Below-the-knee amputation (BKA) in 3 Orthopedic surgery clinics in Canada

I elected to have my hip replacement done in Calgary in September rather than wait and live in continued pain here in Winnipeg. It was nothing short of a great experience from the first contact through the surgery, fabulous care at the clinic and excellent followup. You never feel ‘abandoned’ even though you return home 1300 Km away. Kudos to the whole team, esp. Jennie and Dr., Johnston for being not only efficient and professional but caring. Thanks for giving me quality of life again!

I had my hip replaced on October 31, 2023 working with Gateway Surgery. I can’t say enough positive things about Dr. Hart, Dr. Guzzo and their entire medical support team. They are amazing and I’m very pleased with the outcome. I was on my feet and walking within a few hours of having the surgery. I got back home on November 2, 2023 and must say that I’m glad that I used the travel agent Gateway recommended to book flights and hotel accommodations. Since returning home, I’ve had several calls from the nurses at Gateway to make sure everything is OK and that I’m not having any issues. In summary, I’ve had a number of operations over the years and this surgery by far has been the best surgical experience I’ve ever had. The best analogy I can come up with to describe the difference between using public versus private healthcare could be characterized as the difference between flying economy as compared to flying business class. By going private, the waiting time is substantially reduced which gives me additional time to do the things I want to do during retirement in lieu of suffering at home. Gateway Surgery is my number one recommendation for private surgical services.

I was seen at Gateway for a consult by Dr. Kelly Johnston for an arthritic hip. Decision for surgery was made in a timely manner and I DIDNOT have to WAIT! I could not have my surgery done in Alberta so I was referred to a surgical Center in Toronto. Being connected to an Orthopedic Surgeon ( Dr. Kelly Johnston) post op was a high priority for me in the event I needed medical attention close by following my surgery in Toronto once I was discharged. ( I am a retired nurse that worked healthcare for a number of years). I did have some post op issues but I am happy to report the care I received from Dr. Johnston and his Gateway staff was top notch. Dr. Johnston has an incredible bedside manner and I was well taken care of by him. I also have to mention Twyla! She is a great nurse that I had access to during my post op period and helped me through the post op period. Having access to a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day post op is so comforting and reassuring. This is a huge asset! Help is literally a phone call away! The staff at Gateway is excellent and very efficient. I am forever grateful for all the great care I received!

I had a day surgery in this hospital. It was my first time to have a surgery with general anesthesia, so I was quite nervous. However, it didn't take much longer to figure out that there was no need to be anxious at all, as all the medical staff who treated me were so kind and friendly. They naturally eased my anxiety. Each time I interacted with each of them, I was quite impressed by their professionalism. After detailed explanation of what would happen, my surgery started on time and went well. I am so greatful for their dedication and hard work. Thank you so much.

My dad just had a quadruple bypass, the care and attention he receiving is incredible and putting us all at ease. The surgery went perfect and he's doing very well. We can't thank you enough, after a few not so great experiences earlier after his stroke at other hospitals in the east end (not all their fault staffing issues are brutal) this has been a night and day difference. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts 🙏🏽🙏🏽

We are having our first baby here. We've been going frequently(due to our high risk pregnancy). They are amazing, and accommodating!! They have helped so much....every need, and question has been addressed and taken care of. In my opinion, one of the best labor delivery floors, ever!!! Keep up the fantastic work! Oh...and see you in a few, on our way to have our daughter....today!!!!❤

My husband and I rushed our son to the hospital last week cos he had a seizure. It was at midnight and they had just one doctor attending to so many people before us so we had to wait for about 7hrs. We were attended to in-between by nurses but the last nurse who came to us started asking some questions that we had already answered over and over again but before she started, she looked at both my husband and I and asked “which one of u can communicate with me better?” We didn’t understand what that meant so my husband asked “what do you mean?” And she said “I need to ask a few questions to whichever one of you can communicate with me better in English” I couldn’t speak out of shock, my husband just walked out of the room cos he didn’t want to get upset, she asked the questions again before I could bring myself to answer her. This was after 6hours of waiting for a doctor. Shortly after, a doctor came in, we were attended to and we left there. The other nurses were sweet but I was disgusted by that nurse thinking we used to live in trees and caves and only spoke gugugaga before coming to Canada.

ACH is so nice that makes me being a kid again, minus sickness. This was my first visit at ACH for my son and we enjoyed the environment.

