Daughter Scheduled for Surgery - Advice Please

[Cheyenne]

I am new to this forum, but am needing some advice.

My daughter is scheduled for surgery June 28. (See the particulars in the signature line below.

Did you get a second opinion and if so, how important was that to you? My husband also just downloaded a Hospital Rating report and noticed that although we like our daughter's surgeon well enough, the hospital where he practices is a community hospital which has a "poor" rating in orthopedic procedures.

Given that we live in the Maryland area, I am now trying to get a second opinion from Dr Sponseller at Johns Hopkins, as I have seen a number of positive references in these message boards.

Please advise of your experience/recommendations. My daughter has already had her pre-op physical and donated 2 units of blood, etc.

Thanks for any advice from those of you who have already been through this.

[summer]

I went for four "2nd" opinions until I was happy and comfortable with the surgeon, staff and hospital.

[pat]

the hospital where he practices is a community hospital which has a "poor" rating in orthopedic procedures.

Hello, I don't like hearing that they got a "poor" rating, I think I would want to raise that question to your doctor and ask him why? It's a big surgery. p

[ScoliParent]

My 14 yo daughter had a spinal fusion and thoracoplasty 8 weeks ago. The Dr. she was referred to by the pediatrician did not do spine surgery on chilldren and sent us to someone that specialized in pediatric scoliosis surgery. He worked out of a Children's Hospital. We were vey pleased with everything. I think it's important that the hospital has a good rating. Good luck.

[Cheryl M]

I would go for a 2nd opinion. We saw three different doctors before deciding for Briann. This is a very serious operation and I would want my child at a big hospital. I think complications are probably fairly rare but you would want your child at a hospital who could quickly and successfully deal with complications if they were to happen.

How many scoliosis surgeries has your surgeon performed in the last year and how many were at this hospital. I would want this number to be fairly large. Do they have the cell saver where they recycle her blood back into her body. Are they using spinal monitoring equipment, specialist, etc.

HOpe this helps.

Cheryl M

[Erika1988]

Hi,

I say that if you are not completely comfortable with your surgeon, definatly get a second opinon. This kind of surgery is major and you want somebody good, and somebody who you are comfortable around. I had a terrific surgeon for my first surgery, but I still wish I would have gotten a second opinion because I ended up having some bad experiences. go for a second opinion. You don't really need to rush into the surgery, and if someone else has ideas to try before having surgery then that would be better

[Carmell]

Cheyenne,

The surgeon's skills and expertise are just part of the entire scoliosis surgery process. The post-op care is as important (or moreso for some families) than the surgeons skills. You need to have your daughter in a place where they know how to take care of her every need, especially pain management. This is critical. For anyone under the age of 20, I would choose a Children's Hospital, if at all possible. They have a better knowledge of how to manage pain in young adults.

Good luck.

[I_luv_Jay]

Hi,

I had surgery in 2004 and no i didnt get a 2nd opinion but my parents and i were very nervous cause i was only 15 but we went with the dr my gp referred us to and now nearly 2 years on after surgery i'm fine. But i would say it ultimately is up to you wether to get a 2nd opinion or not.

I hope that your daughters surgery goes well.

Richelle