Recommendation(s)?

[JJames]

Hello all,

I need to find the "best" spine surgeon practicing in the Northeast U.S. as soon as possible. I do realize that particular opening sentence is in many ways a non-starter as a post, so perhaps I should state that I am at least seeking "recomendations" from the many experienced people as to who I should try and seek out.

Although my quality of life is just as terrible as it has been, now I am facing unemployment in about 10 months - the company for which I'd worked for over 25 years has been sold. I MUST address my back issues while I have some financial means and medical insurance, as no one in their right mind would hire me as a new applicant with my current medical issues (I wouldn't!)

I am not educated or wealthy enough to be particularly "picky". My most significant issues have always been at my two adjacent lumber disc levels L4/5 and L5/S1. They are both torn. I am open to two-level fusion, two-level ADR, or a Hybrid - as long as the surgeon is confident enough to make me feel so as well. I am strongly leaning towards a location/surgeon somewhere in the Boston area, as I have visited several New York City surgeons previously (in addition to 3 in Connecticut where I live). I cannot fathom nor afford the medical tourism route.

I am not ignorant enough to believe in perfection: perfect surgeon, perfect procedure, perfect outcome, perfect anything! I have got to do something, and the time is now. All my time and energy spent attempting to research via other sources have gotten me nowhere.

I believe the group of people on these boards have far more "real life" information than just about anywhere else I could possibly look. If anyone has any suggestions in regards to a surgeon I should specifically look into, please let me know.

Thank you in advance - Jeff

[jss]

Jeff,

Condolences on an unfortunate situation.

Fabian Bitan is a spine surgeon in NYC whose name, in positive terms, comes across this forum perodically.

Good luck, Jeff

[JJames]

Thank you, Jeff.

Yes, I recall reading his name in other posts. He will be next name I start with my "Search" within the forums, and then start looking further ... I'd forgotten about him - perhaps due to the fact I was trying to avoid another visit to New York City, but that isn't a very logical reason!

Thanks again - Jeff

[bwink23]

James.....

I understand your need to rush.

If i was you and wanting to get it done ASAP...I would contact Texas Back Institute, send them your films and let them know it's urgent. When i reached out to them i got a response by phone that same day. If you want a disc, you WILL get a Prodisc. IF you want it covered by insurance, they will give you the best possible chance of coverage due to there extensive, long term experience with the procedure. You can see if your insurance will pre-authorize it. Get it scheduled, buy a ticket, fly over there and get it done.

[Stonewall_Boris]

One of the US doctors I consulted with was Egon Doppenberg. Leading Medical Offices and Hospitals in Chicago | NorthShore
He was very good at explaining the pros and con's of ADR vs anterior fusion vs posterior fusion.
I was given his name by a family medical connection.

I did an edit and included some of his points. Sorry for the bad formatting.
> 1. 3 level total disc arthroplasty to replace 3 discs. This is a surgery
> through your abdomen that has pros and cons, including an approximately 2-5
> percent chance if permanent sexual dysfunction in men. Also, there is a very
> small risk of life threatening injury to the major vessels including aorta
> and iliac veins
> Downside is that revision surgery can be very complicated if you do not have
> good relief of pain.
> Advantage is mobility, less chance of other discs becoming problematic in
> the future.
>
> 2.
> Anterior lumbar interbody fusion.
> Same as 1. Except the vertebrae are fused and there is a more predictable
> outcome. . Downside is slightly reduced mobility ( which you may have
> already to begin with) same complications as 1.
>
> 3. Transforaminal interbody fusion with posterior instrumentation.
> Through the back. No risk of complications as described above.
> Does require possibly slightly more recovery time, but outcome is more
> predictable. Again you will lose some mobility, with approximately 5 percent
> chance of developing trouble at other levels in your life.

[Dema]

Hi JJames, I saw many spine specialists in NYC-NJ-PA area, and liked the following:
- Dr. Fabian Bitan (NYC), actually scheduled surgery with him for Cervical Hybrid (Prodisc+Fusion), but backed out as I am now seeking the M6 instead, means outside the US, unfortunately!
- Dr. Roger Hartl (NYC)
- Dr. Alexander R. Vaccaro (Philadelphia)
Currently working with Dr. Carl Lauryssen (Los Angeles) who would use the M6 but surgery will be in Switzerland

Wishing you relief soon,
Dema

[JJames]

bwink23, Stonewall_Boris, & Dema,

Thank you all for your replies, thoughts, and suggestions. Dr Bitan is currently in the lead within this thread. I started some other research on him, but need to check the most important: If he's in my new medical insurance provider network! LOL.

I so wanted to avoid another NYC trip! During my last trip there to consult with a different surgeon, there was actually an attempt by two strangers to abduct my daughter. That's still not my reason for avoiding NYC, as I've been there quite frequently before and after that horrible experience on my own for business.

Texas Back Institute (TBI) has always been very high (perhaps top) on my list when money and time weren't quite as pressing considerations for me. I really like the idea of having a surgeon who is capable at performing all possible surgical options on me, and is able to make me feel confident in the one chosen (even if it turns out to be incorrect). I'm not sure how I could obtain the confidence, information, tests, "gut feeling", etc I need to proceed with a surgeon so far away without having to make several flights back-and-forth. At minimum it seems there would need to be one for a consult and another for the actual surgery. I'm not certain how any/all additional tests, scans, and so on are handled and paid for ...

I was really hoping that there may be some recommended surgeons in Boston, MA. MA General Hospital and Brigham & Women's Hospital have been suggested as highly regarded surgical locations by some medical professionals I've asked, but they were unable to provide specific doctors ....

Thank you all once more - Jeff

[NJ Gene]

JJames,

When I was considering ADR, I looked at surgeons throughout the United States and Europe. One I was considering was Dr. Paul Glazer, who practices out of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston Spine Surgeon, Neck & Back Surgeon - Boston, MA 02215 - Home

I'm live in the NYC area, so I ended up staying local. As it turned out I didn't need ADR. I saw excellent reviews of him on Healthgrades.com and on Doctor Reviews and Doctor Ratings | Compare & Find Doctors | Vitals

Good luck!!

Gene

[JJames]

Thank you for the suggestion, Gene.

So far what little research I've had time to conduct on Dr Glazer has been very positive, and he even appears to accept my medical insurance. I am a bit hesitant though, as from what I've read so far on him, he does not perform any disc replacements - only fusions. I'd really like to have a surgeon who can suggest/perform any of the three surgical possibilities for me.

Thank you again - Jeff

[NJ Gene]

JJames,

I believe Dr. Glazer does some ADR, but I believe it's only in the cervical region, which doesn't help you. I think Texas Back Institute may be your best bet. I believe someone else already suggested that on this thread. Besides being some of the top ADR doctors in the U.S., several of them are in-network. Furthermore, I have family in Plano, TX and they've used TBI for less invasive procedures. They were very pleased with them.

Good luck with whoever you choose!!

Gene