Share review of Mr Mario Teo

Mr Mario Teo 2019-06-26 Person 5 5 0

Following a brain haemorrhage in January 2019, a scan confirmed the diagnosis of a large sub-arachnoid aneurysm, which could not be clipped or coiled in the usual manner and would require a bypass using veins from either the side of the face or arms. After several weeks recovering in hospital I was transferred in February to Bristol Southmead Hospital and Mr Teo’s care. I was impressed with Mr Teo from our first meeting. Mr Teo's expertise and experience in performing this operation before, gave us confidence in his ability to perform this difficult procedure. He was not arrogant in his conviction that he could achieve what he and his team set out to do because he had checked and rechecked all the scans and tests available to him. He talked through the risks of the surgery and the scary stuff with my family and I, showing kindness and regard for our concerns. He explained matters simply, demonstrating respect and consideration for a patient’s fears and feelings, advising me that I was a suitable patient for pioneering surgery. He said my surgery would take up to 12 hours! We couldn’t imagine how a surgeon could operate for such a long shift. It was a no-brainer of a decision for me, pardon the pun. I felt Mr Teo spent a lot of time getting to know me in the week it took to schedule my surgery with his preferred team in place. Mr Teo came to see me on the evening before my surgery, long after visiting hours. He calmly reassured me that all preparations were in place in readiness and wished me a good night’s sleep. It worked. I did sleep, in confident anticipation of the skills and judgement to be deployed by this renowned surgeon. The following day, thanks to Mr Teo’s outstanding neurosurgical skills, I underwent successful surgery. It took longer than anticipated but the family were reassured and kept informed. When I came round, there was Mr Teo. I was surprised and pleased that the post-op pain and disorientation were much less than I’d expected. After 7 days, my stitches were removed and I was discharged from hospital. The latest scan confirms I have healed well and the aneurysm has gone. Mr Teo has reassured me that although recovery takes time (up to 2 years), symptoms will gradually reduce and I can eventually expect to be back to normal. I have been very fortunate in having such an amazing surgeon in Mr Teo. His total commitment and competence, his humanity and care have been outstanding. I can’t thank him enough for all he has done and you can’t even see the scar. I, and my family, will always be profoundly grateful to him, his dedicated team and Southmead Hospital.