United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

We were just informed that our son will more than likely need surgery for BP. Could someone let me know who the best doctor for this procedure would be?
thank you.

I believe that there are probably many good doctors. Who you pick will depend on where you live and if you can and desire to travel for surgery. TCH seems to be the most desirable place, but not everyone can travel to them. There should be a list of docs attached with this website under resources/web resources. This should help in your quest. My thoughts and prayers are with you on this most difficult journey.

Hi Eric...

As Nettie said in her post, in the Medical Resource listing on the home page here there is a list of doctors that are supposed to be bpi specialists. I just wanted to let you know that there is a questionaire that some filled out and the questionaire is found with each doctor's link so be sure to read how they answered the questions. And also understand that having the doctor in that list does not endorse them as a bpi specialist or as a good doctor - you will have to do your own research on that.

About the travel issues - if you indeed find a doctor and travel is required, I wanted to let you know that there is free (or discounted) air fare available. Different airlines have different deals - some send the whole family and some just send one child and one parent and you have to buy the other ticket. There is also the mercy flights or miracle flights that do very good at sending families. Some hospitals are in areas where hotels give discounts and some hospitals have allowances for parents to stay with the child.

I have a listing of all the airlines here: http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/travel.html

Of course that page is written for those going to Texas HOWEVER, the airline information is good for anywhere in the United States - so it can be used for any hospital you want to travel to.

We took our daughter to Texas Childrens Hospital - she had 3 surgeries there and has very good results. Drs. Laurent and Nath were her surgeons there and we think the world of them.

Here is a list of questions that you may want to look at - it may jog your mind a bit - maybe there's a question you never thought of before... http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/drquestions.html

Good luck,
francine

Eric,
I think you should look into the medical resources that have already been mentioned to you. I would also suggest that you pick more than one doctor to see... they all vary so much in style and opinion. It is good to have more than one perspective. I personally take my son to Dr. Adelson in Pittsburgh, PA. We have seen a few others that were helpful as well.
Blessings,
Kristie

Eric,
Our son has had two surgeries, one at 6.5 months and the other at 18 months. We have him followed by a neurologist who runs a bpi clinic and another out of state clinic as well. We looked into 5-6 different places before deciding on where to go for surgery. Do your research, ask questions until you feel comfortable with your decision.

Cindy

The procedure will depend on the nature of your child's injury and wich doctor you decide on. There are some excellent specialist around the country. Who you pick will depend on your willingness to travel and how agressive of a treatment program you feel comfortable with. We see Dr. Park at St. Louis Children's Hospital. My Daughter had a nerve graft surgery at 12 mo. Saturday we will be one year post srugery and are very happy with the results. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

just so you know, not saying you should or shouldnt, but not everyone who is advised to have surgery has it-
just makes matters worse realizing that sometimes...I'm sorry...
I just feel like you should know that...