Question:
I Just Recently Found Out That The Doctor I'm Seeing For WLS Has Performed About 250

Surgeries. Out Of That Number He Has Had Three Deaths. Is That The Norm? Or On The High Side? I Thought The Death Rate Was More Like 1 In 1000. I'm Already Real Nervous About Having Surgery, But This Had Made Me Even More Nervous!    — Jennifer D. (posted on May 20, 2002)

May 20, 2002
Yikes~ with those odds I would look for another surgeon. But that is my own personal opinion.
   — Sarah A.

May 20, 2002
Change surgeons. Mine has done about 300 and never lost a patient. Those aren't good odds.
   — Cheri M.

May 20, 2002
I would not like those odds at all. I agree with the other posters, find another Doctor!!!!!!!!!
   — Jeri P.

May 20, 2002
My surgeon had done under 100 and I found out he had one death. so I ask him about it and the hospital staff about it. They both told me the same thing. Which it was the patients health was terrible and 2 surgeons had turned her down but her and the family begged him to do so he agreed and she didn't make it. She knew this going in and thought if she could try to make a better life she would. I suggest you asking your surgeon what happened etc. I feel that the younger they are they have the knowledge fresh in there minds. I had this surgery 6 weeks ago and within 2 weeks I was back to work and I feel great. Good luck in whatever your decision. But you can't just assume he is bad because sometimes situations are out of the surgeons hands. rk laprny 4-9-02 35lbs
   — Robin B.

May 20, 2002
I think you need to look at why the 3 people passed on. If it was a complication like a blood clot, the surgeon can't help that (that is a complication for anytime you have surgery and not a result of something that the surgeon did), but if it was surgeon error I'd definately find another doctor.
   — Cinna G.

May 20, 2002
My doc had done nearly 1,000 surgeries and lost 1 patient. I think your doctor's death rate is a little on the high side, unless he has taken on high-risk patients that no one else would operate on.
   — Terissa R.

May 20, 2002
Jennifer, this is one of those statistics that is absolutely meaningless by itself. It's like me saying that I win a higher percentage of tennis matches than does Pete Sampras - I must be a better tennis player. Of course, I neglected to tell you I only play against pre-schoolers. Look, not all patients that go into WLS surgery are at the same level of health. Some may be 400 lbs overweight and/or have numerous life-threatening co-morbs. Some may be literally months away from death. A patient such as this will have a much poorer chance of survival rather than this 99% norm. Are you aware that many surgeons "pass" on these patients that they consider "higher risk"? It's possible that your surgeon routinely takes patients that other surgeons refuse. If I were you, I would be concerned about this surgeon's ratio, to the point to where I would research these cases and their specifics. I'm sure with additional knowledge, you will be able to make the decision you feel comfortable with. Good luck to you... Kevin
   — meilankev

May 20, 2002
I agree with Kevin Holt. I worry that all of us will get so hung up on statistics, that the most needy will not be able to get surgery. There was a surgeon in Calif. who took on the worst cases, and was stopped by his hospital from doing by pass surgery. He was kind and caring, but was punished by "statistics."
   — faybay

May 20, 2002
According to Dr. Fobi and local dr's I've spoken with the death rate is about 1-2% which is 1 or 2 in 100 so he's probably averaging about right. We have a local surgion who has done several thousand and has never lost one. It varies so much. But they say that average is typical of any major surgery. That 1 or 2 % is very small, unless of course, you happen to be in that 1 or 2 percent. That's why they always say it's a serious surgery that you need to be aware of the complications that COULD happen, even though most turn out just fine. I agree with the other posters to have a heart to heart with the doctor about the other patients who did not make it. Your life is in his hands, it's certainly understandable you'd have concerns and would want to ask him about it. They won't be offended. Good Luck!!!!
   — Laurie Z.

May 20, 2002
jen, at the last support group somebody asked around the room how many people had "bad" experiences. There were a few, but each one said they would do it again. I know your nervous about this, and it is a personal decision only you can make. you have the love and support of your family which will help you through this.
   — candymom64

May 20, 2002
Hmmm..My surgeon has done over a thousand and has yet to lose a patient due to the surgery. I agree with most here- find another surgeon. I look at it like this, those who have died in his care may have been cases that could not have been helped for whatever reason, but I don't think I could go through this surgery with that nagging fear. Don't get me wrong. I am worried about the outcome of my own surgery, but I have the uptmost confidence in my surgeon. I KNOW he has the skills and experience so I am putting my life in his capable hands. Just make sure you feel completely secure in your decision. Obviously you don't with this particular surgeon. GOOD LUCK!!!
   — karmiausnic

May 20, 2002
Jen, I have the same doctor as you and I am three weeks post-op with no complications. Dr. Caraunas "deaths" were all women who were over 500 pounds and had several pre-existing conditions that all took a role in their death. They new going in to the surgery it was a major risk. I think Dr. Caruana and Marc are phenomenal and I haven't questioned my choice yet. Every doctor at some time in their career has to have their first patient, 100th patient, etc. They just began this process two and a half years ago - that doesn't mean you should run for the high hills. In fact, I've heard horrible things about the doctor in Rochester and he's done a lot of these. Sorry, I just don't agree with the posters who said find a new doctor because I have yours and he's great! Email me if you have any questions! Good luck!
   — stacey L.

May 20, 2002
Hi -- I had RNY on 1/9 with Dr. Caruana and have had absolutely no problems at all. I've lost about 48 pounds so far, so I'm almost halfway to my goal. I am thrilled with Dr. C., Mark, and the office staff. My friend had surgery with them on 5/6 and is doing great, also. I had been a little apprehensive when I heard about the 3 deaths also, but I understand they had very serious illnesses going in and were super morbidly obese. I feel terrible about those who didn't make it, but it didn't affect my confidence in Dr. Caruana. My PCP highly recommended Dr. C. and said he's the best.
   — Linda W.

May 20, 2002
Thanks So Much To Everyone That Has Taken The Time To Answer My Question. I Appreciate All Your Input. I Went To A Group Meeting With Dr. Caruana Last Night. He Seems To Be A Really Great Guy. He Went Over The Surgery, And Answered Questions. He Was Very Honest In All His Answers And I Really Appreciated That. He Talked About The Drastic Lifestyle Change That Will Happen After Surgery And Stressed Aftercare & Exercise. He Also Discussed The Three Deaths Of Patients He Has Had. He Explained That All Three Of Them Had Leaks That Caused Their Deaths. He Also Said That He Has Learned To Tell The Signs Of A Leak Better Now And That He Has Not Had A Death In His Last 100 Patients And Hopes To Never Have One Again. I Was Very Nervous About This Death Rate, But After Listening To Him Last Night, I Really Do Feel Much More Confident In His Abilities As A Surgeon. I Have My Referral In Place And I Will Be Going For A Consult With Him On June 14th And I Am Looking Forward To It!
   — Jennifer D.

Click Here to Return