Michigan Surgery Reviews

 

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

What CHD does/did your child have? :: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Where was your child's surgery done? :: Ann Arbor Michigan

Who did the surgery? :: Dr. Edward Bove

When was the surgery done? :: Nov 29 2006

What did you think of the hospital and staff? :: Very well experienced

What did you think of the surgeon? :: Excellent he actually is one of the top surgeons in the Nation to perform the 3 step surgeries needed for HLHS

Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? :: yes

Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? :: This hospital is amazing all the staff and they work with accomdating your stay while your child is in the hospital
 

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

What CHD does/did your child have? :: had double outlet right ventricle with malposition of the great arteries and VSDs

Where was your child's surgery done? :: Mott's Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor Michigan - University of Michigan

Who did the surgery? :: Dr. Richard Ohye - works with Bove

When was the surgery done? :: Oct 23 2005

What did you think of the hospital and staff? :: The recovery area was specifically for heart patients - one on one care initially, very knowledgable staff and empowered to do the right thing for the patient without constant Dr approval.

What did you think of the surgeon? :: Very confident, compassionate.

Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? :: yes

Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? :: Stay at the 'Med-Inn' located right there in the hospital - $75 a night, but you can walk over at night rather than driving if staying at Ronald McDonald or local hotel. Get a locker in the 'waiting' area outside the ICU - free. If nursing they have pumps for you there to use - just have to buy (ins may cover) your own pumping gear. They will free or refrigerate the milk for you too. I understand Bove is the best, but any those working 'under' him are fabulous as well.

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

What CHD does/did your child have? :: Large Ventricular Septal Defect

Where was your child's surgery done? :: University of Michigan Mott

Who did the surgery? :: Dr. Richard Ohye

When was the surgery done? :: Apr 18 2006

What did you think of the hospital and staff? :: Very pleased!

What did you think of the surgeon? :: Very pleased!

Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? :: Yes

Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? :: They certainly know their stuff!

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

What CHD does/did your child have? :: HLHS

Where was your child's surgery done? :: C.S. Mott Children's Hospital at UofM

Who did the surgery? :: Dr. Edward Bove

When was the surgery done? :: Nov 17 2005

What did you think of the hospital and staff? :: Great

What did you think of the surgeon? :: He is a miracle

Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? :: Yes he goes back on 4/24/2006 2 weeks away

Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? :: If you have the opportunity to go to UofM, do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

 

What CHD does/did your child have? Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

What was done to correct this CHD? This syndrome cannot be "corrected" however there is a 3 stage palliative surgery process that enables the heart to function with only 2 chambers of the heart instead of 4.

Where was your child's surgery done? Who did the surgery? He has had two of three surgeries at this point and both were done at the University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center - Mott Children's Hospital with Dr. Edward Bove. His third surgery will also be performed there.

When was the surgery done? His first surgery (the Norwood) was when he was 2 days old - November 13, 2003. His second surgery (the Hemi-Fontan) was done on April 21, 2004.

What did you think of the hospital and staff? I was impressed with the hospital and the staff. They have a Cardio Thoracic ICU which is where all "heart" babies go after surgery. The ICU staff is trained specifically in Cardio Thoracic which was a big factor for me in deciding where to have these surgeries done.

What did you think of the surgeon? I am in awe of Dr. Bove. I think that he is a miracle worker! My son has done tremendously well and I feel that it is thanks to Dr. Bove. I have taken my son to a hospital near us for his cardiology appointments and catheterizations and have received bad information from them about my son's condition only to have Dr. Bove tell me that the information they have given me is incorrect. I am extremely confident that we made the right choice in taking our son and putting him in Dr. Bove's hands.

Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? I would definitely take our son back to this facility and to this surgeon. In fact, we will be taking him back in about a year for his final surgery.

Any advice for others looking at this facility? My advice to others looking into this facility is to make sure that you know how many surgeries of this kind each facility that you are considering does per year. The hospital that we were initially referred to only does 6 to 8 per year where the U of M does HUNDREDS! It makes a world of difference when they have seen so many different HLHS cases and when you have a surgeon who is highly known specifically for his work with HLHS.

 

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

 

What CHD does/did your child have? Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)


What was done to correct this CHD? Norwood Procedure at 6 days old. Hemi-Fontan at 5 months old. Fontan at 2 years old.

