Undescended testicle? Help!

[lov2shop]

My 1-year-old just had his consult with a surgeon regarding his undescended testicle. Unfortunately, the testicle cannot be palpated so they will have to go in laparoscopically first to find it and then bring it down. There is no question about the surgery - he needs it to prevent other issues, such as cancer and infertility.

My problem is picking a surgeon. The one we saw today was very nice and had good bedside manner. He explained everything and answered our questions. Surgery would be in 3 weeks, which is great since they recommend the surgery before 12 months of age (and he will be 13 months then). However, once we left I decided to look the doctor up and saw that he just finished his fellowship last year. He graduated from medical school in 2009 - so it isn't like he is still a resident or anything but he doesn't have a TON of experience.

I called the office to ask about scheduling with another doctor who was more experienced (it is an office with 4 doctors who do the surgeries). The lady talked to the Chief of Staff who said that he will be on the floor during the surgery and can make sure that he is assisting with my son's surgery if that helped me feel better. The other option would be to schedule with a different doctor (who has more experience) BUT the surgery wouldn't be until August, which isn't out of the question but is definitely later than I wanted as it is "better earlier than later."

So - with that said - what would you do? Go with the first, less experienced doctor who will have a very experienced doctor with him or wait extra time and go with the other doctor?

None of my kiddos have ever had surgery so it is a lot to take in...i'm a nervous wreck. Thanks.

 

[Berri]

Less experienced doesn't mean careless or uneducated. I'd be happy to go with what you have booked esp if senior is on the floor.

 

[cupcake.]

Same as PP i would have no concerns to go with what you have scheduled now. Especially with the very experienced chief of staff also present.

You'll probably be a nervous wreck either way, i would be too no doubt. And that way it'll be done and over sooner which is good for your nerves and also if that is an operation best done earlier rather than later. And if he seemed nice and competent, answering all your questions, then i'd have no concerns.

 

[lov2shop]

So Chief of Staff won't be able to help anymore. It will be just him. Geez

 

[jtink28]

in my opinion, younger doctors are more careful, open to new scientific ideas, more up to date and generally more open-minded. they don't want to mess us their medical careers at the start, and they're very very careful. some older doctors can be set in their ways and feel like they're above the rules. i'm sure your little guy is in wonderful hands.

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

Hi my son had this op but I am UK and NHS so no idea but he was fine xx

 

[Teri7489]

Doctors go through many years of training, scrutinised with every detail before they are allowed to practice. He is qualified to do the job otherwise he wouldn't be there completing surgery on a daily basis. As someone else said, new doctors are careful, thorough and generally more cautious to ensure they don't make mistakes. Your son with be in safe hands with a team, not just one doctor. He will have a surgeon, an anaesthetist, junior doctors, nurses and others in the room with him. X