What is the best way to interview a surgeon?

[Scott]

I have read many of you talk about interviewing a surgeon. Does anyone have a prepared list of questions that they could share with me? I have two surgical consults next week: first with a new doctor and the second with a doctor I have already seen. I want to take a more methodical approach this time so that I can make the best decision in the end.

Thanks,

Scott

[trkdoc714]

Scott,

At gunpoint?

Seriously, here are a few questions I asked (and some I wish I had)

I'd ask why he feels fusion is the correct course of action.

Ask the number of fusions he/ she's performed.

Which surgical approach he/she's had the most success with (and why he/she feels that approach is more successful).

What other doctors will be present (request vascular if not on his list) in the O/R.

If he finds decompression of nerve root(s) necessary how he will address.

Ask about his follow up care, pain management, PT and return to work strategies.

I hope this helps,

Bob

[Hooch]

lol, good to see you're back in form Bob.

I remember one surgeon I saw, this little bugger of a doctor who interviewed me asked me to bend over with my legs straight (more about them being in charge than any diagnostic test I reckon). I said, ok, but that's going to hurt me. So he rolls his eyes or whatever and sort of says get on with it. No worries, I do the full flexion bend and bam, like someones stabbed me in the back. I looked up at him, pretty bloody pissed off at that stage, and he must've thought I was going to clock him one as he ran out of the room to get what he called 'the doctor'! haha, the fat little bastard. I think I was finally offered surgery then.

Scott one of the ones I asked clearly was 'how have your previous patients pulled up after this sort of operation in the long term?'. Sometimes the body language is the best answer to that one. I asked one how people pulled up after posterior revision op for adr, they were the same positive words, it's all peaches and cream, but his voice dropped about 20 decibels.

Good luck with em.

[Rob]

Hi Scott,

I had a 2-level ALIF with posterior stabilization hardware on 3/15/10. I wrote a fairly wordy post about my experience in a blog that Justin posted for me on 7/20/10 under 'Surgical Outcomes'. If you have an interest it goes from pre-op to ~14 weeks post-op and notes my experience with surgery, pain and meds.

The link is http://www.spinepatientsociety.org/forum/attachments/surgical-outcomes/260d1279129514-robs-anterior-lumbar-interbody-fusion-alif-experience-before-during-after-hope-will-help-someone-1.pdf . If the link doesn’t work you can find it under ‘Surgical Outcomes’ posted on 7/20/10 by Justin titled ‘Rob’s ALIF Experience…’.

If I can help please let me know.

Take care.

Regards,

Rob

[Gilbert P]

Sorry I just had to add that

I am very frustrated that I will have to go out of country to have surgery with ADR made in the U.S

GIL

[Cindylou]

Sorry I just had to add that

I am very frustrated that I will have to go out of country to have surgery with ADR made in the U.S

GIL

Let it out Gil! Good for the soul!

Hey Scott, just wondering how you are doing in your interview search with a surgeon. Has any of this helped you in your quest? I would be anxious to know. Hope you are getting the help you need. Regards, Cindylou