I was researching the best Center for IBD in the North-East for my son who needs surgery for UC and came up with some information I wanted to share. This is what came up - most of the Centers are in NYC.
Mt Sinai - established Center with several doctors. Lots of experience. Some of the things they do though are old fashioned and may lead to pouch problems. Also several of the experiences surgeons have left or retired: Dr Greenstien, Dr Bauer and the others are nearing retirement. Some of the midlevel surgeons are active. There are a few that do not take insurance.
Cornell - Dr Milsom is the one experienced surgeon for IBD. Experienced but does not take insurance.
NYU - Dr Remzi who left Cleveland Clinic when there were changes is now in NYU. Trained under Dr Fazio. He is experienced but mostly does open surgery. May not complete surgeries with minimally invasive.
Columbia - has a group of experienced surgeons from Cleveland Clinic. Dr Kiran, Dr Geisler and Dr Kiely. All trained under Dr Fazio. Dr Geisler who operated on my friend does single incision surgery - did the world's first pouch surgery with this technique.
These seem to be the choice for centers with good results. Even compared to some other centers like Cleveland Clinic and Lahey Clinic, NYC seems to be the place for the best surgeons, since most of the experienced and medium experienced surgeons at these centers seem to have left or retired.
I live in Boston and have decided to see Dr Geisler and also get the opinion of Dr Kiely who does laparoscopic surgery since the Columbia program seems to be complete. Will seek a second opinion from one of the other Centers and then decide.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Would appreciate any advice.