1.) you must learn as much as you can about adhesions related disorder ( ARD )!!
2.) you must learn about the different surgical interventions used for adhesiolysis procedures. Then, COMPARE the surgical interventions.. Which one will give you the best chance for a successful recovery?
3.) ask the prospective surgeon if you can talk to former patients, who have had the surgical procedure you are looking to have...and then go from there.
4.) take full responsibility for your medical care and treatment.
5.) ask lots and lots of questions...until you are totally satisfied and feel secure that your surgeon is very skilled and experienced in performing the adhesiolysis procedure that you want.
6.) Until you feel secure...YOU DON'T DO ANYTHING!!
B.) QUESTIONS TO ASK A SURGEON:
1.) What is his understanding about adhesions-related disorder ( ARD )?
2.) What is his philosophy about adhesions, etc.?
3.) What diagnostic tests can rule out a bowel blockage...PRIOR to surgery!!
4.) What kind of surgical equipment does he use to perform an adhesiolysis?
5.) Does he use sharp dissection or laser technique, etc? You will first have to acclimate yourself to which surgical technique will offer the best chance for recovery.
6.) Why do his specific technique and procedure work best?
7.) What has been his success rate?
8.) How many of these procedures does he perform in a year's time? The MORE adhesiolysis procedures a surgeon performs, the more skilled he becomes...thus offering you the best chance for recovery from ARD.
9.) How many adhesiolysis procedures has he completed; and how long has he been performing these procedures?
10.) Be sure to ask for his written procedure for an adhesiolysis; and then compare it with Dr. Harry Reich's procedure ( see: Bev's story ).
The prospective surgeon's answers to the above questions, will help you to determine if his/her adhesiolysis procedure will offer you the BEST chance for a successful recovery.
At this time there are NO surgeons, who can promise that you will be adhesion-free and thus pain-free as the result of an adhesiolysis procedure! Right now there aren't any adhesion barriers that will offer you 100% protection from the possible re-formation of adhesions or the development of new ( de nova ) adhesions.
Before you actually choose a surgeon for your adhesiolysis procedure, it is very important that you interview several surgeons; and that you use the above information to help guide you in your search for a surgeon.
I suggest that you write to Dr. Wiseman at Synechion@aol.com ; and ask if he can "suggest" the name/names of surgeons, who perform adhesiolysis procedures in or near the state where you live. Dr. Wiseman suggests that you contact a number of surgeon -- preferably by phone -- and that you ask them ...
1.) about their success rate with adhesiolysis procedures,
2.) about their views about adhesions and the problems that adhesions cause,
3.) about the techniques they use to remove and prevent adhesions, and
4.) about their access to other doctors, who need to be involved in their case -- general surgeons, GYNs, pain specilaists etc.
Now, you have some ideas/information to help you as you begin your search for a surgeon. Whom you choose to have as your surgeon, is a decision that only you can make!! I hope that you will find this information helpful!! Good luck in your search!!!