My son had a very long procedure done in endocrinology, and the nurses there were awesome! They gave my son $15 Apple card for good behavior😄

Staff are friendly, courteous and very helpful. I was discharged from other hospital and was advised to wait for call after 18 hours of excrutiating pain, I was sent home with nothing just that re-assuring words from not-so-friendly nurse that "doctor will just call me" and Leukocytes already almost doubling, CT and UTZ both showing abnormalities, as a healthcare provider myself, knowing something is already wrong, decided to go to Sunnybrook. The moment you enter ER, you will greeted by friendly old lady who will assist you on their process of registration. ER nurses are very friendly and doctors will let you feel you're human with feelings. They're all efficient and knowledgable. I was admitted shortly after and did not wait long. I will be forever be grateful.

September 6, 2023 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Today, I had an appointment with my MS doctor at Sunnybrook. Having been here for appointments in the past, I've always been impressed with the high-quality service they provide. Parking is conveniently located near the front entrance, and there are nearby pay stations for easy access. Inside, they have hand sanitizing stations and provide masks, and you'll find plenty of helpful staff to answer any questions and guide you through the hospital. Wheelchairs are also readily available at the entrance. I have the utmost satisfaction with Dr. Lee, who consistently takes the time to address all my questions and ensures I have a clear understanding of my medical plan. I feel incredibly fortunate to have access to such excellent healthcare services.

Visited Sunnybrook Hospital as a guest of a patient. Volunteer staff was very helpful and able to guide us to the correct wing of Hospital. There is an ATM on the 1st floor close to the information desk. There are hand sanitizing throughout the hospital and at the main entrance there is also a self dispensing mask station which was very convenient. Gift store had very friendly staff and there was such a wide variety of toys, puzzles, t-shirts, stationary, greeting cards and everything in between alongside some gadgets. The areas of the hospital visited were very well kept.

I had a surgery done here recently under the talented hands of Dr David Williamson. I was impressed by everyone I came into contact with. I was a little nervous, and very excited upon arrival. All of the nurses and doctors I talked to made me feel safe and welcome from the moment I walked in. I received amazing care from each and every one. ❤️

Had surgery today at OHSC can't say enough good was looked after extremely well from the moment I walked in and through the surgical process from staff-nurses-Anthesiologist Bruno and Doctor O'Brien. Thank you to all for the best surgical experience I could hope for. Highly recomment OHSC

I went here to ask for Lazer skin care surgery for moderate to medium severe unknown facial scarring… I paid $6,000 for 1500 Needles to be punctured into my skin with some sort of medicine that must have just been sterile water… it actually looks ten times worse than it did before I started; had I not mentioned I had an inheritance; I might not have been sent to a random room…. They might have actually given me the first possible treatment too work for my skin, instead they figured I’d go back for the rest of the 14 other rooms of mechanical devices they had to offer for skin care. WHEN I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR LAZER TREATMENT… when I arrived she just grabbed this huge machine with a needle device (PUHHHWOOOPHTSHHHHHUUUUHHHGHAHGHAGHA) it was a retarded puncture device with a huge needle going in and out of your cheeks and such, completely missing my nose which was half of my worry to begin with. I’m thinking of sueing concidering that treatment isn’t even listed on their website!!! I’m very upset. It looks way worse and with more puncture marks than before :,( HANDS DOWN THE STUPIDEST PLACE TO GO FOR ACNE TREATMENT IN THE WORLD… have fun guys. Get ripped off then!!!

Had an appointment Mar.25/22 and have heard nothing since. Decided to call 19 months later and find out that I am not on the list and they advised my doctor 2 months ago but did not even copy me. Great customer service! Time to look for another surgeon.

When going back to the clinic to get stitches removed, we had to wait 45 minutes in extreme pain. When a nurse did finally take us to a room, it was a consult room and had no supplies . She returned with very little and took out the staples without wearing gloves. They took in a lot of patients that need surgery while we were there. They should consider that those same patients will also need post op. And should not make them wait so long, give them a proper room with a real nurse.

