Mr Arun Ranganathan 2017-03-02 Person 5 5 0

Preceding a recent diagnosis for severe dysplastic spondylolisthesis (by another spinal surgeon), I first consulted Dr. Ranganathan, for a second opinion regarding treatment/management options. At the time of the first consultation (summer 2016) I had already been suffering for over 8 years from this condition, that I felt exacerbate over the past year. Initially Dr.Ranganathan was reluctant to immediately result to surgical intervention (which is understandably concomitant with such high risk, invasive procedures), therefore advised I follow a course of conservative methods (epidural steroid injections, physiotherapy and medication) to manage the neuropathic pain. Whilst I was initially unconvinced that they would provide substantial relief, I underwent conservative management and now understand that they are tremendously useful in the long run, most notably in post operative management (building a strong core etc.). I underwent a/p l4-s1 fusion with partial reduction surgery on 12/06 and am now approaching the 3 month mark. The few days prior to surgery I found myself reconsidering the decision, as it was elucidated and explained that due to my age (19 at the time) and severity of the condition, performing a full reduction of the deformity would harbour great risk. I can say that currently, there has been considerable improvement compared to my post operative status and therefore am (for the most part) satisfied with my decision to undergo this surgery. Dr. Ranganathan is a very kind and caring doctor, who despite having to deal with complex conditions and difficult patients (me!), gives the patient's desires immense consideration (even if they appear to be almost unattainable) and strives to achieve as close to their desires as is medically possible (whilst maintaining the lowest risk of morbidity), thereby offering the best individual treatment, along with his team. It is clear that Dr. Ranganathan greatly values and understands patient's input into treatment options and considers the patient's opinions even if they differ from his. As for the course of treatment, Dr. Ranganathan uses a very holistic approach and took into account my educational commitments, to ensure that the treatment options (e.g surgery dates, recovery periods etc) were all logistically viable and suited around my time, meaning minimal disturbance would be caused to my day to day life. I would definitely recommend Dr. Ranganathan to those, looking for a surgeon who will provide great care, take your goals for the treatment on board and will relay information to you in a very comprehensive way, ultimately providing the best treatment possible! - S.Rhea