Dr. D'Angelica or Dr. Kingham

[mpbser]

My husband was scheduled for a consultation with Dr. Kingham but the appointment was cancelled. Dr. K's office said it had been made in error (I assume because they want to wait to see what the PET scan on Friday shows). Anyway, I know that Dr. D'Angelica is another surgeon at MSK who has a great reputation. Basking Ridge, where he has an office, is much easier for us to get to than Manhattan, where we would need to go to see Dr. Kingham. If anyone had to chose between the two surgeons, which would you chose? Why? (Thanks!)

[heiders33]

Dr. Kingham was my surgeon, but I've heard nothing but good things about Dr. D'Angelica. I don't know that I would choose a surgeon based on their geographical location, since you're really only going to see him a few times, and then for follow-up many months after surgery (unless there are complications or some other reason I don't know about that you would need to see him more often). Your husband is getting a liver resection and possible pump placement at the same time, right? One reason I liked Dr Kingham for that surgery is that he does it all laparoscopically. I am not sure if D'Angelica does too, but maybe someone else on here knows. Either way, you are going to be in excellent hands with either surgeon.

[mpbser]

Super helpful information about Dr. Kingham. From his profile, I got the sense that he is more "high tech" than D'Angelica with the robotics, etc. It's not really the location that tips us towards D'Angelica, although it would be a factor if we conclude both are equal, but the fact that D'Angelica has caudate experience. Mariane (someone here) had him as a surgeon and she had to have her caudate worked on. It's located in an extremely difficult position and working on it is considered one of the most technically challenging liver procedures. It can't be done laparoscopically and the surgeon has to lift the entire liver out of the body to get to it. Since I know that D'Angelica did a phenomenal job with Mariane, if it turns out the caudate spot that is barely visible on the November MRI is cancer, he's the guy for us.

[heiders33]

That makes total sense! Definitely go with the best surgeon for your particular situation, if that indeed turns out to be the case.

[mariane]

I had extremely positive experience with Dr. D'Angelica in 2015/2016. My surgery was an open surgery and yes, I have scars. However, as 43 years old mother I don't care that much about my belly looks. Good lingerie can do the trick. I have had a nice day of New Year's skiing with my family. I was still NED on my last check up. I was given no chance of reaching NED by several oncologists and making 2 years even on chemo back in 2015. I have just celebrated 2019! DrD'A is phenomenal. Good luck!

[juliej]

I had Dr. D'Angelica too. You are correct that he has extensive caudate experience. He removed my liver completely from my body during the surgery.

He is the Director of Complex Surgical Oncology and the Hepatopancreatobiliary fellowships at MSK and has an endowed chair (the Enid A Haupt Chair), which is only bestowed on exceptional physicians and researchers. He is very skilled at explaining complex procedures to patients, and he loves it if you have questions (and will remain as long as necessary to answer all of them), which is a trait I've found lacking in many physicians.

Hope this helps!
Juliej

[mpbser]

Thanks so much for the input.

I am praying the caudate lobe and segment 6 spots are NOT cancerous and all of this "research" right now is not need. Not now. Not ever. But we will now soon enough. PET scan tomorrow morning!!!!!!

[LPL]

Thanks so much for the input.

I am praying the caudate lobe and segment 6 spots are NOT cancerous and all of this "research" right now is not need. Not now. Not ever. But we will now soon enough. PET scan tomorrow morning!!!!!!

Thinking about you - hoping the PET scan result will be good.