Which Hospital to go to for Colostomy

[TammieP]

I've been told that I'm going to need surgery to remove part of my intestine, and with all the research I've been doing, I realize it's not a simple surgery.  I'm torn between going to the hospital nearby where they've dealt with my ER trips and have my CAT scan, Xrays and test results, or going to a bigger hospital that has done more surgeries.  (A ratio of about 300:60). One hospital is Gnaden Huetten in Lehighton, PA and the other hospital is Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA.  The other factor is that one of the surgeons actually was very rude and uncaring when I was in the hospital the last time but I've been told I didn't have to have him if I were to go back.

Any recommendations for surgeons in my area, or sites I can go to in order to do more research on the surgeons?  I want the best care, of course.  :o)  (I'm scared to death)  Thanks everyone...

[laurence99]

I AM GOING IN ON MONDAY FOR THE SAME SURGERY AND A BIT MORE.IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR SURGEON.THIS WILL BE MY FIFTH SURGERY.I LIVE IN CANADA SO I CANNOT RECOMMEND A SURGEON IN THE STATES.I PROBABLY WONT BE OUT OF THE HOSPITAL FOR TWO TO THREE WEEKS BUT IF YOU LIKE I CAN ASK MY SURGEON FOR A RECOMENDATION FOR SOMBODY IN YOUR AREA.MY SURGEON IS THE CHIEF TRANSPLANT SURGEON IN OUR CITY AND IS HIGHLY RATED BY OTHER SURGEONS BOTHE IN CANADA AND THE STATES.IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING SURGERY I WOULD BE HAPPY TO HELP.I AM NOT A DR. BUT I DO HAVE LOTS OF EXPERIENCE WITH ABDOMINAL SURGERIES.

[Jaybay]

I wouldn't worry so much about the facility you use.  The most important thing is having a surgeon you trust.  Technically speaking, resection surgery isn't all that difficult.  The hard part is making sure the anastomosis (where the 2 ends are joined) is secure and not leaking.  Also, intestines tend to revolt when they've been messed with in any way.  It can take several days, to several weeks in some patients, to get back to normal bowel function.  The first few days after surgery, your bowels will be pretty much "asleep", meaning peristalsis is very slow.  You may only be able to tolerate liquids for a while, so go very easy on adding new foods until you get a feel for how things are going.  I know how tempting it is when you start feeling better to want to just dive righ into a plate full of food, but if your body isn't ready for it, you'll be in a whole lot of pain and misery.

If you aren't comfortable with the surgeon you have, it is more than reasonable to consult another one, or two, or three - however many it takes to find the right doctor for you.  Remember that a consultation works both ways.  The doctor evaluates you for the need of surgical treatment and how it will be done; and you get to evaluate the doctor.

Assuming you have insurance, look up what general surgeons are on your plan.  Usually the insurance company will list what hospitals or surgery centers the doctors have privileges at.  If you have a particular facility in mind, that will help you narrow down your choice of doctors, as well as ensure that the doctors are in your insurance plan.

I had colectomy surgery a few years ago, and other than pushing too much food too fast, it went really well.  Hopefully yours will too.  :-)

[TammieP]

even if anyone can give advice on research sites or links, it would be appreciated.