referral to surgeon in Europe

[TPatti]

Hattingen, Germany
Use the search, there are a few others or this forum that have used him. Link to website, you can send info and images for evaluation:
ONZ Spine Surgeon for Disk Replacement, German Spine Specialists – M6 ADR Artificial Disk Replacement - Stop spine pain now, Lumbar Cervical Spine Surgery

[LauraB]

Cheryl: I felt the exact same feelings as you. I had several US doctors tell me that they can perform the surgery. When asked how many multi-levels they performed, usually can be counted on one hand.

Economically I thought it would be better for me to find a surgeon here in the states. However, since I'm looking at a 2-3 level ADR, I found the Germany doctors to be far more experienced, and the surgical outcomes to be considerably positive. Dr. Bierstedt, I believe, is a high ranking contender. Before hearing back from his office, I had been in continued contact with Dr. Bertognoli (ProSpine - Bogen, Germany). He is a professor, surgeon, and engineer, and had been performing and teaching the procedure to other surgeons for over 20 years. These doctors have the track record.
The cost was very similar, if not somewhat less in Europe. I found the US hospitals to be somewhat ambiguous. In most cases, I couldn't even get a committed "ballpark" cost. Overseas airfare and probably an extra week of hotel fees were really the only "added" cost to a European excursion. In the end, I felt that I needed to "live" with my decision and felt that the extra travel cost was well worth the surgical, healthful outcome.

Google search the doctors names and read about them. You need to feel comfortable. Also submit your information and fill out the patient data forms for a few choice surgeons. Their response will help you feel better about your decision. Also, look up Dr. Clavel, Barcelona, Spain. I've read very good comments and surgical responses about him as well.

[NJ Gene]

LauraB, the information in your last posting was very helpful. TPatti, provided a link to Dr. Bierstedt's website in his posting directly before yours. Here is a link to Dr. Clavel's website: Dr. Pablo Clavel - Barcelona Spine Center - Medical Advantage Barcelona One can also get to him through Medical Tourism. However, it will take much longer to get the results of an evaluation that way. I made the mistake of using Medical Tourism when trying to get results through him. It took much longer than it would have if I had simply used the link above.

If one is interested in Dr. Bertagnoli, he/she can go to this link: Artificial Disc Replacement

Cheryl, you know can now simply click on the links to get to these European surgeons.

Good luck!!

Gene

[LauraB]

Links are always better. I also made the error of going through Medical Tourism while trying to get in touch with Dr. Clavel. I had a lot of contact with the tourism office submitting data, but not a word from Dr. Clavel. When his office finally contacted me - over two weeks later...they told me he was reviewing and will be in touch - still not a word. I don't believe this is typical of his office, based upon other fantastic reviews - i planned on reconnecting, but decided to go in another direction - Dr. Bertognoli.

[Cheryl0331]

Originally Posted by TPatti

Hattingen, Germany
Use the search, there are a few others or this forum that have used him. Link to website, you can send info and images for evaluation:
ONZ Spine Surgeon for Disk Replacement, German Spine Specialists – M6 ADR Artificial Disk Replacement - Stop spine pain now, Lumbar Cervical Spine Surgery

It's good to know that a surgeon takes their time. I wonder what are some of the sever complications of the three being dicussed here? A c2/3 surgery is very risky to say the least. I guess that is where I am stuck. who has the most experience with that level.

[NJ Gene]

Cheryl, Just to clarify where Dr. Bierstedt practices, Hattingen, Germany is not far from Dusseldorf, the closest international airport. If you look on his website in detail, you'll see that. Have any surgeons in Europe come back to you yet with their recommendations? It sounds like you are doing the right thing, looking for the surgeon in Europe with the most experience in ADR. You probably know this already, but it seems that ADR at C2/C3 is almost never done in the U.S. because it is considered too close to the brain. Personally, from everything I have read and heard, it seems that we just don't have the best devices in the U.S. for that type of risky level.

Good luck with finding the right surgeon!!

Gene

[LauraB]

I wholeheartedly agree. That level is a very tricky one and you are going to want to make sure that you choose a surgeon who is experienced. I'm sure everyone will agree that you will find a reputable surgeon in Europe as opposed to the US. No surgery is without risks, but you want to make sure you are in the most capable hands. When you send your diagnostics and data to these surgeons, you are interviewing them. They should be able to tell you exactly how many they have performed. I'm sure if you look at the patient histories of some of the members of this forum, you may find those who have had ADR. Contact them too.