Question:
How do I choose a doctor?

I have been bouncing back and forth between two different docs. One does the open and is far from home. I did not like the setting-but it is the only surgery they do, so I assume they know what they are doing. The other doc would do Lap, and is close to home. However, he has had one problem (at least only one that I know of) with one surgery he did. I don't know the detials, but sounds serious. How does a person decide. I am asking questions, and talking to others who have had the surgery by both doctors. I feel NO peace with either, and it is starting to make me feel like maybe this is not for me. Help!! To make matters worse, I need to have the surgery sometime in January if I'm going to do it (that is why the need to go to one of these 2 docs, as my 'paper'work is already in motion) due to work issues. Maybe I should hold off? Help!! Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 10, 2000)

December 10, 2000
The most important thing is that you feel 100% confidence in your surgeon. This IS elective surgery and you should have no doubt about the competence of your surgeon. Keep in mind though, that ALL surgery involves some risk. The patient that you referred to may have had complications no matter who did the surgery. I know that out of approx. 600 surgeries done, my surgeon has had 8 fatalities. I understand that this does not mean he messed up. It means he takes on high risk patients and sometimes there is nothing the surgeon can do to save a patient. If you have any doubts about the complication rate for your surgeon, ASK him directly. Any reputiable surgeon will tell you exactly what his complication rate is, the most common complications, and yes, even his fatality rate. Even the best surgeons lose patients sometimes. Please, don't rush into this if you are at all uncomfortable. I'm leaving in about 25 minutes to go to the hospital for my surgery, and I have complete faith in my surgeon. You deserve to have that confidence in yours. Hope I've helped. Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
   — Maria H.