Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fl.
 

Has anyone had experience with Shands Hospital for lower back surgery? I was thinking about getting a 2nd opinion as I have already had 2 fusions in 2009. I'm now being told I need 2 more fusions, and would like to find out if that is my only option. Thank you.

My Experience
 

Shands has an outstanding reputation. For decades it has been the "go to" place when the surgery is complicated.

My problem when I went there was complex, with age related (I hate that official term) lower lumbar stenosis and a trip and fall injury to my thoracic spine which was pinching my spinal cord.

I went to a specialist who had a great reputation according to my primary care doctor. Upon seeing my MRI he said he wouldn't undertake the surgery unless he worked with orthopedic surgeons at Shands.

My surgery was done over a period of two days with two specialists each day and a total of almost 40 man hours of surgery. They were concerned that I might not survive the extensive anesthesia. They also would not guarantee I would be able to walk after the surgery. (I can't take a step now without a walker.) My spine is fused from the base of my lumbar spine to the top of my thoracic spine.

Unfortunately, I still have lower back pain that keeps me from being very active, but my condition is better than it was before the surgery.

The nurses and support personnel at Shands were outstanding.

If you decide to get an opinion at Shands I suggest you contact Dr. Robert Decker at the Sports Medicine branch of Shands. 352-273-7001.

My husband had back surgery this past summer at Shands. It was successful. Dr. Friedmann, neurosurgeon, did the surgery. We were very satisfied. And it's an easy drive to Shands.

Had emergency cervical surgery at Shands. Great orthopedic surgeon and a very good hospital.

My husband had surgery this past Spring for spinal stenosis at Shands. Neurosurgeon, Dr Murad did the surgery and we were very happy with the whole experience.

Can not say about back surgery but our experienced is a very good facility. The hospital is large and has facilities at a number of locations so be sure you know where you are going.

I cannot speak from experience with Shands but know a former neighbor of ours went there for neck surgery! I wouldn't let anyone that wasn't a neurosurgeon touch my spine so do your due diligence re: finding a reputable one. Best wishes with your care and recovery!!

I had brain surgery (DBS) at Shands by Dr. Kelly Foote. They are outstanding and I would never go anywhere else for any type of surgery. I give them 5 stars.

My husband also had lower back surgery for spinal stenosis at Shands. Dr Murad did the surgery and we would highly recommend the facility.

My wife had a knee replacement recently. After a local Dr. botched the operation we were referred to Dr. Iams at
Shand's . What a great job he did . No pain and she walks fine.
The hospital itself is top notch.

I just had a consult with Dr Iams (recommend by my pain management doctor) for hip replacement surgery due to necrosis. Very impressed with him.

I'm sure Shands is great. I had back surgery with Dr. Michael Hill (Neurosurgeon) at Leesburg Regional. He did a great job. The grass is not always greener elsewhere. We can oftentimes also get great care here at home!