Micro-Endoscopic Discectomy with Laser Application - Which Doctor?

**mike86** · 04-23-2010, 06:28 PM

Hello everyone!

I have a feeling that my stem cell treatment won't heal the herniation. Because I have a month-long trip to South Africa this summer, I don't want my back to be annoying me all the time. So I'm about 60% sure that I want a Micro-Endoscopic Discectomy with Laser Application surgery done in mid-may.

I found Dr. Chiu, per Dr. Centeno's comment on my stem cell clinic, like I've mentioned in the forum, but I keep reading bad reviews about Dr. Chiu. I mean sure, he's had a bunch of awards and done thousands of surgeries, but this really scared me:
Dr. John Chiu - Doctor Reviews & Ratings - Thousand Oaks, CA | RateMDs.com

I already have an appointment with Dr. Chiu for mid-may and my insurance has confirmed that the will cover 100% of the treatment and 80% of the pre-op and post-op care.

However, I need options. Are there any other doctors that perform this procedure that you would recommend? I need a TRUE minimally invasive surgery. Or is Dr. Chiu the best around?

I appreciate your help!

Thanks people.

**Keano16** · 04-23-2010, 07:47 PM

Best person you can go to is Dr. Anthony Yeung, Desert Institute for Spine care.

Other one's I am in contact with and they have experience and knowledge:
- Dr. Atif Malik (around NY)
- Dr. Jason M Highsmith (Charlestone).

Please tell where are you from, then I can help you more

**JMG007** · 04-23-2010, 08:26 PM

I had a micro Laser disectomy done in addition to laminectomy and Framonectomy done at the Bonati Institute in Hudson FL. 5 weeks ago. I cannot say enough good things about the staFf and the doctors their.
Dr. Grossmith was the Surgon.
Prior to going to Bonati, I could not walk. I could couldn't even dress myself. I was taking large amounts of pain meds.
I had 2 surgeries done thier over a 2 week period.
If you can travel to FL, I would sugest you contact them.

**mike86** · 04-23-2010, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by Keano16

Best person you can go to is Dr. Anthony Yeung, Desert Institute for Spine care.

Other one's I am in contact with and they have experience and knowledge:
- Dr. Atif Malik (around NY)
- Dr. Jason M Highsmith (Charlestone).

Please tell where are you from, then I can help you more

Well I am from abroad so I'm willing to flying into any US city. I'm looking for the best surgeon in the US.

I reviewed dr. Yeung and found his procedure to be a little different, but nevertheless very impressive. I'm left wondering why you like him so much, though, if you haven't had any experience with him other than references.

I will revew Dr. Atif later.

Any others, anyone?

**Keano16** · 04-24-2010, 03:14 AM

My big friend and my spinal surgeon is educated by Dr. Yeung. Also, I co-operate with Dr. Yeung for my spinal project that I am developing here in Croatia. I've read more than 50 of his articles and this is why admire him so much. His knowledge is immeasurable.

Atif Malik is also good surgeon. Interesting thing to note is that he was educated by Dr. Thomas Hoogland, one of the inventors of minimally-invasive spine surgery that was head of famous Alpha Klinik Spine. Recently on one spine seminar in Zurich, Dr. Hoogland complimented for Dr. Malik's skills and told something in fashion "when the student is better then the master".

**Keano16** · 04-24-2010, 03:19 AM

There are 2-3 more other doctors that are well-know for their work and world-wide success rate.

Dr. Martin Knight from Spinal Foundation UK and Dr. Sang-Ho Lee from Wooridul Spine Korea.

They are in same level as Dr. Yeung and Dr. Hoogland. Most probably these 4 (Knight, Hoogland, Yeung and Lee) are current leaders of minimally-invasive percutaneous spine surgery (laser, endoscopic).

**Gilbert P** · 04-24-2010, 11:44 AM

Hi Mike

I sent you a P.M. check it out.

I hope you find a solution soon

Take care

Gil

**mike86** · 04-24-2010, 12:32 PM

Thanks for the responses everyone. I think I'll be going with Dr. Chiu, albeit sooner than I expected. I'll have to call monday and set up the appointment as soon as possible, because I have a month-long trip to south africa in June.

If anyone else can recommend anyone, I'd really appreciate it.

**Keano16** · 04-25-2010, 05:30 AM

If you travel from abroad, and if doctor's location makes no difference for you - I think Dr. Anthony Yeung is maybe a better solution for you.

**mike86** · 04-25-2010, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Keano16

If you travel from abroad, and if doctor's location makes no difference for you - I think Dr. Anthony Yeung is maybe a better solution for you.

I'm sorry about the skepticism, but you have recommended Dr. Yeung to everyone you meet online. You haven't even had surgery with him. I mean, I understand if you admire the guy, but going around online with the same username and blindly promoting the heck out of him looks a little suspicious.