The 411 on Laser Spine Institute LSI

[upperwestside]

Hi, I just joined on here. I wanted to see what the general sentiment was in these forums about the big minimally invasive spine surgery providers. I heart the smilies.

I agree with Mark that it seems you have some surgeries that go well with the big providers. Some seem to be better than others though, based on their philosophy and motivations. It's too bad spine surgery isn't more regulated. Some seem to really care about good patient results, that's the good news.

It looks like LSI was just sued by Hulk Hogan for selling him on their type of laser surgery when he really needed a spinal fusion. There seems to be a lot of negative feedback about them in general, and quite a few law suits. Did they just lose a law suit for fraudulent business practices? I heard something about it but can't find it now. I just see medical suits.

Anyway, it seems like Bonati has good press out there. I think there are good local providers too. Like in New Jersey, I have seen several around that aren't one-hit wonders, so they don't have an incentive to just sell you on one thing. Well enough rambling, I'm still absorbing everything going on out there.

[Maria]

I'd like to state that back when I was living in Fla around 2003 Bonati had a not so good rep yet it seems that with time this Institute has improved at least in terms of reputation.

I think one has to realize that:
A) there are failures in spine surgery with just about any surgeon and that doesn't necessarily have to do with the surgeon or just with the surgeon

B) There can be improvement (or the opposite) in the Institute that comes out of negative reviews so to continually label anything for infinity either good or bad without knowing much more about up to date and current practices/outcomes is useless as credible information.

C) One should exercise caution on believing statements such as "we'll have you trekking in Tibet in no time" or statements that sound too good to be true. One has to really do the research and IMHO get a number of opinions, weigh them, and make the best decision possible. If it's an emergency situation things might be different re taking time to research however often there is enough time to try the conservative route and research the surgical options.

good luck to anyone that suffers spinal pain and has to decide on where to go, what to do and when to do it regarding spine surgery. It's a huge decision and can definately be a life altering experience.

[Rob Wilson]

I can only give my own personal experience. LSI is below average at best. Bonati performed an EXCELLENT surgery to fix what LSI was not capable of doing and LSI said it could not be done. Bonati fixed me.