Thank you for this question and yes, it is certainly very subjective.
While we don’t have a list of the hottest surgeons around, there are a few things you could consider:
- Whether they discuss alternative treatments prior to discussing surgery - surgeons should recognise the limitations of operations and hence advocate that people try conservative measures where possible before going under the knife. This might include physiotherapy, spinal injections, analgesia or alternative treatments.
- Whether you feel comfortable with them - this is an essential as you maybe seeing them for some time.
- Costs - private vs public hospitals can incur considerable differences in cost
- Complications rates and outcomes - you might be able to ask your surgeon for their complications rates etc. It please remember, spine surgery is hugely complex and most people who undergo it are quite unwell or have significant problems, hence some of these risks cannot be avoided.
I hope this helps.
Bw
Dr Dinesh
