Hi, my longtime girlfriend is probably going to need her right cervical rib removed. We are willing to go outside her insurance circle to have a GOOD surgeon do this. I have two questions:

1) What are the most highly reccommended surgeons you know?

2) What is the approximate cost of the surgery (we couldn't find this anywhere)

Thanks so much!

--Buddy

Buddy, I am sorry I can't help you with the surgeon. I had my rib resection and scalanectomy done in 2000 by Dr. Alan Togut in Wilkes Barre, PA. He no longer performs surgeries but may know who to recommend. Also, I know there is a list on this site that tells you of other doctors. I don't know where you live so you would have to check. I know that Denver is a place with a couple of good surgeons.

My surgery took a while to improve my pain but lasted for about 5 years of absolutely no pain! I reinjured it but was able to have a baby in between! Best of Luck, Linda

Here's the Drs & Pt thread if you haven't found it yet-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread135.html

the list is a few years old , it's been updated a few times, but there may be more qualified drs that we haven't heard about yet but it will give you a starting point.
If you see some drs near you in the list, you can do a forum search to see if they have been mentioned here , as well as web searches for more info about them.

For USA-
Denver docs - Annest and Brantigan have been mentioned often here over the years-{ Sanders just retired}
quite a few of the California docs have been mentioned here
and a few Texas drs also.

Thanks for all the information folks. Anyone heard anything about surgeons in FL or AL? I will definitely look into the things you guys mentioned. How much was the total cost of the surgery (before insurance) if you dont mind my asking?

Thanks,

Buddy and Katie

I'd hate to suggest wrong amount but I think someone that went to Denver said something like 30k?? i could be totally wrong though.


I'll do a new thread with that question /title and see what numbers come up.

Welcome

It's a hard decision. You are doing your homework. You have to with TOS.

I do like Dr. Atasoy, at Klinert Kutz in Louisville, Ky. He recommended the rib resection through the armpit for me, and scalenectomy. He seems to be very knowledgeable and skilled, although he is getting up in years.

here is a list of surgeons on this board

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread135.html

There's lots of info and willing people to answer questions.

Keep in touch.
(Broken Wings)