parathyroid minimal surgery

[pacificnw]

I'm so glad I found this site although most of the posts on minimally invasive surgery are several years old.
I'm finally seeing Endocrine specialist this week after months of waiting.  I am pretty sure what the diagnosis will be after 5 years of high calcium and now osteopenia.  I'm sorry I didn't push to see the specialist sooner.
Has anyone in PORTLAND OREGON has this surgery?
I've been researching the surgeons and don't see anyone who does this procedure frequently.
Yes, I too have read all of Dr Norman's website.
So, if no one has had a successful surgery here in Portland, it looks like a drive to Seattle would be a good option.
I see two names: Dr Stickney and Dr Ryan.  I want the best and most experienced surgeon within a reasonable distance.  I saw one post on Dr Ryan.  What about Dr Stickney?
Thanks,
Terry

[tportland]

Hi Kathy,
I posted an answer but the site did not seem to accept.
So, just in case, I re-enrolled.
After all my research last year, I highly recommend Dr Shindo at OHSU.
Thorough, knowledgable, accurate.
I did not need surgery at this time.  She referred me to her associate endo doctor specializing in high calcium.  Their care was excellent.  If I need the surgery later, I will have it done by Dr Shindo with complete confidence!!
Worth having a consult and see if you agree before you fly to another state, etc.
Terry

[Ragdoll1]

I have to have parathyroid surgery and am looking for a dr in portland.  How did your surgery go and who did it?  I have looked at websites for Dr Stickney and  UCLA  plus other dr's in California.  
Any suggestions would be helpful.

Kathy

[pacificnw]

Yes, I did.   there's a newer surgeon there Maise Shindo.  But she doesn't do that many parathyroid surgeries either.  The surgeon in my insurance group is Legacy.  He does around 2 a week and Maise does around 3 a week.  I'd have to change my insurance group to OHSU too.  Possible but not easy.
Since success is so linked to experience and many surgeons in Portland do a few a month, there's no one specialist here.
I'm scheduled to consult with the legacy surgeon.  Hoping the scan will show it and make the risk of problems minimal.
Thanks for your input.  Seems going to another city with my insurance will be challenging.  Certainly Seattle is the closest.
In all my research I was most impressed with UCLA's approach.  Seems they've refined the minimal surgery and have two top people who work as a team.
Thanks again,  Terry

[medicmommy]

Have you tried OHSU? I believe there is a thoracic surgeon there who is known for doing them as well. -I'm sorry, but I do not recall his name...I was the one who posted about Dr. John Ryan at Virginia Mason. He gives lectures all over the nation, and his office may be able to help you locate someone who is skilled in this technique. I hope this helps! ~MM