Patient
If you are searching for an excellent Thoracic Surgeon, look no more! Dr. Craig Larson is your man! Dr. Larson is an excellent Thoracic Surgeon with Cardiovascular and Pulmonary specialties. Not only is he an experienced surgeon, but Dr. Larson is a trailblazer!! Dr. Larson is one of the first, if not THE first, in the San Diego area to incorporate the use of robotically assisted, minimally invasive surgery into his practice. Dr. Larson has extensive experience performing successful, complex surgical procedures with precision and accuracy with the use of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. I was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma on the upper left lobe of my lung. I was blessed and lucky that it was an early detection. Even though "small" (about 1 inch tumor), all the medical professional specialists recommended that the best treatment approach was to have the entirety of my upper left lobe removed (aka Lobectomy), that is, IF I qualified for surgery; and furthermore, IF I qualified for robotically assisted surgery. I am grateful that I qualified. My alternatives were open lung surgery or minimally invasive robotically assisted surgery. The various pulmonary oncologist specialists (independently of each other) highly recommended Dr. Larson first and foremost. Again, I feel very blessed and lucky that I ended up in the hands of a consummate expert, who cares deeply about the successful outcome of his patients. Dr. Larson was thorough and patient in his explanation of the procedures involved in my options, as well as the risks and rewards of each. I am living testimony of the benefits of Dr. Larson's minimally invasive da Vinci robotic approach. My hospital stay after the Lobectomy was 2 nights!! The incisions are small, and, therefore, the expectation is that the scars will heal and disappear faster. Due to his use of the da Vinci, Dr. Larson did not have to break or cut through my ribs or sternum. My recovery is occurring at a faster rate than if I had open lung surgery. As I write this review, this is my fifth week since my Lobectomy surgery. Although I am still in the healing and recovery mode, I have been able to enjoy social activities and increase my activities with every passing day. I am extremely grateful and happy that I was able to celebrate my daughter's birthday at her selected special restaurant for the occasion. That celebration took place a week and half after my surgery!! Thanks to Dr. Larson, I look forward to celebrating many more momentous occasions to come!! THANK YOU DR. LARSON!! I AM EXTREMELY GRATEFUL!!