 

Where was your child's surgery done? University of Michigan's Mott Children's Hospital Ann Arbor, Michigan


Who did the surgery? Dr. Edward Bove


When was the surgery done? Norwood - May 2001; Hemi Fontan - October 2001; Fontan - May 2003


What did you think of the hospital and staff? Fantastic!  The staff was very supportive and kept family well informed.  U of M seems to have this 3-stage process down to an artform.  HLHS is well known at this facility, and their knowledge about HLHS is very high.


What did you think of the surgeon? Dr. Bove is an expert at HLHS surgeries.  At the time we originally researched Dr. Bove (2000-2001), he performed more of these 3-stage surgeries than anyone else in the world.  He came highly recommended by multiple sources (other doctors/surgeons, internet research, etc).  He has patients from all over the world.  He has saved so many lives.  He is extremely professional and organized.  He has developed a unique staff of doctors and nurses.  Dr. Bove is also very personable.  He is easy to talk to and ask questions.  He always answered my emails.  He is very compassionate, confident and has a great bedside manner.  MOST OF ALL, DR. BOVE HAS A HUGE SUCCESS RATE.  Dr. Bove cares a great deal about his little patients and their quality of life.  We did the research, and have now experienced what we found.  Dr. Bove is a gift from God.


Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? I would (and do).  My son's cardiologist is the same person that cared for him during his first surgery.  We like him so much, we chose him as our cardiologist.  There is a whole staff of people that work with you and follow you through this whole process.  This includes a social worker (Barb Shaltis) that handles everything from finding a place to stay, to insurance questions/needs.  Our original insurance would no let us go to this hospital.  They tried to force us to go to another hospital.  Dr. Bove performed more HLHS surgeries in the month of January 2001 than the other hospital "estimated" for the whole 2001 year.    The whole insurance thing was a huge obstacle to overcome, but the social worker told us not to worry about the finances, but to let her worry about finding the solution.  We were fortunate to be able to change insurance companies thru my work, but the social worker at U of M was right there with us.  She also helped us find a place to stay.  U of M has a hotel right in the hospital, literally right down the hall from the surgical floor.  There are also numerous other facilities in the area or on the hospital grounds (RMH, etc).


Any advice for others looking at this facility? Just do the research.  The fact that you are reading this shows that you are researching the subject.  There are many factors that need to be considered when choosing a hospital.  Obviously, the first one is the success rate of the hospital.  You need to feel comfortable with your choice of doctors and hospitals.  I would also encourage having a consultation with the doctor if possible.  Then go with the data and with your gut feel.  I STRONGLY feel that Dr. Bove and his staff are the very best at what they do.  They perform miracles every day, and continue to save the lives of many babies and children.  I KNOW you can't go wrong with U of M as a choice.

 

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

 

Diagnosis:  d-TGA and a VSD.  I now have congestive heart failure.

 

Correction:  Blalock-Hanlon Procedure, 1976 & Mustard Procedure, 1978

 

Site of Surgeries:  University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center at Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI.

 

Surgeon:  I don't know his name.  All I know is that he was not a nice person (according to my mom), but that he did an excellent Mustard on me.  I wasn't supposed to live, but he saved me!

 

My opinion of the hospital and staff:  Things have changed a LOT since I was little.  The staff is now excellent with both the patients and their families.  They have a lot of support for both the kids and their parents.   Parents are encouraged to do as much as possible when it comes to their children's care.  Parents are being listened to more and more.

 

I would definitely take my child to UM.  They have some of the best doctors, and kids who weren't/aren't expected to live very long are being given a chance to live, grow up and live productive lives.  The biggest improvement for me has been their willingness to tell you that they don't always know what's going on.  They are getting better at talking to you like you're a person instead of a case number.  My doctor is Dr. Crowley, and this has been my experience with him over the last 25 years.   Again, I highly recommend UM! 

 

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

 

What CHD does/did your child have? Double Outlet Right Ventricle (Fallot type) with Transposition of the Great Arteries


What was done to correct this CHD? Lecompte procedure


Where was your child's surgery done? University of Michigan


Who did the surgery? Dr. Edward Bove


When was the surgery done? May 2002


What did you think of the hospital and staff? they were fantastic, from the floor hostess to the nurses and support staff to the cardiologists and other physicians. We were so pleased!


What did you think of the surgeon? He was more than we could have hoped for – he saved her life and gave her a chance for a very normal life!


Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? Yes! Yes! Yes!


Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? Go –don’t wait- just go! Take advantage of the hosts on the floor, stay at the Med Inn if possible and rest while your child is in ICU & Moderate Care!

 

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

 

What CHD does/did your child have? Tetralogy of Fallot


What was done to correct this CHD? Full surgical repair


Where was your child's surgery done? University of Michigan


Who did the surgery? Dr. Edward Bove


When was the surgery done? May 2002


What did you think of the hospital and staff? Excellent hospital setup. Hotel for patient’s families is reasonably priced and attached to the hotel. Nursing staff was attentive and very helpful.


What did you think of the surgeon? Absolutely fantastic. A kind demeanor and a wonderful surgeon.


Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? Without hesitation.


Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? Definitely check out the Med Inn. Get some rest while your child is in ICU, you will need it later!

 

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

 

What CHD does/did your child have? Taussig-Bing Anomoly-Patent ductus arteriosus, 2 septal defects, Coarctation of the aorta, and Transposition of the great arteries


What was done to correct this CHD? Total heart repair


Where was your child's surgery done?  C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI


Who did the surgery? Dr. Edward Bove


When was the surgery done?  August 2002


What did you think of the hospital and staff? I cannot praise them enough.  My son and our whole family were treated with utmost respect and care!!!


What did you think of the surgeon?  He is world-renowned for obvious reasons.  He is highly qualified to perform numerous types of heart surgeries, and has made many advancements in the field himself. 


Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon?  Yes, in a “heartbeat!”


Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon?  This is the place to go.  We were sent there by the grace of God.  We did not know of our son’s defect prior to birth, and it is by sole miracle that he ended up in the hands of Dr. Bove and his fantastic staff.  The RMH nearby took care of any needs we had outside of the hospital.  The entire area was pleasant to be in when we needed a home far away from home.  Make this facility and Dr. Bove a choice in treating your child!

 

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

 

What CHD does/did your child have? Tricuspid Atresia, Pulmonary Stenosis, VSD & ASD


What was done to correct this CHD? Central Shunt, Bi-Directional Glenn.  Fontan to follow.


Where was your child's surgery done? U of M, Ann Arbor, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital


Who did the surgery? Dr. Edward Bove


When was the surgery done? Central Shunt-April 02, Bi-Directional Glenn-August 02.  Fontan will be Summer of  2004.


What did you think of the hospital and staff? Their medical & technical expertise is unsurpassed.  Combine that with personable caring individuals and you have an unbeatable combination.  This held true with social workers, surgeons, fellows, residents, attendings, nurses-everyone.


What did you think of the surgeon? I feel unworthy to be in his presences (Honestly).  I am in awe.  When I think of the miracles he has performed over and over again- it's mind numbing.  The reality of it however is that our interaction with him has been very minimal. 

 

Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? Without a doubt.  They have an excellent sibling program, play area, and endless resources to ease your stay there.  However, the crux of it all is that they are a tremendous medical facility that saved my son's life.  After his first surgery, he developed a blood clot in his central shunt.  As soon as we realized something was wrong we took him to our local hospital.  The U of M Survival Flight team came like heroes in their helicopter and picked our son up to bring him to U of M all within the hour of his arriving to Oakwood.  Once at U of M, the determination was made that he go on ECMO (external corpreal  hypo membrane oxygenation).  This choice is not available at many hospitals and others are flow to U of M to be given that chance.  We feel truly fortunate to live near such a facility. 


Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? Regardless of where you go, you always have to be your child's best patient advocate.  Trust your parental instinct.  Question everything and don't settle for 1/2 answers.  This may not always guarantee a successful outcome, but as a parent it eases some of the pain if you know you are doing all that you can.
 

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)

 

What CHD does/did your child have? HLHS

 

What was done to correct this CHD? Norwood Procedure @ 6 days old (May 18, 2001), Hemi-Fontan - @ 5 mos old (October 2001), Fontan - @ 2 yrs old (May 03)

 

Where was your child's surgery done? University of Michigan - Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan


 Who did the surgery? Dr. Edward Bove

When was the surgery done? Norwood Procedure - May 2001, Hemi-Fontan - October 2001, Fontan - May 2002

