Shatul L. Parikh, M.D.

Surgical Recovery Was Not As Smooth As The Way I Expected!

I am a patient from NC state. We drove a long way to visit Dr. Parikh who seemed to be very busy and rush. The Ultrasound scan for my thyroid gland was within only minutes before the day of surgery. And I felt that he was not as friendly. The removal of my Third occurring goiter performed by Dr. Parikh at his Atlanta, Georgia Surgical Center had been completed on the scheduled day of May 15. The enlarged goiter was quite big size with complicated multiple vessels attached around the left lobe thyroid gland and required carefully cutting away each and every one of them in order to separate from the unwanted lumpy tissue without damaging the surrounding nerve system. Dr. Parikh took one hour or so to remove the goiter in 1.5 inches incision opening right at the middle of my neckline. I was told to go home (Hotel) after short recovery time at Surgery Center. I now realized that by doing so caused me two unexpected postoperative bleeding problems which was the major issue to deal with after surgery for my case. That was what I thought the most critical moment that Dr. Parikh totally missed out and appeared to be poorly handling the safety of the bleeding issue due to no further monitoring my condition had been done in the best way possible. No reason to blame on my thyroid, it should be doctor's responsibility to take the precaution that my case was rather rare situation than the normal patient. I would say Dr. Parikh's did underestimate the postoperative bleeding issue at the moment. His failure to put me in the extra watch stage for more closely observation rendered me two 911 calls and rushed me to nearby Hospital for Emergency care. It all happened lightening quick and extremely horrible nightmares. I was suffering so much and absolutely not happy because Dr. Parikh was so busy at the time and did not show up at all for help, instead, he sent his assistance Dr. Ingley over by using certain device sucking the bloody jello out which was clogging inside, tighten my throat as well as swell up like hot-air balloon! In my understanding, Dr. Parikh may have been doing lots of goiter removal for all the patients who have no recurring records. But there are recurring patients out there like me need to be treated more safely. Thus, the advanced technique such as using small tool or instrument to seal the cutting vessels in order to prevent the excessive bleeding during and after surgery becomes " Necessary " for future improvement !! Above were the scary experience with Dr. Parikh's surgery. He is a good thyroid surgeon for those "regular" patients. The fact is Each Individual is different, but his treatment is "One Size Fits All ". I suggest that anyone who has the recurring goiter and want Dr. Parikh to do the cut will need to read my story and talk to your doctor before surgery regarding the possibility of postoperative bleeding. Good Luck !