My name is Lorne Allen of Edmonton, AB and It appears as though my total hip replacement has been potentially put on permanent hold because of a so-called "fail" on a sleep apnea test. Only problem with that is the test was carried out with only 3 out of 4 green lights on testing device - the last pipette would not lock in place in order to maintain a "closed" scientific setting - which left air spewing into the atmosphere and should have nullified the results. Additionally, when the reporting agent had me falling asleep 3.5 hours earlier than actual time (during which the sleep clinic obtained some of their best results??), I felt like the entire test was rigged! Further, I supposedly suffered some 47 "acute, severe apnea" results over a 9 hour sleep interval when in fact I cannot sleep more than 4.5 - 5 hours a night (testing night was from sometime after 12:30 AM to 5:15 AM at which time test was terminated) due to acute, severe pain in my right hip. groin, right leg and right buttock. Will the caring physician who referred me for this "fixed" test please explain to me how in GOD's green earth this could have happened and why, other than to make big bucks, a senior of 70 years was so maltreated?! Oh yeah, when the testing device was returned to sleep clinic, the receiving agent was informed of the green light problem (as at the time I was ready to repeat the test) whose only response was "oh. I'm sure they obtained enough to work with in order to assess you". Again, I ask you how they were able to diagnose me with a faulty testing unit?? And how dare they, at the same time as revealing by horrific test results, the same agent who reports my results, tries to sell me a CPAP unit only minutes after divulging this very improbable data. Shame and a pox on all those "professionals" who created my results!! Disillusioned!!

This was a medical experience second to none! The administrative attention was straightforward, the medical and support staff worked as a positive, friendly, professional team, and my hip replacement went seamlessly (so far!) with great pre and post surgical support. Dr. Nguyen is an expert in his field... caring, observant, knowledgeable, efficient and professional. Going to this clinic was the perfect decision for me at a very difficult and painful point in my health.

From the very first call I made to Clinique Duval to the last wave to the nurses while getting into the car, my experience with the clinic has been extraordinarily wonderful. I underwent full knee replacement surgery at the clinic. To start at the beginning: Philomena at the reception was very helpful and caring. The nursing staff at the intake was very reassuring and efficient. At the surgery I was priviledged having the best professionals, the anesthesiologist and the surgeon, dr. Masse, and the assisting nurses. After the operation I had the best possible care. The nurses were kind, compassionate and eager to do whatever was necessary to make me comforrable. Dominique and Maria Teresa were tending to my every need, and Imane, Marie, Olga , Marlene, Sophie, and other kind nurses made sure I was well. I also commend the physiotherapy treatment by Guillome, who instructed me on postoperative exercises and activity. Dr. Masse and dr. Assayag made rounds each day after the operation to make sure recovery was going well. I stayed at the clinic for two nights after the operation. The hospital room was spacious and very clean. The food was very good and varied. I very highly recommend Clinique Duval. My surgery was the best experience.

The Total Hip Replacement at the Duval Orthopedic Clinic was the best decision I made. My initial consultation with Dr. Vendittoli was on September 24, 2021 at which time I decided to proceed with the surgery. The information provided, before and, during surgery was excellent, including a provision of a manual which also outlined the importance of pre-op exercises. My surgery was performed on October 8, 2021 and I was discharged by October 10 with the ability to walk with just a cane. The ERAS (Early Recovery After Surgery) program developed by Dr. Vendittoli and his team is amazing and hopefully will be adopted by ALL public hospitals. All the staff at the clinic were exemplary during the entire procedure. Best of all, I never experienced any pain whatsoever post surgery, no longer limp, and am able to resume my daily activities. Post surgery physiotherapy is an important factor in recovery. Thank you to Dr. Vendittoli and all his team! June 6, 2022 Further to my first review of a Total Hip Replacement (left side), which was performed on October 08, 2021, I am adding a second review for the Total Hip Replacement (right side) performed on May 19, 2022. The initial review stated that the left side hip replacement (October 08, 2021) was the best decision I made. The right side hip replacement (May 19,2022) was the second best decision I made. For the right side hip replacement, once again and as previously experienced, all the excellent and important preoperative information procedures were clearly explained. On the day of my surgery, the anesthesiologist's technique of performing a spinal block (most recent technology) vs. an epidural (for 1st surgery) was truly incredible. I did not even realize that the spinal was completed so efficiently and painlessly. The advantage of the spinal block allowed me to recover extremely quickly and within a fraction of an hour in recovery, I was transferred back to my room. Dr. Vendittoli, who also performed my first surgery, has an excellent reputation for a very good reason! My incision was only a few inches long and I am amazed at how the procedure may be performed within such a small incision. A few hours post surgery, the physiotherapy team had me up to begin the initial exercises. Wow, I did not have ANY pain nor did I require any opioid painkillers at any time neither during my hospital stay nor at any time after my discharge. The following morning, physiotherapy continued my recovery exercises with the possibility of a discharge in the afternoon. I was now permitted to walk about with the aid of only a cane! Dr. Vendittoli, together with his team, assessed my speedy recovery and by mid afternoon I was given the green light for departure home, to where I would continue the very important post surgery physiotherapy exercises. As I had experienced during my first surgery, the entire staff at the Duval Orthopaedic Clinic were exemplary and it was a pleasure to be a patient in this facility! The CLSC provided physiotherapy sessions and nursing wound care, which was excellent at my recovery location. To be noted, these professionals were amazed at my recovery progress. During the first physio session (1 week post surgery) I was assessed as being at the third week post surgery recovery! Both professionals commented at the remarkable recovery difference they see between the private clinics, (in my instance, the Duval Orthopaedic Clinic) and the public system. This speedy recovery is thanks to Dr. Vendittoli and his team who developed the ERAS (Early Recovery After Surgery). Thank you Dr. Vendittoli and your entire team who made my two Total Hip Replacements such a remarkable success. I am able to resume my active life style quickly and painlessly!

