Has anyone used Dr. Scott Strong from Cleveland Clinic?

Really? Lucky you!!

He did the majority of my surgeries, and I'd agree he is one of the elite CR Surgeons.

Hopefully you won't need his services

I think the 2 step/3 step will depend on your situation/steroid use...It's more important for a successful outcome even if it takes a little longer.

I am a fan so I could go on and on...do you have any specific questions you are looking for answers to?

I just rec'd a letter in the mail yesterday from the Cleveland Clinic advising me that he was leaving effective Nov. 2015. I was crushed -- which resulted in me searching the internet for any info. Now I know he's heading to the Windy City!! Although I LOVE Cleveland Clinic -- I will probably make the trip to Chicago just to be under his care -- if I would ever need him again!

buckeye1986 said...
Dr. Strong was my surgeon for the past year --- he is AWESOME!! I had a routine surgery elsewhere that went awry -- one week later, I had emergency trauma surgery that resulted in a colostomy for the next 6 months. I contacted a good friend at MD Anderson and she recommended Dr. Strong. Hands down - best doctor EVER!! He took down the colostomy in the first surgery and replaced it with an ileostomy in March 2014 -- and then 3 months later he did a take down of the ileostomy. I would highly recommend him!!

Thanks for the feedback, it's very encouraging!

Hopefully the timing works for you. Don't let yourself get too sick waiting for Nov 2015. Surgery works best when you are not on heavy steroids and can handle the recovery.After 2 surgeries, I can say I am glad we did not have to travel far. The post op visits,potential complications, Stoma nurse access, and painful car rides make a case for using someone local. That said, I would always find the best I could for complex surgeries like this. Ours, Dr. Hurst has done over 1200 j-pouches, and had lots of laparoscopic skill. So far, so good!

Long overdue update but I just wanted to let everyone know I had my step 1 of 2 in January and my takedown was done May 20th. I can't give enough credit to Dr. Strong. I now have my life back and it's the best decision I've ever made. If you're in the Midwest and looking for a great surgeon, I highly suggest Dr. Strong who is now the chief of the Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and surgical director of the Digestive Health Center. A++ doctor!

I am scheduled for a revision of my pouch this week due to a kind of prolapse- developed a flap that protrudes when I go to bathroom, blocking output thus causing me to go several times every trip. Dr. Strong will be my surgeon so hoping I'm in good hands! He's hoping to do Mucousectomy and pouch advancement transanally, with possible temporary ileo if needed for healing. He did tell me other more involved steps if doesn't work. I'm hoping for Plan A or B, and not C,D or E. He did call me from vacation because I had further questions. While my main criteria in selecting surgeon is skill and experience in this particular surgery, but a little personal communication/bedside manner helps too! I know Dr. Hanauer recruited him for a reason so have to put my faith in that.
LJZ

Hi Crystal, sorry to hear you’re in need of pouch advancement, as that indicates issues. Dr. Strong is a very competent surgeon, and the one to go to for complex, tedious procedures. He completed my mucosectomy and pouch advancement “successfully”. I will go to him again if I need a revision or replacement. Unfortunately, while my frequency of output and inflammation decreased once rectal cuff removed, my leakage has increased. Seems my internal sphincter is weak, compromised. Dr. Strong referred me to his partners at NW and I’ve been working on pelvic floor therapy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. His specialty is pouch surgery so makes sense to work with his partners until/ when/ if pouch needs sugery. I would not hesitate to go back to Dr Strong for his expertise, specialty.

That said, I will say my original surgeries were with Dr. Hurst at University of Chicago and I cannot say enough about him for his expertise, communication, dedication- or his unbelievable team- so grateful for their support and excellent care when I began this journey back in 2013!

You will be in good hands, literally, with Dr. Strong. Good luck- let me know how it goes- hopefully it will solve any issues you are struggling with.