A SURGEON'S SURGEON
[Sleepnet.com's Homepage] [Sleep Disorders] [Sleep Links] [Search]

A SURGEON'S SURGEON

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Non-CPAP Forum24 ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by doc on January 31, 2009 at 10:30:27:

I am a surgeon practicing at a major medical center. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea three years ago. After trying to use CPAP/BiPAP/Auto PAP for a year without success, I looked into surgical options. I asked my colleagues in sleep medicine, oral surgery and ENT for referrals to world class surgeons. I visited six different surgeons from both ENT and oral surgery in Massachusetts, Georgia, Texas, Wisconsin and California. I had recognized that MMA was my best option because of the severity of my disease. I checked out all my potential surgeons by finding nurses in their hospitals and asking them about the surgeon.

I had my MMA 6 months ago in Palo Alto with Dr. KL. During my follow up visit, I met two patients in the waiting room who also had MMA by him. We shared our experiences and I was told about this site. I would like to share my experience from a surgeon’s perspective in selecting your surgeon.

I was looking for a surgeon with not just superb surgical skills. Finding a surgeon who is experienced, a surgeon who actually takes care of patients (not with residents or fellows) and a surgeon who is able to manage complications are essential. One of my major concerns was how this surgeon would protect my airway after surgery, when the airway is swollen. This is because airway obstruction can be lethal. Most if not all of the surgeons performing MMAs are oral surgeons. Although oral surgeons are excellent at jaw operations, they are not airway experts. ENT surgeons are airway experts and are the specialists who manage airway emergencies. However, ENT surgeons can not do MMAs because it is not within the scope of the specialty. To me, if I am in an airway emergency, I want a surgeon who can manage the airway, with an emergent tracheotomy if necessary. I also wanted ready access to MY surgeon if I needed help, without going through a resident, fellow or nurse. KL had satisfied my requirements.

The surgery took four hours and I was in the hospital for three days. The difficulty in breathing through my nose was probably the toughest in terms of the recovery. KL saw me in the hospital daily and cleaned my nose twice so my nose would stay open. He checked my airway with a scope to make sure it is safe for me to be discharged. He saw me in his office on the weekends to clean my nose (Sat and Sun!) after I was discharged. I had readily access to KL through his cell phone (which I used without any hesitation). I also emailed him with questions which he responded on the same day.

I am happy with the outcomes of my operation. There were multiple reasons that influenced my decision in choosing my surgeon. Many factors are just as important as the surgical skill in selecting the right surgeon. When you need your surgeon right there and then, you must have someone who will be there for you. Check out your surgeon and look for the things that make him/her special. Finally, no, KL did not know I am a surgeon as well.

Follow Ups:


Post a Followup

E-Mail  :  required - same address used when you registered (will not show up in posting)
Password:  required (sent to you when you registered)

Subject : Re: A SURGEON'S SURGEON

Comments:....note: including your email address here will result in the removal of your posting (See removal policy)

PLEASE ONLY CLICK THE SUBMIT FOLLOW UP BUTTON ONCE!!. Thanks, Sandman

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Non-CPAP Forum24 ] [ FAQ ]