What did you think of the hospital and staff? Hospital and Staff were superb. VERY experienced with HLHS patients. We chose our Cardiologist from this hospital due to his interaction with us and our son during our first surgery. We will be keeping him as our Cardiologist since we are so happy with him. This is also the case for our Nurse Practitioner working with our Cardiologist. The Case/Social worker was outstanding. She took care of just about everything and anything we needed. We got to know several nurses very well. The majority of nurses were very competent, compassionate and helpful. A handful of nurses were NOT so great. We had to pay close attention to my son's pain management. Patients need to keep in mind that this IS a teaching hospital connected with the University of Michigan Medical School. The advantage is an outstanding hospital and staff, including surgeons, and the latest advancements in treatment, technology and information are available. The disadvantage is there are many "inexperienced" doctors, attendees and interns. We were never concerned about my son's major issues (surgery, ICU, recovery, etc), but there were times when we wished some of the minor procedures and tests were performed by someone with more experience (blood draws, etc).

What did you think of the surgeon? Again, OUTSTANDING! This surgeon is nothing short of a miracle worker. He is one if the best surgeons (if not THE best) for these procedures in the WORLD. He performs so many of these procedures every year. He continues to improve and update his procedures and processes for better and better outcomes for both short term and long term patient success and recovery. Dr. Bove is considered a miracle worker by everyone I have talked to who has had experience with him. He is the main reason we took our son to U of M for treatment. The rest of the fabulous staff was a huge bonus. We were prepared to take our son anywhere in the U.S. for treatment, but were extremely lucky Dr. Bove was "in our own backyard".

Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? Yes, and still do. My son has thankfully had all three procedures done at this facility by Dr. Bove. We have chosen our Cardiologist and his staff from this facility as well, due to his competency and abilities we observed during my son's first surgery. We travel 1+ hours to take our son to this facility for all of his cardiology checkups.

Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? Do the research.  Contact Dr. Bove and his staff and schedule a consultation.  Meet him in person, and take time to talk to him about your situation.  Ask questions.  If you don't know what to ask, begin by asking "what questions should I be asking".  Pay attention to your "gut feel" when talking to your surgeon.  Contact others who have gone through your situation.  Ask for contact information of other patients who have had procedures at the considered facility.  Virtually ALL people who have gone through these CHD ordeals are very eager to help anyone in similar situations.  Don't be hesitant to talk to those who have traveled the road before you!  GOOD LUCK !!!

 

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Children's Hospital of Michigan (Detroit, Michigan)

 

What CHD does/did your child have?  Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome HLHS


What was done to correct this CHD?  He had the Norwood, Hemi-Fontan, and Fontan


Where was your child's surgery done?  Children's Hospital of Michigan-Detroit, MI


Who did the surgery? Dr. Henry Walters


When was the surgery done? All three surgeries were done between 2001-2003


What did you think of the hospital and staff?  The nurses were very caring and would do anything to help you.  The  NICU, ICU, and Cardiologist were wonderful


What did you think of the surgeon?  Dr. Walters is an excellent surgeon and  compassionate to his patients.


Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? Absolutely and we will be bringing my child back for all of his follow up care


Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon?  There is a RMH available and try to get some sleep while your child is in the ICU,  to keep your strength up

 

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Children's Hospital of Michigan (Detroit, Michigan)

 

What CHD does/did your child have? AV Canal defect (AVSD), ASD, VSD, PDA


What was done to correct this CHD? complete repair


Where was your child's surgery done? Children's Hospital of Michigan


Who did the surgery? Dr. Ralph Delius


When was the surgery done? December 10, 2001 (my daughter's three month birthday)


What did you think of the hospital and staff? We received excellent care.


What did you think of the surgeon?  My daughter was very ill with congestive heart failure before her surgery.  Dr. Delius did a perfect repair but I question why he waited so long to do the surgery.  Before her surgery, it took every ounce of her strength just to breathe.  I wonder if she would have had a faster recovery if she hadn't been so weak at the time of her surgery.


Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? absolutely


Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? Although Dr. Delius did the surgery, Dr. Walters did most of the care in the hospital.  Dr. Walters is a wonderful, compassionate doctor.  Make sure you ask about the experience the surgeon has doing the type of repair your child needs.  Dr. Walters and Dr. Delius do several AV canal repairs every week.  Although it is a serious defect, they have a 98% success rate with the repair.

 

If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't have allowed the doctors to wait to do surgery.  We only waited two weeks but it was two weeks of suffering.  I honestly believe my child would have died if we had waited on more week.