North Carolina Surgery Reviews

What CHD does/did your child have? She has full Tricuspid Atresia, Ventricular Septal Defect and Transposition of the Great Vessels.

What was done to correct this CHD? At 10 days old, she had the Damust-Kaye-Stansil procedure and a BT Shunt. At 5 1/2 months old, she had the Bidirectional Cavopulmonary Shunt procedure and had the BT shunt removed.

Where was your child's surgery done? Her surgery was done at Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

Who did the surgery? Dr. Larry Watts of the Sanger Clinic

When was the surgery done? The first one, at 10 days old was done on September 29, 2003. The second surgery was done at 5 1/2 months on March 8, 2004.

What did you think of the hospital and staff? We love them both! The hospital is so nice. They are very accommodating to families of patients. The staff is wonderful. They are so caring and do everything they can for you.

What did you think of the surgeon? He's incredible! Dr. Watts is so compassionate and it is obvious that he cares deeply for his patients. At times he slept beside my child's bed and would not leave her when she was doing well. He takes his job very seriously, is always honest but optimistic, and never minds us asking him questions.

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

Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? I highly recommend it. I couldn't be more pleased with the care we have received. Dr. Watt's and his staff have definitely won our trust!

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UNC Children's Hospital (Chapel Hill NC)

What CHD does/did your child have? :: truncus arteriosus

Where was your child's surgery done? :: UNC Children's hospital, Chapel Hill N.C.

Who did the surgery? :: Dr. Michael Mill

When was the surgery done? :: Feb 17 2005

What did you think of the hospital and staff? :: They were absolutely spectacular. We could not have asked for a more wonderful hospital to be at. The nursing staff help with what they could. Even some of the nurses from the other floor that met her came to see her when she got real sick. I was amazed and shocked to see one of her nurses at the funeral-that showed true love for babies she helps.

What did you think of the surgeon? :: No words can explain how much he means to us. The first day when Dr. Mill began on her heart surgery about 6:30am and stayed with her all night by her bedside and helped us along. He did not leave her room until about 11:30 that night. The next morning he arrived back to her bedside.

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

Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? :: This hospital showed a lot of heart for us and our daughter. They were their for us through thick and thin. I would love to show how much we appreciated all their love and help through the toughest time we will ever have in our lives. I would highly recommend UNC Chapel Hill.

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Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (Winston-Salem, NC)

What CHD does/did your child have? :: DILV, TGA, PS

Where was your child's surgery done? :: Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center

Who did the surgery? :: Dr. Michael Hines

When was the surgery done? :: Jan 27 2005

What did you think of the hospital and staff? :: All of the doctors and nurses were wonderful and caring. They couldn't have been more compassionate and competent. The hospital is excellent. Many accommodations and resources are available to parents so they may be with their child at all time.

What did you think of the surgeon? :: Dr. Hines is perfect! We feel that he is the best surgeon in the world, and no matter where he every goes, we would be there. Dr. Hines has performed 3 open heart surgeries on our son and he does have future surgeries that are necessary and we trust Dr. Hines with his life. He is wonderful, caring, compassionate. He loves these children as if they were his own. He shows up at the hospital at midnight to check on them and he is back early morning to check on them again.

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

Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? :: You cannot go wrong. The hospital, staff, doctors, nurses, surgeon, etc. are wonderful.

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Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (Winston-Salem, NC)

What CHD does/did you child have? Double outlet right ventricle, Pulmonary Atresia, VSD, PDA, PFO, complete heart block

What was done to correct this CHD? B-T Shunt at one month old and repair and pacemaker at 11 months old

Where was your child's surgery done? Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center

Who did the surgery? Dr. Michael Hines

When was the surgery done? B-T shunt in May 2000 and repair and pacemaker in February 2001

What did you think of the hospital and staff? They were wonderful! Dr. Hines' cardiology nurse practitioner Kari is always accessible and more than willing to answer any and all questions. Three years out from surgery and I still email them and keep in touch. We have lifelong friends now. We are going to her NICU nurses wedding in June! Her nurses in the NICU, PICU and on the floor were all great!

What did you think of the surgeon? He is a very dedicated, kind and gifted surgeon. He has a wonderful demeanor and is more than willing to address your concerns. He drives from North Carolina to Tennessee occasionally to see his patients in the clinic here. I cannot say enough about him!

Would you take your child back to this facility/surgeon? Absolutely! We would go no where else! My daughter requires more surgeries and we cannot dream of going anywhere else. If Dr. Hines was on the moon, we'd take the next shuttle out!

Any advice for others looking at this facility/surgeon? Dr. Hines is very much in demand and difficult to access at first, but once your child becomes his patient; he will be available to provide excellent care.

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