Dr. William F Lestini

Had a previous cervical fusion then over the years, began experiencing intense pain. Tests showed I needed a second fusion. I was pleased with Dr. Lestini until AFTER my surgery. While still in the hospital, a large lump developed around the incision; my wife even noticed and mentioned it to the doctor. He dismissed it by saying it was normal swelling. The day after I went home, the lump was so large I could barely breathe. Wife took me to the ER where the so-called doctor there contacted Dr. Lestini and after talking a few minutes they both decided it was nothing to be concerned about. Ludicrous, I couldn't swallow or eat. I didn't have this problem after my first fusion (different doctor). The lump continued to grow and my wife took me straight to the clinic an hour away. The doctor and his PA were amazed by the size of the lump and decided I had a very large hematoma. They should have paid attention to it when I mentioned it in the hospital. They said there was nothing they could… do. It was several weeks before it finally started shrinking. He would not write any work restrictions...just told me to do what we had talked about. My boss needed WRITTEN restrictions! I never got them. My wife and I have had numerous surgeries and always had 1 week post op visits, 2 weeks, a month, 3 months, 6 months then yearly. After 3 months, Dr. Lestini released me. I couldn't believe it!!! My wife had a cervical fusion 7 years ago and her surgeon still sees her annually and takes x-rays. I will not go back to Lestini or refer anyone to him.

I would totally recommend Dr Lestini to anyone. I had surgery under him a few years ago, an ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) which another doctor would not even attempt on me. Not only did he attempt it, but it was a total success. I've not had one bit of trouble since my surgery, and am now active and about to finish my last year of nursing school. He was a great surgeon and person, taking the time to call me the night before surgery and saying a prayer with me.

Dr. Lestini changed my life! It was an excellent experience from start to finish and I have recommended him many times. He was there for me before and after my double neck fusion and is the most caring surgeon I have ever dealt with. I was able to return to my life and sports activities thanks to Dr. Lestini and his team.

My experience with Dr. William Lestini was mixed. I was referred to him a couple years ago for my back pain. At first, he came across very professional and knowledgeable. He recommended surgery and I have to say, I did not doubt his recommendation and went forward with the surgery. All my preoperative appointments and interactions with him were all positive and he was very kind. My problems started post operative with Dr. Lestini. I was having a hard time with pain the first day of surgery and told him and I had mentioned how I can handle my pain and whatever I was on just was not working, he then told me I do not have a good pain tolerance. My husband was with me and he also heard him say that. Not a professional response for a surgeon at all and not what a patient wants to hear when they are in pain. Being in the medical field, I asked if he could stop my pain pump and we could try oral pills instead. That was started the next day. When Dr. Lestini checked my surgical site… and dressing, he was very rough. He did not explain things or take time in removing it. I actually spoke to one of the nurses about this. It has been a year since my surgery now, and I could continue to write negative experiences I have had with him. He has certainly lacked professionalism in my postoperative visits and I have been shocked by comments . I have had my pain questioned, told that basically he wasn't sure the proper safe dosage to give me on a medicine I requested to take before I had a test done that he was ordering. He then told me that I was one of only a few people that had problems doing this test etc. Again, a comment like that is not needed. I believe in "tough love" , but this was just rudeness. I wanted to give myself time before I wrote this review to see if my feelings have changed but for other patients out there I feel I needed to go ahead and do this. I have seen so many doctors with my condition and thank goodness this is the only negative experience. I pray he will have more kindness and patience with any more future clients.

Thank you Dr Lestini for allowing God to use you to help others! I had neck fusion surgery with another Dr and he told me that he would not operate on my lower back - that I would have to find someone else. By the time I saw Dr. Lestini, my pain was 10 +++. I had tried everything short of surgery. I was only 50 years of age and walking had become a challenge. As I would talk with others, I continued to hear Dr. Lestini's name. In fact, a physical therapist told a friend of mine that they send all of their patients who have been "messed up" by other surgeons to Dr. Lestini. I was very impressed that Dr Lestini called me himself the night before surgery. This really helped to ease my mind. He also asked if he could pray with us before surgery. I had surgery a year ago and I cannot believe how fantastic I now feel. I am back to walking several miles a day, traveling, working and living life again. Although it took a couple of months to get on his surgery schedule, it was… worth the wait. I feel so good!!

He gave thorough explanations of my condition and answered our questions. He called me personally to answer questions about my procedure. I liked that his faith is demonstrated in the office decor and he gives glory to the Lord through his medical practice.

I was very impress with Dr. Listini.He was very friendly and reall help my problem.

I was calling to see about an initial interview and case reveiw with Dr. Lestini. I didn't even get my name or problem out. The receptionist ask me who my insurance was with. I responded a bit puzzled. She told me they didn't accept that. I told her that my company was changing over to cigna soon. She told me to wait till then. Silence...I said that is funny, I have good insurance that will cover the bill even if I submit it myself. She didn't answer. Then I told her that I already had an appointment with a different Neuro Surgeon, Dr. Robin Keoleveld. They never ask about my insurance. Dr. Keoloveld's assistant only ask for my MRI report that I faxed over, and she scheduled the appointment soon BASED ON MY MEDICAL CASE - I was a patient to them. I also told her I did not like being treated as a bill. She started explaining about insurance. I hung up. They never got any of MY information. How Sad. I was only a bill to them.

After exhausting all other remedies, Dr. Lestini performed spinal fusion and stabilization on me in 2008. I recovered quickly and have been pain-free since.

Dr. Lestini is one of a kind doctor. He tended to my pain and listened to me when others had not. I would recommend him to anyone interested in spinal surgeries.