My experience with Clearpoint Surgical solutions was amazing! Its been 4 weeks post op and I am recovering as planned. Its not just one person that I salute, but a team of professionals that address every need you have during the process. The level of care and expertise I received was top notch and I would highly recommend you give them a call if you are in need.

My arrival at the clinic was a little confusing but as soon as I was in it went well. Once the IV was in it seemed like a very short time until I woke up in post op. The helpful post-op staff got me moving and eating. (Don't get the nachos) From then it seemed the key was to keep moving and healing. I was back on skis in about 14 weeks and the hip works great. Attached photo was at about 16 weeks.

The clinic provided excellent professional service, they took the time to explain in detail all the steps required in a timely and structured manner. All my many questions were answered to my satisfaction. The pre, actual and post surgery care was beyond reproach and I'd recommend them to anyone interested.

From the minute I got there till I left the next day (which I definitely would have stayed another night), I felt so taken care of. I had a total knee replacement. Dr Batuyong Dr Macay his assistant, the anesthesiologist George, my nurses, Jackie, Sadat, Jonah, Silver, and Denver always had a smile on their face. Everyone there seemed to love their jobs! The rooms were huge, beautifully decorated and had a huge TV. I would go here every day of the week for any treatments. I wish the nurses In the hospitals would love their jobs, but we first have to have a better system of not so much pressure, mandating over time…. Then those amazing nurses could walk in smiling to!!!! Thank you everyone for an amazing experience!!! Oh wait the food… I had a great sandwich salad and full plate of fruit. Breakfast well let’s say that was pretty much nonexistent!!! But they know you’re leaving so you can get breakfast wherever you wanted. They also didn’t offer lunch but if I wanted something I could have had a sandwich cuz that’s all they seemed to offer. Overall. Still the best hospital visit!

I had knee replacement surgery on Sept 26,2023 in Calgary. ⁃ On entrance to facility , the receptionist was welcoming and friendly ⁃ My Surgeon, Dr Fruson , was exceptional ; showed me my X-rays in the OR and made sure that I was comfortable ⁃ Operating room assistants, Dr Schachar and Dr Torfason introduced themselves and promised that they would make sure the whole team was on their best behaviour ⁃ The anesthesiologist, Dr Krause; helped me make a decision about anesthesia and explained how it would be delivered Assured me that she would be right behind my shoulder watching out for me the whole time. ⁃ I Felt like I was in good hands and they cared about me ⁃ My room for the night was spacious and clean ⁃ Food was delicious and appropriate; half a sandwich and fresh berries and yoghurt , later that night. ⁃ Physiotherapists were encouraging and fun ⁃ Nursing staff were attentive making continual checks and always asking if you needed anything ⁃ Pain was very well controlled and the drugs did not make me dizzy or feel nauseous ⁃ If you pressed your buzzer for assistance, nurses arrived very quickly ⁃ Overall impression was that it is a very well run establishment with happy employees who work well together.

I had a full hip replacement last week here. Outstanding staff and facility. They made me feel like I was spending a day or so at a luxury spa!! Just a quick update ... after a month, walking and biking regularly. Lots of mobility I didn't have before surgery! I am coming across some news stories lately about private vs public med services in Canada. Would be nice to have our political leaders look for solutions that better integrate private and public services together!