Can the PS back our after 18 months promising procedures?

Four times over 18 months I met with the current PS who indicated he would be doing a circumferential, he decided in Feb to only do a minimial groin incision instead. I've had both before and remember after his last op in 08, that he'd said there was 'nothing left' other than bone to attach things to so we then reconsidered doing the 360. I learned recently he only does 3 or 4 360's a year and had said he was insecure about his abilities to do it (subsquently he now says he can do them with his eyes closed!). No one else will take the case saying this 'chronic pain and deformity' isn't so bad afterall. Because his hospital did not wrap in the supplied compression the swelling 12hrs post op gave me today's new significant laxity, plus there were triangles in the suture line at the groin then which he did nothing about. This is not an easy case so the 'stars' don't want to take it on. suggestions?

The bottom line is yes, the surgeon can refuse to perform any procedure he/she does not feel is appropriate for your situation or one they do not feel competenent performing (although they probably won't admit this).

Sorry...but keep looking.

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this and I don't have the answers for you. I would continue to seek help from someone else. Have you been to www.realself.com? You are able to post about problems and questions there and real surgeons will provide advice. There are a lot of surgeons that do follow-up operations to correct previous mistakes.

 My biggest concern is, would I really want a surgeon doing a procedure on me that he admittedly says he's not confident in doing? Things could be made worse and you definitely don't want that.

Good luck to you and I hope you find someone willing to help you.

This surgeon doesn't sound like anyone I'd even WANT to do my surgery.  He doesn't sound competent or familiar enough with what you need to do your surgery.  I'm sure you could find another surgeon who would be willing to help you out who does have experience and is competent.