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Anesthesiologist Considerations

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  • Anesthesiologist Considerations

    First off Linda G, thanks so much for providing information on the cause of Trudy's surgical catastrophe. You are a hero for taking the time to think of others when you are in such pain from your broken hip. Hang in there and I hope you feel better rapidly.

    With respect to Trudy, I have to admit that my wife Jan was just lucky to get a great anesthesiologist who specialized in complex spine surgeries. Although I researched everything else diligently, I never thought to inquire about this critical specialist.

    The anesthesiologist who worked with Dr. Boachie-Adjie on my wife was Dr. Michael Urban. He was rather friendly and reassuring before the surgery and it turns out he is a real expert on complex spine with contributions to at least five articles on complex spine anesthesia complications and pain management.
    Pulmonary injury in patients undergoing complex spine surgery.
    Spine J. 2005 May-Jun;5(3):269-76.
    Pulmonary complications in anterior-posterior thoracic lumbar fusions.
    Spine J. 2004 May-Jun;4(3):312-6.
    Reduction in postoperative pain after spinal fusion with instrumentation using intrathecal morphine.
    Spine. 2002 Mar 1;27(5):535-7.
    The efficacy of antifibrinolytics in the reduction of blood loss during complex adult reconstructive spine surgery.
    Spine. 2001 May 15;26(10):1152-6.
    Evidence of lung injury during reconstructive surgery for adult spinal deformities with pulmonary artery pressure monitoring.
    Spine. 2001 Feb 15;26(4):387-90.

    I guess that sets a bit of a benchmark for someone who is going to do the job right.

  • #2
    I had him too.....

    I also had Michael Urban. I was a nervous wreck before surgery & even though I did'nt find out about what was going to happen in the hospital & surgery stuff.-I did'nt want to know.....I did look up some of the anesthesiologists at HSS Hospital & I was so hoping I had Dr. Urban. I looked up his info & picture on the HSS website & when he first walked in to greet me before surgery, I knew I was in good, no great hands!!!!Ly

    surgery Aug 1,2006 ant/post..Boachie/Kim

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    • #3
      We go through the long and laboring process of finding the right doctor for each of us. I know I choose my scoli surgeon with heart felt confidence.

      But I personally had no input on who the anesthesioloigist was, or the Dr. that moved my organs during the anterior part of my surgery. They seemed to just be assigned to me.

      It just makes me wonder if there is a flaw in the system??? I think we all have the right to know who is doing what to us, and now we have the knowledge to ask those additional questions!!! I never thought to ask, although I did meet the Dr. that moved my organs before my surgery, but I knew nothing about him and had no idea he wasn't affiliated with my insurance company.

      Ask questions!!!
      Shari

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      • #4
        That's one reason I started this thread. If you have a great surgeon, I would not worry about the surgical assistants. That is the surgeon's job. Another smart inquiry is if the adjunct physicians are out of network. The internist, pulmanary specialist, pain managers etc. can really run up the bills. Plus, while your surgeon may be flexible, they may not be. I would suggest a frank discussion about fees with every single specialist. It could save you thousands of dollars. If I had it to do over again I would ask if they will accept 80% of a reasonable and customary fee if the insurance does not go to that level.

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        • #5
          Hi Joe,

          I have to agree with you on this subject!!! It makes me wonder if there is a solution to this problem!!! I think that you bringing this subject up to the attention to future patients that may be considering this surgery, is a great service.

          You have given some advice that may be very valuable to anyone considering having it. In my opinion, your thoughts should be considered!!!

          Shari

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