Hello. Does anyone have a recommendation for an expert colo-rectal surgeon at UCLA or USC. My insurance has been changed to HMO and the surgeon who did my j-pouch (Dr. Fleshner at Cedars-Sinai) and has been following me for my annual pouchoscopy is not covered. My medical group is contracted with UCLA and possibly USC. I am very concerned about follow-up if something goes wrong, as well as annual pouchoscopy. Even though I really have done well in the past 3 1/2 years since takedown, I need to know I have an expert I can count on that will also be covered under my insurance. Thanks so much for any input.
Barbara
Posts: 29 | Location: So. California | Registered: November 25, 2005
Dr. Robert Beart is the expert at USC, he did my surgery 7 years ago. I think there is a highly recommended surgeon at UCLA too, but I don't know his name. Someone is bound to respond with a recommendation.
Sue
Posts: 2060 | Location: Santa Barbara, CA | Registered: January 01, 2001
My surgeon at UCLA was James Yoo and there is also John Sack. I've yet to have my takedown but he's a real nice guy and knows what he's doing as well. Good luck in your desicion. I'm sure there is no wrong choice!
July 21, 2007 - Subtotal Colectomy w/ end Iliostomy-----
November 30, 2007 - Proctolectomy with ilial-pouch-anal anastomosis and temp loop ilio----
November 11, 2008 - Failed j-pouch used to form a koch pouch
Posts: 147 | Location: Mariposa, Ca | Registered: February 25, 2008
I second Dr. Beart. He is a great doctor who has so much experience with j-pouches. I only wish he would have done my original surgery. You would be definately in great hands with him as your physician.
Posts: 286 | Location: California | Registered: January 21, 2002
I third Dr Beart. He knows what he is doing and plus the hospital has all private rooms. He performed my two step J-pouch surgery 8 yr's, and I have come along so well,like I've always said "its mostly because of him and also my own healthy body" I had the best colon specialist in San Luis Obispo send me to him.
gloria...Life is like a Dance, you learn as you go.
Posts: 601 | Location: arroyo grande, ca | Registered: February 21, 2001
If UC Irvine is a possibility, I recommend Michael Stamos. He was successful in dealing with Tee's numerous strictures and got her to a takedown. He's truly wonderful.
Posts: 16 | Location: southern California | Registered: September 22, 2006
If you're still seeking local experts, I highly recommend Dr. Jonathan Sack, chief colo-rectal surgeon at UCLA. He's a really nice guy with a great bedside manner. Although I'm now seeing Dr. V at Cedars (for Crohn's), I still intend to see Dr. Sack for my annual pouchoscopy. Dr. Sack is also the medical liaison to the new J-Pouch support group in L.A., which next meets on May 10th. Michael
Posts: 7 | Location: Los Angeles CA | Registered: March 14, 2008
