Dr. Mendez - HealthPartners Minneapolis/St. Paul

[dtwester]

Has anyone had any experience with Dr. Alejandro Mendez at Regions Hospital (HealthPartners) in St. Paul, Minnesota? I'm in the difficult position of trying to decide between an in-network provider versus going out of network at Mayo Clinic for my retrosigmoid surgery.

[Greece Lover]

I don't know this doctor, but probably the best question to ask is: how many AN surgeries do you do per year?  The more experience the better. From his page, it looks like he does a wide variety of neurological surgeries.  My guess is that Dr. Link at Mayo has more direct experience in AN and might be a better choice.  I know it sounds like a long drive, but it might also be worth looking at the University of Iowa, which is also a high volume center. I'm biased b/c that's where I had my surgery and I'm really glad I went there.

good luck!

[dtwester]

Thanks for your response Greece. It means a lot that you took the time to look up the doctor and give your feedback. I feel fortunate that Mayo is relatively close to home, and their level of experience with AN is impressive. My dilemma is more about the financial/insurance issues, but I am going to proceed with the best surgeon regardless...so wish me luck in the upcoming insurance battles

So great to hear that you had a good surgery outcome and have put your AN behind you!

[bfoley]

dtweter -
I did not respond as I have not seen or researched the Dr. you were asking about.  I did go to the U of MN and also Mayo.  I ended up choosing Mayo and Dr. Link for Gamma Knife.  They just handle way more ANs per year than the U of MN.  I had my choice between surgery and gamma, but from the time I was diagnosed to seen at the AN clinics, my serviceable hearing in AN side was gone.  So I chose Gamma as it is less invasive.  Live with SSD, tinnitus (which had as one symptom driving me to diagnosis) balance / dizzy issues, and occasionally wake in am with dry eye on neuroma side.  I walk 5+ miles a day to keep my balance game up.  I wish you the best of luck in your treatment journey and recovery!

[Cheryl R]

And I agree with Univ of Iowa as also have had my treatment there . I was found to be NF2 in time and 3 tumors out.       I still have hearing in one ear.       It will be 20 yrs in August since met Dr Gantz  and surgery in Nov past harvest time.                            Cheryl R