Dr. Efstathios Papavassiliou, MD

He was the most arrogant surgeon I’ve ever met. I gave him the benefit of doubt and he did laminectomy on me. I was in severe pain after and was left in recovery room with no nurse call button overnight. Six month of pt, an mri and many more injections which he said to do. My spine was unstable and nerves crushed. I had to have a second surgery done elsewhere to repair the damage He was not a nice man and I truly suffered

My father had a cervical spinal fusion that went horribly wrong. He was mistreated every step of the way. There was no informed consent, as he was put in a halo device with no prior knowledge (waking up with blood dripping from the holes which were pierced into his skull to keep him immobile). His brace was put on backwards by a trainie and his concerns were dismissed by this "doctor" every step of the way despite the worsening condition of my father. After the surgery my father began experiencing severe neurological distress that not only debilitated him physically, but also mentally, as he was gaslighted consistently by this "doctor". Months after the supposed recovery period my father went to Dr. Papavassiliou to express his growing anxiety surrounding newfound neurological symptoms - exponential pain - he was met with a smug response, "we make people better here". No that is not hyperbole; that was Dr. Papavassiliou's response to my father as he was spiraling from all the abhorrent… treatment he was receiving. On another occasion my father brought up his inability to use his hands effectively anymore - my dad is an artist so this is something that greatly affects his quality of life (one of the many things he was assured would be stabilized which wasn't) - when this was brought up Dr. Papavassiliou looked at my father's bruised and cut hands and flatly said, "It looks like you can use them just fine" while the only reason his hands were in this condition was because of his inability to use them with his tools as a result of the botched fusion. Cruel doesn't begin to describe this. I read another person's review on here who mentioned a possible 'napoleon complex' and I completely agree. The operation in question occured 5 years ago now and my father is a shell of his former self. I have been forever robbed of a normal adolescence, but this isn't just about me. I am an adult now and take care of my father full time. He would be writing this review if it wasn't for his inability to effectively use his fingers. I know in my heart my writing this review is futile; Dr. Papavassiliou gets to continue living his life at it's fullest, he is recognized as great by his community and fellow doctors, and has to face little pain in comparison with my father's daily struggles as a result of this, "doctors" inability to employ the smallest inkling of kindness. I'm sure Dr. Papavassiliou makes some people better, but who he makes worse is far more important. That is what should define his career. My father cannot make art now despite his immense talent, he cannot sale even though he has all his life, he is relegated to a wheel chair and will most likely never be able to walk beyond getting to the bathroom, let alone walk out beloved dog. I have no more words for this man. I don't even know how to end this, as the whole situation upsets me to the point of tears. I give Dr. P five stars at being a horrible surgeon...

Went to this doctor because he was highly recommended but I think that his accolades fall short of his actual service. He definitely has a Napoleon complex and will treat you dismissively. He spends very little time in the room and doesn't take anytime to explain procedures or diagnosis. The whole appointment felt rushed despite there being a serious injury at hand. This doctor thinks he is above other people which is sad. He is all about the money and doesn't care about his patients. Save yourself the aggravation and find another doctor to see. Luckily, in Massachusetts there are MANY highly regarded doctors in this field, so you won't have to get stuck seeing Papavassiliou and can find someone who is actually willing to help you. I watched him almost have a meltdown because there was a lint ball on his suit. If he doesn't want to get his suit dirty do you really think he is going to rollup his sleeves and dive in if you need surgery? Seriously, go elsewhere!!!

This imbecile completely disrespected my elderly mother. He told my mother she might need to use a walker forever. He offered no solution and giggled like a bowl full of jelly as he told jokes to a trainee he had with him. My Mom didn't accept this guys advice and she has undergone two Vertebroplasty procedures and is completely healed! Mr. Papavassiliou marginalized my Mothers importance and his Staff REFUSED to make an appointment for 8 weeks from my Mothers hospital discharge date. She was in agony wearing a prehistoric back brace and they REFUSED to make an appointment. My mother has since found a real surgeon and is now completely healed. She walks 2 to 3 miles per day. If she had listened to this amateur, she would be using a walker!

Thoroughly explained my mother's problem...thanks docter

I was referred to this surgeon by my family who have been patients of his for years. I had high hopes in seeking relief for my severely herniated disc which has taken me away from all physical activity. Let's just say, I was a little sad about the fact I have been unable to workout for 6 months, failed at PT, and sought a solution whether it be surgery or not. What I received was a judgment because I let my tears loose. After the tears began, the evaluation basically stopped and he was no longer able to focus on my herniated disc, but rather smuggly, and ignorantly decided to remind me I was filled with anxiety. As a lifelong high performance and former collegiate athlete, you would expect an injury such as this could cause a little sadness. My family also was saddened to hear this treatment. I left there with no new knowledge, no help, no referrals, nothing but disappointment and confusion over the events that just transpired. It was a waste of a trip, insurance funding and I would… not recommend this surgeon if you are at all emotionally upset about your injury. I went elsewhere and was helped promtly and respectfully. I do not doubt his skill but his professionalism is disappointing. For that reason, I'd recommend choosing another surgeon.

I went through a lot just to see this surgeon. My appointment lasted about a minute. I have had a lot of lower back surgeries, so I "have been around the block" with many different doctors. This doctor read my MRI (neck issue) and said nothing is wrong with me. It's a long story, but 3 other doctors looked at same MRI and recommended seeing this surgeon. I'm afraid having Medicare for insurance didn't help me in this situation. I'm sure this is a skilled surgeon, but I think $$$ mean more to him than his patients. It's a shame really.

Travelled 2 hours to see this doctor. He was highly recommended as a skilled surgeon. When we saw him for help with pain from a surgery 20 years ago, he could not get us out of his office fast enough. When asked specific questions, he skirted the issue and never addressed the question. The impressions we got are 2 fold, 1. There was no way he was getting involved with me as a patient, and 2. Give her what ever she wants, but get her out of here. His attitude baffled me, we wanted answers to questions and concerned dealing with my cervical spine. He all but accused me of being hungry for surgeries, which couldn't be more wrong. I left his office feeling like it was a total waste of time.

The entire staff that I dealt with at Beth Israel Hospital was just great. We travelled from the down east area of Maine several times and they were always accommodating when it came to our appointments. Surgery went very well and Dr.Papavassiliou could not have been more skilled or nicer.

Dr Papavassiliou, performed a L4/L5 discectomy on me 48 hours ago at BIDC. After suffering from a herniated and fragmented disc I was experiencing constant pain down my right leg, loss of strength and feeling in my foot. The morning after the surgery the numbness was completely gone, strength in my foot went from 40% to 85% and the pain in my leg due to the sciatic nerve was also gone. I am so grateful for such an outstanding result and recommend Dr Papavassiliou and his team highly.