Surgeon for teen with inguinal hernia? (Raleigh, Durham: chapel, university, versus)

[polarbear3]

My teenage son has an inguinal hernia and so we're looking for recommendations for surgeons. Chapel Hill or Durham locations are preferred. We know this surgery is common, but we don't want to just pick someone randomly.

Any recommendations or suggestions?

[jaiho]

As someone that worked as a Scientist designing next-gen Hernia meshes, the one suggestion I have is to make sure that the surgery is performed laproscopically (it should be the standard of care but you'd be surprised to know how many Surgeons still employ open. Also, Robotic, is not needed unless of course you don't care about paying 5 times as much for something with the same outcome). Also, make sure that the Primary Surgeon is performing most of the procedure and isn't resorting to a Resident. The Resident is going to perform the opening, but make sure in pre-surgery conversations that the Primary is performing the closure.

Unfortunately, I don't work in this specific field anymore, hence, I cannot give recommendations on Surgeons.

[RedZin]

Originally Posted by jaiho

As someone that worked as a Scientist designing next-gen Hernia meshes, the one suggestion I have is to make sure that the surgery is performed laproscopically (it should be the standard of care but you'd be surprised to know how many Surgeons still employ open. Also, Robotic, is not needed unless of course you don't care about paying 5 times as much for something with the same outcome). Also, make sure that the Primary Surgeon is performing most of the procedure and isn't resorting to a Resident. The Resident is going to perform the opening, but make sure in pre-surgery conversations that the Primary is performing the closure.

Unfortunately, I don't work in this specific field anymore, hence, I cannot give recommendations on Surgeons.

I keep landing in threads where you're handing out great advice, jaiho.



I don't have any surgeon recommendations for Durham and CH. My son had his done at Duke Raleigh. If you want his surgeon's name to see if he does any surgeries at Duke in Durham, or maybe if his office could recommend someone, feel free to send me a DM.

[BoBromhal]

who did the doctor that diagnosed this recommend?

[carbon8]

I apologize that I don't have anybody to recommend, but wanted to throw my 2 cents in:

There are great advantages but significant risks and disadvantages to laparascopic repair versus open repair. As such, go find a surgeon that does both (open and laparascopic) and get a good consultation. Mesh is used in nearly all hernia repairs, but there are situations where it should not be used. So, listen to the surgeon's advice.

Going to a university based practice means you will have a surgeon in training (resident surgeon) performing anywhere from 0% to 90+% of the procedure, depending on their skill level and the attending physician's comfort level. Since the attending's professional license is on the line, take comfort knowing that he/she will not let an incompetent resident do anything that they are not qualified to do. However, if that still gives you the willies and you don't want anybody in training touching your son, find a surgeon in private practice. He/She will perform 100% of the surgery.

That being said, many a times I've seen a resident with skills that far surpass that of the attending physician training them.

I also agree with BoBromhal and ask who your primary MD recommends. Your MD (who likely has list of preferred surgeons learned from trial and error) may be a better source for recommendation than any one of us on the forum who has maybe one or two anecdotal experiences with a particular surgeon. You can also do some research on NC Medical Board | Welcome and check the surgeon's board certification status as well as any disciplinary actions or malpractice information.

Good luck, and best wishes to your son.

[polarbear3]

Thanks to everyone for their advice and suggestions!