Well, I finally decided it's about time to go for that second opinion on wether or not the ADR surgery is for me. I set up an appointment with Dr. Kuflik at the Spine Institue of NY in two weeks. Has anyone here had any experiences with the doctors at SINY?

I also have an appointment with my regular surgeon next week. Poor guy is waiting for me to give him the go ahead to do this surgery but I just have to know for sure that I am the right canidate for it. That, and there's also the fact that he's done only 7 of these surgeries. He's a great doc, takes as much time to talk to you as you need but that still doesn't make up for his limited experience in doing this surgery. I'm still a scared little chicky.

Karin

I had my 2 level plus a fusion with Dr. Bitan in NYC. He is very experienced and I am doing great 4.5 months out. He hosted the Spine symposium back in the spring. I would highly recommend him. I think he teaches Charite ADR in New York and is the head of spine surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan.

Good luck!

Don't blame you about being scared re ADR with someone that's only done 7. I would want a learning curve of at least 50 under the doc's belt. I too have put off ADR surgery with some surgeons because of this..
Good luck with your next move.. don't worry about your doc, he'll live whether or not you decide to have the surgery done w/him or someone else~

Folks, don't forget that the ADR doc is one of many professionals involved in the ADR procedure. The other surgeons do a great deal of the operation...the "heavy lifting" if you will...all the cutting and moving of your organs, etc.

I urge patients to also speak with the other members of the team to interview & appreciate their expertise too!

Indeed, speaking with the other surgeons involved is important as well. However, my current surgeon, if I understood him correctly, will be doing this all himself. There will not be a vascular surgeon attending the operation. As I understand it, my surgeon has 18 years experience in doing spinal surgery. He will have one assistant there with him as well as the anesthesiologist and some nurses. Hence this is another reason as to why I'm hesitant about the surgery. I should just really get off of my bum and call the 3 patients of his that have had the surgery & speak to them about their expereince.

Nairek,

If you're talking about ADR surgery in the lumbar region, I can't imagine you getting the surgery without a vascular surgeon setting up the actual surgery site for the spine surgeon. I guess I could be wrong but it sounds alarming to me and seems like you need a second opinion with someone who has lot of ADR experience in the NY area!

No doubt I'm going for a second opinion. I have that appointment set up for the middle of next week. I understand that one of the major blood vessels branches out just above the L5 region, & while my surgeon is confidant that he can handle a possible vessel injury, & if need be, can call a vascular surgeon in, I just need some peace of mind. I also want to make sure that I am the right canidate for this surgery as well.
Karin

Good point Harrison. It was a huge relief to me to know that my team of specialists - 5 in all - routinely performs this surgery together. Prior to my ADR decision, I met with each surgeon and we reviewed my file. The group of physicans was very thorough and professional. Meeting with every doctor gave me more knowledge and a greater sense of confidence upon entering the hospital.

Went to see my surgeon today. He's actually only done 6 ADR surgeries with 1 of them being a 2-level. His patients are between 2-6 months post-op. All have had a positive outcome. Only 1 has some pain still but he hasn't called in looking for narcotics let alone show up for scheduled appointments. I'll be going to NYC next Wednesday for my 2nd opinion. Thank you all for replying!
Karin