Choosing a surgeon

[fiddle]

Hello all. I am new to this website and discussion board. After years of back and right leg pain, almost every conceivable treatment, and finally a microdiscectomy in 2002 (did not help)...I am considering ADR. I have seen Dr. Yue at Yale New Haven Hospital and he is willing to do the surgery. Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Yue? What are your thoughts about him/Yale New Haven Hospital? I would also consider a surgeon in the Boston area if you know of an excellent one (since I used to live there). Of course, I would travel to Europe for surgery but I have the feeling my insurance won't pay for it. As many of you have experienced, I am facing a surgery decision with a mixture of dread and hope. Thank you in advance for your input.

[Wayne]

Fiddle:

I don't know anything about Dr. Yue or Yale New Haven Hospital. However, I did go through a rather extensive search for the best physician before my procedure and would like to give you this advice:

Do not settle for any reason (particularly financial regarding insurance reimbursement). The cost of the procedure in Europe (flight and hotel stay included) is modest, (depending on levels under 30k) and you should look for ways to finance it yourself if you cannot get pre-approval from your insurance company or you cannot find a US doctor you have confidence in. If there is a will, there is a way.

This a major undertaking with significant quality of life issues at stake. Almost to a person here of those who have had the procedure will tell you that the selection of your physician is the single most important decision you can make. Leave no stone unturned in your effort to educate yourself not only on the pros and on cons of this procedure, but also the experience and competence of the doctor you choose.

I hope this is of value to you. I will be happy to answer any specific questions in the broad picture of my experience. Of opinions on this subject, well I have many. It has been a big part of my life in the last two years.

Good luck.

[JL]

Hi Fiddle and welcome. I met Dr. Yue but I have no knowledge of any surgical outcomes ADR from him or Yale. I would also like to hear from anyone too. Dr. Yue attended the May 1 spinal symposium NYC and spoke to us. He conducted Pro-disc trials, so someone must be out there from them that can tell us how they are doing?

[sahuaro]

I too am in the process of looking for a surgeon (for cervical ADR) and had thought of contacting Dr. Yue. Is he on the faculty of Yale or is he in private practice with privileges at Yale? This would make a difference to me. My husband graduated from Yale Medical school so we are familiar with Yale New Haven although not with the neurosurgery department per se.
I too would appreciate comments and suggestions concerning choosing and contacting a surgeon since there are no cervical ADR surgeons in Arizona (that I know of).

[Justin]

Welcome!

Dr. Yue has done extensive ADR training with Dr. Bertagnoli overseas and stateside. He works closely with Dr. Bertagnoli and refers many patients to Dr. Bertagnoli. Dr. Y and Dr. B worked together on the only 5-level lumbar ADR in the world.

I have a friend in CT that saw Dr. Yue and was very impressed with him. Ultimately, she was a 3-level procedure and Dr. Yue referred her to Dr. Bertagnoli.

I have only heard great things about Dr. Yue and he was very knowledgeable at the symposium.

Here is a link to Dr. Yue's webpage.

I hope this helps,

Justin

[Judy]

I currently am a patient of Dr. Yue's and cannot say enough about him. He is always willing to spend the necessary time with you to answer all your questions and concerns, you never feel rushed even though he has many patients waiting to see him. He actually thought he would be able to perform the prodisc surgery on me last year until we found out that I was missing facets. Without his extensive testing and really reviewing all my films he wanted another CT scan and discogram done just to make sure exactly what we were dealing with. He did sent off the films to Dr. B, (only a few) so my husband took pictures of all my films and my research started. I contact three different doctors overseas and of course received three different opinions.
To say the least I am very happy with the outcome. I currently have nerve pain in my upper left thigh on the back and the side and needed to take ultacet periodically but that is it. It has been 7 months so this might stay, but considering how I was pre-surgery this is great. As a matter of fact I was playing with my 2 year old nephew Saturday and feel on my butt and thought the worst but nothing still feel the same.
Please if you have any questions I can help with you with please feel free to e-mail. It is a very hard decision and you need to make it yourself, but again Dr. Yue is great in my opinion and Yale is one the most recognized teaching hospitals in the country. I would not have had problem going to them or him.
I hope this helps.
Judy

[JL]

Sahuaro, I know for a fact, Dr. Yue is faculty at Yale if that helps you.

[Anita]

Hello,

Dr. Yue is my husbands doctor, and referred him to Dr. Bertagnoli for his 3 level lumber ADR.

We can't say enough about both doctors and I would not hesitate to trust Dr. Yue. The fact that he has trained with Dr. Bertagnoli and frequently performs surgery in Germany with him says a great deal about his level of expertise as well as his standards of integrity.

We are however, very happy we traveled to Germany and paid what is relatively very little money when compared to the level of excellence and experience Dr.Bertagnoli and his team bring to their practice. Dr.Bertagnoli also has information on Dr.Yue on his www.pro-spine.com
website.