Surgery Needed
 

I saw a Gastroenterologist Today for severe diverticulitis attacks. He recommended I see a surgeon for severe diverticulitis . I am new here and not personally knowing the surgeon is of concern to me. I am seeing surgeon, Dr. Han, the husband of Dr. Lilly Tran. I see he goes to both TV Hospital and Leesburg hospital, any one out there have any first hand information or opinions about which hospital to use. I understand its a fairly serious surgery and a hospital stay of 5-7 days. Right now, I am fairly uneasy about all of this. I hope after speaking with Dr. Han, I can get some of my questions answered.....but I would appreciate any first hand info. Thanks.

It is logistically a bit inconvenient, but for decades Florida residents with a need for serious surgery have gone to the Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Shands is associated with the University of Florida at Gainesville. I believe that in the last few weeks they have changed their name to UF Health Shands Hospital.

A few months ago I needed serious and extensive spinal surgery. My primary care physician referred me to a surgeon with a great reputation in Ocala. After looking at my MRI that excellent surgeon recommended that I go to Shands for the surgery, where he would assist a surgeon there who was an instructor in the University Medical School.

Ultimately, I was worked on by both of those surgeons and the Chief of Orthopedic Medicine at the Medical School.

After surgery I was very, very well attended by the nursing staff and by some physical rehabilitation people who worked with me until I had recovered enough to go to a rehab facility.

The nearby Holiday Inn gives a significant discount to family members of patients in the hospital if you tell them you have a family member in the hospital.

I am not urging you to go to Shands, just telling you about the facility. They have an extensive web site which includes an area for considering various physicians which you might want to use. This is at https://ufhealth.org/search/providers?f[0]=im_field_specialty_department%3A193 You can narrow the search by medical specialty, such as surgeon.

Wishing you good health.

Carl

I would have Dr. Celia Nelson do my surgery. Excellent in my opinion. Goes to Leesburg and TVRH.

I go to Dr. Han for minor problem. He sent a friend of ours on to Shands for a complicated bowel obstruction surgery. He also did surgery on another friend for a bowel obstruction and she really thinks he is great.

Dr. Han took out my husbands gallbladder in Leesburg. We liked him very much and came with great recommendations.

I am not a medical doctor but just want to tell you about my own experience. I have had several diverticulitis attacks and was told years ago to have an operation. I got a second opinion. To make a long story short I changed my diet and take probiotics everday. I also do yoga and try not to get stressed.I've been doing this for the last three years and no more attacks. Just get a second or even third opinion before having any surgery.

Don't stay locally
 

Personally, I would never have any major surgery done locally. Shands is where I would trust my life. Best of luck.

HI Carl,
I'm having some back and hip problems and my MRI says I have multiple herniated and bulging discs. My primary sent me to physical therapy and it helped somewhat, however, since I am very active in sports, I want to get an opinion of a spinal doctor for what kind of treatment I need. I heard there was a good doctor in Ocala, however, they did not know the name. Would you recommend the one you went to in Ocala for a consult?

I agree that Shands is the best hospital to go for any major procedure as my medical background is with a large nationally known teaching hospital. The problem is, from what I understand, is you may need a MD referral for surgery. Unless you get one from Han, you may not be able to go there. This is what I understand but I stand to be corrected. I have been an RN on the surgical floor at TVRH for many years and still recommend Dr. Celia Nelson if you elect to stay local; nothing against Dr. Han, Dr. Nelson would just be my choice.

Dr Han did a high risk bowel resection on my mom in November. Because of heart problems, she was about 5-1 odds against going in. He did a great job and she recovered from the surgery. Of course, her dementia is worse, but that's another story... I'd trust Dr Han without question.

As to hospitals, The Villages hospital is better than most folks will admit. The nursing staff that I have dealt with have been uniformly good, caring, skilled folks. (I'll not include the ER staff, however).

Keep in mind that in the big picture of things, TVRH is a *small* hospital. If you expect it to be like Seattle Grace or Mayo, you will be disappointed. If you feel you need that, go somewhere with more resources (I'm partial to Duke, but that's just me and my experience.

I know several people who've changed their diet (read the Wheat Belly book) which changed their lives for the better. The book talks about our "gut" and how it can become un-healthy. I will say that I was skeptical but read it and have been doing this plan for over a year. I'd do whatever I could to avoid surgery as well.

There is a new thread started on this very subject and there are a few new recommendations you might want to look at.

I recently was in the ER in the Villages Hosp. diagnosed with .09 ml kidney stone. We were referred to Dr. JO in Ocala. Turns out the TV Hospital doesn't own the equipment to remove large stones. Dr. JO performed the surgery at Munroe Hospital in Ocala.
I am very satisfied with both the Hospital and Dr. JO.
Good Luck

I was reading too that Ocala Regional and Munroe were top places for surgery according to a leading 'consumer' publication....otherwise known as Consumers Report. Best of luck to you.

The Munroe Reg. Hospital has very professional and caring staff. I know someone who had surgery there a month ago, and was very satisfied, The surgeon was Dr. Nuestein, excellent doctor in Ocala!!