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Is there a way to verify surgeon’s claims for Q&Q?
Hi,
I’m in the early phase of my research to fix “right inguinal hernia”. I was wondering if anyone know if there is a website or national database or anything that can help you verify surgeon’s procedure results and/or quantity of specific procedures performed. Obviously, I read reviews that I could find by googling and I will ask the surgeon how many inguinal hernia repairs he has performed when I meet him but it would be good if I can get an independent verification (not from him or his office). To give you an example his BIO on his organization website says, “and his minimally invasive hernia procedures have results that are among the best in the nation.”. That’s great but is there published evidence for this. Another one is in a YouTube video where he talks about Inguinal hernia repair, he mentions “in over 2000 inguinal hernia repairs”. That’s also great I just wish I’m able to independently verify the claim. Maybe what I’m asking for is not possible.
Also, do you have some advice on how you would approach asking him these questions during your appointment to avoid creating a weird situation where the surgeon thinks you are questioning his credentials and may not even want you as a patient after the first visit. It’s great that I have found someone who specializes in hernia repairs I just wish there is another way to verify the claim compared to just Yelp reviews.
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1 Reply
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@MVK, it’s even harder than you think. While you may be able to find tables that list the raw numbers you also need to ensure that you are comparing apples to apples.
For instance, I had an operation to remove a bone tumour at the top of my right tibia 23 years ago. At a local hospital consultation my surgeon started measuring up my leg for an amputation! It would be better to take it off above the knee as there would suitable tissue to make a stump for a prosthetic leg.
“No thanks, I’ve got a foot fetish!” I blurted out.
“Well the only other option is to send you down to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham (UK)”. They are a specialist bone tumour and cancer hospital and they sorted it with a relatively minor op that is hardly visible now. I’ve spent the last 23 years enjoying life to the full with two beautiful feet.
So?
The point I’m trying to make is that often, the very best hospitals generally have lower success rates, simply because they take all the lost souls who would most likely lose a limb (or their life) if treated at a general hospital.
Christie Hospital is a famous specialist cancer hospital in the UK that posts worse results than most general hospitals. However, pretty much every patient of Christie is a “dead man walking” that would just be a loss on other hospitals bottom line spreadsheets.
Without being able to add this into the already cloudy mix the best you’ll ever get is an educated guess. You’ve already taken the biggest step by choosing a specialist surgeon.
Whoever you finally choose I wish you a speedy and trouble-free recovery.
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