Mr Damir Kosutic MD PhD FRCS(Plast) Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Written by a patient at The Christie

I have the best care and treatment , I could ask for

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Written by a patient at The Christie

I found the doctor very helpful in the way he explained what the procedure would involve. Being that in would involve transplanting part of my muscle along with a vein to supply blood to the transplant on the heel of my foot. I was informed that it would take quite sometime before I would be able to walk on my foot. But I followed the doctors advice and after 3 months found my self enjoying country walks again. The hospital staff were brilliant with their after care.

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Written by a patient at The Christie

I was refered to Mr Kosutic following a biopsy for a malignant melanoma taken at Stepping Hill Hospital in late January 2015. The referral came through very quickly and I first met Mr Kosutic in February of the same year. On April 1st, Mr kosutic conducted what I considered to be a major surgery on my right thigh, just above the knee, to remove a melanoma, which although relatively small, necessitated the removal of surrounding flesh to the extent of a 4cm radius from the original site. This was to ensure that any stray or moving cancer cells should also be excised from around the main site. Additionally, in order to be as sure as possible that any melanoma cells that may have already begun to travel were impeded, several lymph nodes were also removed from the upper part of the same leg. Due to the location of the original melanoma in relation to the knee, I was informed that with skin graft surgery, where skin is cut from another area of the body and used to patch the site, normal bending and flexing of the knee might not be possible, and movement therefore, could ultimately be restricted. Additionally the required size of the excision and subsequent graft, could have meant that a regular skin graft might not take and could be rejected by the body resulting in the operation having to be repeated several times. In order to offset this and to provide the opportunity for a more positive outcome, Mr Kosutic, conducted pioneering surgery, which involved cutting a large leaf shaped piece of flesh from higher up the thigh and, without severing this entirely, pivotting it around to fit in and cover the site of the excised melanoma. Using this technique meant that the blood supply to the flap of skin was not entirely cut off and there was a much better chance of the graft returning to its normal skin colour, rather than resembling the more usual scar tissue. On the face of it this process could appear quite terrifying, particularly with the knowledge that without treatment, the melanoma could spread to other organs in the body. However the whole process was explained to me in great detail by Mr Kosutic, well in advance of the operation. I was encouraged to ask questions and after the preliminary meeting , I was provided with contact numbers for specilist support nurses who were available for me at any time prior to, or post surgery and support materials which helped put my mind at rest. This was most reassuring and really valuable. Over the course of the next few months I visited Mr Kosutic at Christies regularly. The whole process from the time of the initial consultation through to the final follow up sessions was handled with sensitivity and sympathy. All the staff at Christies are to be commended on their awareness and attentiveness, particularly Mr Kosutic himself and all of his team, including the excellent nursing staff It is now nearly three years from the date of the original operation and I still visit Mr Kosutic for regular check-ups although these have lessened in frequency over the last year and I now only need to go twice year. When this is considered alongside my twice yearly visits to the dermatologist who referred me from Stepping Hill, I feel confident that the magnificent care I have received from the time of the initial diagnosis is set to continue for the forseeable, and most importantly, for as long as I and the team want it to . The knowledge that I am and will continue to be regularly monitored and under the care of Mr Kosutic's team is most comforting and helps combat the fear that the disease may at some point return. I have nothing but praise for this doctor and cannot spek highly enough of everyone at Christies that has been a part of my care or has in any way been in contact with me over the course of my treatment. I am confident that anyone who is diagnosed with melanoma or similar cancer and is referred to Mr Kosutc will find themselves in safe and capable hands. Mr Kosutic is prepared to go well beyond the essential and necessary treatment and ensures that patients are treated as individuals with individual fears and needs. This provides an environment where new or unusual treatments are embraced for the benefit of the patient without compromising the safety and viability of the treatment. My great thanks go to Mr Kosutic and his team.

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Written by a patient at The Christie

Stage IV Malignant Melanoma - made easier to come to terms with with the help of Mr Kosutic and his fantastic colleagues at The Christie. I was referred to Mr Damir Kosutic at The Christie, by my dermatologist at Tameside Hospital back in August 2014, having been diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma. From the very first day I met him I realised he had a profound caring nature. Not only did he reassure me that he and his team would be with me throughout my ongoing care, but he would involve me in all decisions that would need to be taken - and there have been lots! Mr Kosutic and his team have performed many surgical procedures for me, including wide excisions and more recently in July 2017, a ground breaking, long and intricate procedure (developed by Mr Kosutic and his colleagues at The Christie) to remove cancer deep within my knee using live ultrasound imaging during the operation - quite remarkable. I continue to have regular check-ups with Mr Kosutic, which are always very pleasant. He listens and reacts to each and every concern I may have and really helps me to stay focused and positive. You will always receive the best and kindest care with Mr Kosutic and I cannot thank him enough for travelling with me on the sometimes strange and strenuous journey that I'm on. David Horseman

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Written by a patient at The Christie

Mr Kosutic is a pleasant, confident, dedicated, professional surgeon, who treats each patient as an important individual. He is clear in his explanations of what the surgery will entail and what can be expected during the recovery period. He is very easy to talk to and has the patience to answer every question asked. I am so fortunate to have had him as my surgeon.

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