Does surgeon's age matter?

[Brookwood]

Hi I'm new here. I'm glad I found this place. Reading your posts has reduced a lot of my fear and anxiety. My husband has been diagnosed with severe aorta valve insufficiency in April and will probably need AVR surgery in June. Friends have recommended two surgeons, one is about 64 years old and is a well renowned surgeon in here, the other is about 52 years old and has good reputation as well. They work in the same medical center. Maybe it sounds a little silly, but I'm a little concerned about the surgeon's age. Which one should I choose? Any input appreciated.

 

[Phyllis]

If he's well renowned, he's probably only gotten better with age. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Superbob]

Well since I am 66 myself, I guess I am biased -- but I wouldn't go on age alone, but rather how many of these surgeries a surgeon has done, his renown, recommendations from patients, reputation among peers, etc. The older guy could be the better surgeon; as I say, I wouldn't go solely on age.

(Gee, I guess John McCain has a problem this November, huh? But I wouldn't go solely on age in picking a President either.)

 

[Duff Man]

personally, if I go to a consult and I don't feel the surgeon is at least as sharp as I am, I'm never coming back. The guy has to convey confidence or gift. I don't care how many he's done. That's just my personal opinion and I could pay the ultimate price for it. Maybe he'll be all talk or the best salesman in the world - but I would at least die with confidence and the least anxiety beforehand.

 

[Jkm7]

Unless there is something about him that makes you uncomfortable when you meet with him, I would have no hesitation about a 64 year old surgeon. No such thing as too much experience IMO

That is not to say I would automatically opt for him over the 52 year old. You could meet with both and choose the one you have the best feeling about.

 

[aussigal]

My Surgeon is one of the younger ones at around 45. He went to the USA not long after my surgery to give a lecture on OHS. I wouldnt worry about the surgeons age , its their competence and reputation I would be checking on.

 

[Susan BAV]

I don't know how old my latest heart surgeon is, but he's no a spring chicken.

But I liked him. Well, that and the fact that he had a 0% mortality rate--and enormous experience and high respect and recommendations from all...

Personally, if a surgeon is going to cut into my body, particularly my heart parts, I want to see at least some gray at their temples.

Same goes for my airplane pilots.

 

[upchurch131]

My feeling is the BEST one! Research, research, research. Check the numbers and all other credentials you can get your hands on. I went to a group called "Best Doctors" (a quality rated database) that my employer provides to us besides the internet, talking to other doctors, other patients. I want to feel secure that once I fall asleep, I got a guy who will bring me back to my family and friends.

 

[Curtsmum]

I would prefere a older surgeon with more experience over a younger one, but then again if they are good who cares. Like others have said choose the best and the one you are most comfortable with. All the best.

 

[hensylee]

Think DeBakey. He's now 98 and practiced most of his grown up life.

 

[strudell]

Before I met my surgeon, he came very highly recommended. Since I work for a Health System, I asked other people in the Hospital who THEY would have operate on them.

One person I asked was a college buddy that works here also. Then I asked the nurses. Others, coworkers, my cardiologist all weighed in.

The consensus was clear for me.

When I actually met him for the first time, I then asked how long he ahd been performing thise type of operations, where he trained, who he thought was a good surgeon and why.

Basically, after weighing all the evidence, and his display of confidence and compassion, my decision as pretty clear. I don't think age really came into play.

 

[Cooker]

It would not to me. If he/she checks out and has the experience. My dentist sent me to an endodontist for a root canal?.the guy looked like Doogie Howser?I mean he did not look old enough to shave?.The work he did was without flaw and he has done two more for me with perfect results..... I commented to my dentist about his age and he laughed and asked if I want older or better?.said this guy was the best.

 

[ctyguy]

If you think the younger surgeon is qualified and you feel more comfortable with him then that is who you should choose.

My opinion is experience/reputation is what matters. My surgeon was in his 60s and he was very personable and engaging. Now if you meet the surgeon for the first time and his hands are shaking maybe THEN rethink it.

 

[Jkm7]

How much trust do you have in your cardiologist and other phyiciasns who care for you? Who do they recommend?

There was no question who I would ask to do my surgery and my cardiologist and I fully agreed on that choice. It was who I wanted to do my TEE and cath that we discussed. Again, the choice was obvious. Every doctor I know and asked all agreed on the one they would use. Recommendations from other doctors you trust are very influential IMO

 

[pamela]

Are you looking at a pioneering procedure with a new style of valve or maybe having a mitral repair with minimal invasive robotic surgery?

Keep in mind that the younger a surgeon is the chances that he's worked with and learned about newer technologies increases. An older, busier surgeon may be so busy that sometimes the newer procedures are brought into his OR through trial and error after attending an in-service or a quick training seminar brought to him via a salesman.

A younger surgeon doesn't have the luxury of numbers backing her up so, of course the scope of experience is narrower, however, they may be more experienced with devices such as the divinci robot and subcutaneous valve placement.

I repaired and inspected aircraft for 18 years and retired at age 38. Sure I was better at it after 18 years, but the question stands, did I bring the fresh attitudes and technologies to my job that a 19 year old carries with them?

There are advantages to both, just choose the one you feel most comfortable with.

 

[Marty]

Old surgeon?

Old surgeon?

Surgery is a team deal. All older surgeons I know have cracker-jack young fully trained surgeons as first assistant. These surgeons must be able to take over and complete any operation. I read the report of my operation and the assistant did all the
"closing" and I now have almost imperceptible scarring and had no complications or bad post op discomfort. The best of both worlds is to have an older surgeon with plenty of experience and a young first assistant with great hands.

 

[Bonzo Dog]

I think any one under 15 is best avoided.

 

[Superbob]

Surgery is a team deal. All older surgeons I know have cracker-jack young fully trained surgeons as first assistant. These surgeons must be able to take over and complete any operation. I read the report of my operation and the assistant did all the
"closing" and I now have almost imperceptible scarring and had no complications or bad post op discomfort. The best of both worlds is to have an older surgeon with plenty of experience and a young first assistant with great hands.

Marty makes a great point! I'd just like to echo it. I, too, had my surgery at Inova Fairfax and from reading the surgery report and interacting with them before and after, I'd say it was definitely a team effort. A team such as he describes would be ideal.

 

[Philip B]

Age

Age

Age is an issue that I'd be the least concerned about. Experience and comfort level with the surgeon are much more important issues for me.

I developed very solid comfort level with my surgeon and so did my wife. In fact, after engaging in conversations with my surgeon, my wife's confidence in his ability to bring me through my surgery with a positive outcome was rock solid. She felt the same way about the team in the ICCU when we visited with them.

Hopefully, you will be able to visit with both and make a choice you guys will feel confident about.

-Philip

 

[Brookwood]

Thanks

Thanks

Thank you all for your reply. They are very helpful.