Choosing a surgeon to perform your cervical spine surgery is one of the most important decisions you can make. There are risks associated with any type of surgery and cervical spine surgery is no exception. Complications from surgery on the cervical spine can be devastating, possibly even life-threatening. When it comes to surgery involving your spine, the surgeon’s competence and experience matter.
How can you be assured that you are in good hands? By choosing a neurosurgeon who is board-certified and has extensive experience doing the procedure you’re considering. Surgical outcomes are influenced by the surgeon’s level of experience in performing similar surgeries in the past. When it comes to surgical procedures, there are no substitutes for training and experience.
The surgeon you choose should be forthright about how many cervical spine procedures he has performed and their outcomes. He should also help you understand the risks associated with your procedure. You should be provided with an in-depth explanation of your procedure in terms you understand, with time allotted to answer any questions you might have. Ultimately, you should feel reassured after talking to a good surgeon and have confidence in his ability. If you feel unsure or cannot get your questions answered to your satisfaction, that surgeon may not be the right one for you.
Dr. Thomas Wascher is a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 23 years of experience doing complex cervical spine surgeries. He has performed over 4,000+ cervical spine surgeries and has earned recognition for his expertise in the field. He is also a published author with numerous academic and social service awards to his credit.
Dr. Wascher’s surgical record speaks for itself. Throughout his career, he has carefully documented the results of every cervical surgery he has performed, including any complications. Unlike most surgeons, he is willing to share this information with you. His complication rate of less than 1% is one of the lowest in the country. When you consider the average complication rate of nearly 20% for anterior cervical surgeries, you can have confidence in Dr. Wascher’s surgical skill and his attention to detail. He understands the complexities of cervical spine surgery and has mastered the techniques.
A good surgeon has your best interests in mind and understands that you may have questions or concerns. Dr. Wascher takes the time to educate his patients and their families, even encouraging them to seek a second opinion. Because he wants you to feel comfortable about your surgery, he wants to be certain all your questions are answered before you enter his operating room.
Cervical spine surgery is a complex procedure that requires skill and attention to detail. Make sure your surgeon has the knowledge, training, and experience to do the job right.
