surgery with doctor with bad patient review

[Vivibeatris]

have surgery coming up and my doctor just got a 1 star review on google by a patient. The patient wrote that he doesnt listen and doesnt think outside the box so she switched doctors. Should I be worried? Is it dangerous to have surgery with him? He is a consultant at guys st thomas London.

Thanks

[Lyndy]

If you turn that round it says that he’s cautious and has set ideas about his practice. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. The patient might have been expecting more of a Prof Fotopolou approach?

I would suggest you meet him and see what your gut says xx

[Vivibeatris in reply to Lyndy]

What do you mean by meeting him? I have surgery scheduled with him on 21st of May so that's why I am worried that this other patient left a bad review. I am worried for my safety during surgery? Or am I being irrational?

[Lyndy in reply to Vivibeatris]

I think it’s reasonable to ask to meet the surgeon who is doing your operation.

I don’t think your safety is compromised due to the procedures that govern surgery and the other people in his team who would be in the room.

Also safety is not raised by the reviewer, it sounds more like they didn’t get on.

Being worried is normal and understandable when you are submitting to surgery, I found it reassuring to meet my surgeon beforehand, hopefully the hospital will let you have a conversation with him xx

[Vivibeatris in reply to Lyndy]

I met him many times indeed and he has no bedside manners but I am hoping he will be ok doing the surgery

[Katmal-UK]

if you are concerned then speak with PALS (patient advice and liaison service).

[Lizzieanne]

Think PALS a good idea have found them to be very good.

[delia2]

I agree with Lyndy that his bedside manner is no reflection on his ability as a surgeon though he may take a traditional approach. We don’t know what the reviewer wanted from him. I had an excellent surgeon in the US who was not someone I meshed with in terms of personality and values. However he did a great job. Subsequently I moved and see a female medical oncologist at a top cancer center who is very simpatico, though also fairly conservative in her treatment philosophy.

[Swimbuddy]

If it is any help, my surgeon didn't have a good bedside manner, but he did a wonderful job and that's what I judge him on. Obviously you are worried, but then that is only natural before surgery. Have faith in your team. I found it reassuring to speak to my oncology nurse who was lovely. Wishing you all the best xx

[Bettyxxx]

hi there,

I think i would make my own mind up, i had an oncologist i just couldn’t get on with his blunt uncaring ways just wasn’t for me., however a friend i met along the way still sees him and is very happy with his care. I think its important for you to feel comfortable with any physician and be happy with your choice (and your life!). My oncologist is more gentle and that suits me. I do also think any person (surgeon) who is confident enough to do what they do every day has to be very strong. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, i would rather have a confident/arrogant surgeon who is first class than a polite useless one. If you have met this person and are happy then i wouldn’t be swayed. You could discuss it with you oncology nurse and see if that helps too. You probably wont see much of the surgeon afterwards anyway as you are handed over to the oncology team, hope that helps xx

Diane

[Vivibeatris in reply to Bettyxxx]

Thanks for your reply. I am treated privately so yes I met him many times and yes he is very blunt and stubborn but think I will stick with him as he seems more specialized than others especially with robotic surgery which he will do on me

[Bettyxxx in reply to Vivibeatris]

Good luck and now time to get your ducks in a row and use your energy to get ready for the surgery, its doable we have all been there xx let us know how you get on xx

Diane

[Vivibeatris in reply to Bettyxxx]

Thanks so much