirelessly to assess and treat their injuries. O’Connor suffered from a broken clavicle, compressed vertebrae, and multiple abdominal issues, necessitating extensive surgery and recovery.

"They tried several different things, but nothing was working," she said, reflecting on her exhausting ordeal. O’Connor’s situation became increasingly precarious, prompting her doctors in Texas to refer her to Dr. Matthew B. Wilkinson, a leading surgeon at the Saint Luke’s Hospital Abdominal Transplant & Multi-Specialty Clinic in Kansas City.

Dr. Wilkinson, whose experience includes complex surgeries involving the pancreas, approached O’Connor’s case with diligence and care. He discovered a small, 1-centimeter cut in her pancreas that had been preventing the two sides of the organ from communicating, leading to fluid buildup. The proposed solution was a hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery, designed to connect part of O’Connor’s pancreas to her intestine for proper drainage of pancreatic fluid.

"Kelsey’s case stood out to me because pancreas surgery is something we’re taught during surgical training but don’t often see in practice," Dr. Wilkinson stated. His commitment to preserving as much of O’Connor’s pancreas as possible underscored the delicate nature of her condition. On December 5, 2024, O’Connor underwent the surgery, which ultimately proved successful.

"I call Dr. Wilkinson my knight in shining armor," O’Connor expressed, grateful for the support and expertise she received during this challenging time. Her swift recovery at Saint Luke’s Hospital allowed her to return home and resume her life, a feat she once thought was impossible.

Reflecting on her experience, O’Connor emphasized the importance of community support throughout her ordeal. "I’ve come to realize just how many people are in my corner—friends, family, nurses, surgeons, and even random strangers on the side of the road. It’s humbling to know you always have people looking out for you," she said.

The journey of Kelsey O’Connor serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel and the crucial need for awareness regarding healthcare access while abroad. It also highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the vital role that skilled medical professionals play in life-threatening situations. As she and her friend plan their next adventure, O’Connor carries with her not only the scars of her experience but also a deep appreciation for life and the support of those around her.