If your doctor has recommended you undergo surgery for your acoustic neuroma, finding the right surgeon is probably the first thing on your mind. Most patients have never had to consider how to find an acoustic neuroma surgeon or what to look for, so this is likely a new experience for you. To make things a little bit easier, consider five crucial traits to look for, which can act as a guide through the process and give you a clear idea of what is most important.
About Acoustic Neuroma Surgery
Acoustic neuromas are a special type of brain tumor that develop from the cranial nerve responsible for hearing and balance, which is called the vestibulocochlear nerve. They typically only occur on one side of the brain and are benign, which means they do not spread to other areas of the body, although they can still cause issues by impinging on surrounding tissues.
Sometimes, a patient does not require treatment for an acoustic neuroma, particularly if it is small and not causing any symptoms. For patients who require acoustic neuromas treatment, one option is a special form of radiation therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery. However, some patients will benefit from traditional surgical removal of the tumor instead.
Acoustic neuroma surgery is done in a hospital setting under general anesthesia and typically requires a stay of about a week. During the procedure itself, your acoustic neuroma surgeon will need to perform a craniotomy, removing a small section of skull so he can access your tumor. He will then remove as much of the tumor as possible and replace the bone, typically securing it with plates and/or screws.
How to Search for an Acoustic Neuroma Surgeon
One of the best ways to begin looking for an acoustic neuroma surgeon is to ask people you trust, such as family and friends, for recommendations. Though they may not have ever undergone acoustic neuroma surgery themselves, they may know someone who has who can provide you with a referral.
Another great resource is online reviews, which can be particularly helpful if you don’t know anyone who can personally make a recommendation. These reviews can help you find the right surgeon for you, as well as filter out ones who do not seem to be a good fit. Reading through patient testimonials on practice websites can also be helpful.
Finally, you can also reach out to your referring physician or insurance company for a list of potential acoustic neuroma surgeons in your area. This can give you a jumping-off point to begin narrowing down your search.
Traits to Look For
Before you begin considering different acoustic neuroma surgeons, it can be helpful to have an idea of what traits you find important and valuable in your provider. This allows you to keep an eye open for keywords and phrases as you read through online reviews and testimonials and will help you narrow down your list to only those acoustic neuroma surgeons who you would feel comfortable with.
It is important that you determine what you personally find important, so you can find a doctor who best suits you and your needs. Some crucial traits might include:
Experience
Acoustic neuromas are uncommon and occur in a delicate area of the body, so it’s a good idea to have a surgeon who is experienced in your condition to ensure you receive high-quality care. As you read through patient testimonials and reviews, take note of what conditions they mention or if a doctor’s website specifically mentions acoustic neuroma treatment outcomes. You can also always ask the surgeon about his experience directly during your consultation.
Confidence
Confidence often goes hand-in-hand with experience. Many patients appreciate acoustic neuroma surgeons who can answer questions and deliver care confidently. This can be reassuring, allowing you to rest easy knowing your health is in good hands.
Compassion
A vital quality of any healthcare provider is the ability to treat patients with respect and compassion. Some people may refer to it as empathy, sensitivity or other characteristics that imply a doctor is able to make a patient feel cared for.
Trustworthiness
If you don’t feel like you can trust your acoustic neuroma surgeon, chances are you will never feel comfortable entrusting him with your health. It is important you are able to feel at ease with the person who is delivering your care, and a doctor-patient relationship is bound to be compromised if you don’t feel like he is trustworthy.
Patient-Focused
You may come across reviews describing how a surgeon treats patients like individuals, delivers personalized care or has a patient-centric focus. These are all indicators that the surgeon understands that every patient is different and strives to develop a treatment plan based on your individual condition and needs.
Finding the Right Doctor for You
As you begin learning about acoustic neuroma surgeons in your area, you will be able to narrow down your list of potential doctors and schedule a consult with someone who seems to be a good fit for you. Spend a few moments deciding which traits are important to you and keep those in mind as you read reviews, browse websites and begin to speak with doctors.
At any point, if you feel like a doctor is not a good match, even if you cannot pinpoint why, keep in mind that you can always seek out treatment elsewhere. It is important that you feel comfortable with your acoustic neuroma surgeon and develop a good relationship so you can rest easy through your treatment and recovery process.
