Finding the right surgeon for your microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery may be one of the most important decisions you ever make in your life. After all, your wellness depends on their ability to perform a successful surgery that will leave you increasingly symptom-free and, hopefully, last a lifetime.
You may feel like finding the right neurosurgeon is like finding a needle in a haystack. You simply don’t know where to begin. While you’ll have specific criteria of your own, there are a number of traits you should look for, regardless of anything else.
Why It’s Important to Find the Right Surgeon
Any surgery should only be performed by a skilled surgeon. Beyond that, they should be skilled in a particular area of expertise. While all surgeons are technically qualified to perform pretty much any surgery, it doesn’t mean that they should. For instance, it wouldn’t be ideal for a hand surgeon to perform an open-heart surgery. In this same vein, it’s especially important that you find a skilled neurosurgeon who specializes in microvascular decompression surgery.
A Delicate Procedure
MVD is a minimally invasive, yet fairly complex surgery. It’s used to address the pain and other symptoms associated with conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. The advantages are many, although the most important is the nearly instant cessation of symptoms and the full preservation of nerve function.
To carry out the microvascular decompression surgery, a craniectomy is performed (the removal of a small portion of bone from the skull), then different nerve and blood supply structures are carefully manipulated to perform the decompression aspect of the surgery. This entails locating the affected nerve and the offending blood vessel, then carefully lifting the vessel away from the nerve. A tiny Teflon sponge is then carefully placed between the two structures.
All of this is done via a microscope and with specialized instruments that are passed into a small opening at the base of the skull. Because of the delicate nature of not only the nerves and blood vessels, but also the other surrounding tissues, it’s doubly important to find someone who has successfully performed MVD surgery many times.
What Makes a Good MVD Surgeon?
The traits and qualities in a good surgeon are many. From exemplary skills in the operating room to their interpersonal abilities when interacting with patients, the best neurosurgeons will possess most – if not all – of these.
Proven Track Record
Obviously, you want to look for a neurosurgeon who has a great track record. You can gain information on their background, abilities and any grievances that might be present through online ratings sites, as well as through your primary care doctor, via your insurance company and even by word of mouth. Steer clear of doctors who have a spotty history.
Board Certified
You should always look for a doctor who is board certified, since this means they have undergone rigorous training and passed an extensive battery of exams to ensure that they are completely familiar with the area in which they have pursued and secured board certification. In order to maintain this prestigious title, they also have to stay up to date on the latest research and techniques in their given field.
In addition to board certification, your chosen surgeon should have many successful MVD surgeries behind them. Don’t hesitate to ask for information regarding their success rates with microvascular decompression surgery. You have every right to know if there were complications that arose due to the surgery, either in the operating room or during recovery.
Accessible and Approachable
In addition, a surgeon and their staff should also be accessible and approachable. You should feel completely at ease when you’re interacting with them and their staff. They should be willing to answer all of your questions in a timely manner, while ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Where to Find the Perfect Doctor for You
Perhaps the largest amount of work you’ll do when preparing to undergo microvascular decompression surgery is in your search for the right surgeon and team. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly. As outlined above, finding someone who you feel comfortable with and trust is the first step in your road to recovery. Before you make a decision, though, you’ll need to take certain aspects into account, such as whether or not your insurance will cover a specific surgeon. Your insurance company should be able to provide you with a comprehensive list of surgeons in your area who are covered under your plan.
If you’d rather have your surgery done in a different city, make doubly sure that not only your surgery, but the follow-up care, will be covered. If you think you’ve found a surgeon you’d like to work with, you can also ask their staff to verify your insurance eligibility with your coverage company. Luckily, most plans require pre-authorization for more involved surgeries and procedures, so you won’t be unpleasantly surprised on the day of surgery.
You deserve the best care possible – this includes while on the operating table. Doing a little research now can go a long way toward ensuring a successful surgery and recovery in the future.
