AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Sherill Ritter went to the doctor for four broken ribs but her visit led to the first surgery of its kind in the Panhandle.

On her x-ray doctors found a spot which was non-malignant pancreatic tumor.

BSA's Dr. Shane Holloway performed laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy to remove the tumor making it the first operation of its kind in Amarillo

So why is this important?  For one, laparoscopic surgery has many benefits like three small incisions instead of one large ten inch incision.

Dr. Shane Holloway said, "the second benefit is a shorter hospital stay, the hospital stay on average is about 3 to 4 days shorter when you do this laparoscopically versus open, and there is a faster recovery and less pain post operatively."

We spoke with Sherill Ritter she is feeling just fine and is on her way home today.