Dr. Frank David Barranco, MD

Frank David Barranco, MD, was the lead surgeon for my wife’s brain surgery at Barrow Neurological Institute. Before the procedure, we were only informed of a 4-7% chance of complications and the possibility of an extended rehab stay. What we were never told was that the surgery could leave her in a coma, completely dependent on others for survival—unable to walk, eat, or even breathe on her own. These were not risks we were given the opportunity to consent to. Had we known the full extent of what could happen, we would have sought multiple opinions to make the most informed decision possible for her care. My wife, Leilanie, is in her 40s, a devoted wife, and a loving mother to our four children, all under the age of 12. Before this surgery, she was active, engaged, and present in their lives. Now, because of the failures in her post-surgical care, my children are growing up without the care of their mother. They live in constant fear that she might choke to death on her own saliva… because she can no longer clear it herself. Instead of playing with their mother, they watch as I have to suction her airway daily just to keep her alive. After surgery, an infarct was identified but dismissed as ‘insignificant.’ Shockingly, at no point during her 20+ days in the neuro critical care and intensive care units at Barrow was a single follow-up MRI performed. No structured approach was taken to ensure imaging was done to assess the full extent of her condition. Instead, she was later transferred over 300 miles from Arizona to Nevada without an MRI—and without any transition of care orders emphasizing the need for continuous imaging. When complications persisted, Frank David Barranco, MD, did not take the initiative to contact doctors at the rehabilitation facility to ensure proper follow-up care. Instead, he left it to me, a non-medical professional, to coordinate the order for an MRI. In my opinion, this was a complete abandonment of responsibility. To make matters worse, Frank David Barranco, MD, never once mentioned retirement during his time overseeing my wife’s care. Yet, immediately after I sent my demand letter to Barrow, he abruptly retired—just after being named a 2025 Top Doctor. If he was planning to retire, we should have been informed so we could have made an informed decision about whether to proceed with him as the surgeon. While I cannot say for certain why he chose to retire when he did, the timing raises serious questions. Meanwhile, four months have passed, and neither Frank David Barranco, MD, Barrow, St. Joseph’s, nor Dignity Health have reached out to check on my wife, offer medical guidance, or assign a liaison to facilitate her care. Their silence has forced us to blindly guess how to manage her complex medical needs, increasing her risk of complications and delaying her recovery. A hospital’s duty to a patient does not end when they leave its doors—especially when the injuries were caused under its care. Would you—or if your loved one was involved—want answers? Wouldn’t you want to know everything before making a life-altering decision? Wouldn’t you expect a surgeon to order an MRI of your or your loved one’s brain after major surgery and a documented infarct? In my view, providing the basic standard of care could have dictated a different outcome. Instead, we are left suffering. My children are forced to grow up with a mother who cannot care for them, and every single day, I live with the fear that she might not survive. I have filed a lawsuit to hold them accountable, not just for their failures but for their refusal to take responsibility. Their silence is not just unethical—it is dangerous. Patients and their families deserve full disclosure, proper follow-up care, and the dignity of acknowledgment when things go wrong!

Dr. Barranco and his staff are very top notch and I was taken care of very well.

It has been 18 years since my brain surgery, but I still remember the wonderful care I received from Dr. Barranco before, during, and after my surgery. From the pits of despair to a life full of happy moments, all because of the skill of this wonderful doctor. . .Thank you!

After being in severe back and leg pain for 3 months, Dr. Barranco, diagnosed and fixed the problem within a week. There was immediate relief and have had to slow myself down after the surgery to give my body time to heal. He never seemed hurried to get out of the room to go to the next patient. All of my questions were more than answered. I rated 3 stars for ease of appointment only because it took one month to get one, but that was a month sooner than anyone else. I'd give 3 1/2, but the survey won't let me do that. Stephanie is also a caring and efficient worker in his office. She's so caring and helpful. I would highly recommend Dr. Barranco to anyone who requires specialized back surgery.

was diagnosed with tumor behind my eye and he operated on me and you cannot really see my scar from a craniotomy, he spent as much time as needed w/ my family and i,and his assistant, Beth Anne was fabulous also. I wish I had more doctors that took the care and concern as he does, it would limit my fear and stress so much! He doensnt take his position as a "job" like docs nowdays.

He was the best surgeon I could have gone to for my back surgery. I would recommend this surgeon to everyone who requires specialized back surgery.