UCSD (Friedman) vs Mt Sinai (Bederson) vs NYU (Golfinos)

[jessli88]

Hi,

I'm 37 years old, 4 cm AN, just gave birth 4/29/25 - lots going on! I'm deciding between UCSD (Dr Friedman) vs Mt Sinai (Dr Bederson) vs NYU (Dr Golfinos) - thoughts / recommendations? Trying to assess who would give me the greatest chance at the smoother / fastest recovery, and smallest risk of facial muscle weakness. The latter two recommend the retrosigmoid approach while Friedman recommends trans lab. Can't decide, they all seem great. Wish I could have them all operate on me

Thanks,
Jess

[sjdicapua]

I know this is an old post but who did you decide to go with?

[Bufoeal]

Hi,

I'm 37 years old, 4 cm AN, just gave birth 4/29/25 - lots going on! I'm deciding between UCSD (Dr Friedman) vs Mt Sinai (Dr Bederson) vs NYU (Dr Golfinos) - thoughts / recommendations? Trying to assess who would give me the greatest chance at the smoother / fastest recovery, and smallest risk of facial muscle weakness. The latter two recommend the retrosigmoid approach while Friedman recommends 5 letter words trans lab. Can't decide, they all seem great. Wish I could have them all operate on me

Thanks,
Jess

All three surgeons have excellent reputations, so you're in a fortunate position. Since facial nerve preservation and recovery are your biggest concerns, I'd ask each of them about their personal outcomes for tumors around 4 cm, including facial nerve function rates and average recovery timelines, as those numbers may be more helpful than comparing the surgical approaches alone.

[v357139]

Yes they are three great names.  I went with Schwartz and Slattery.  If Schwartz is the neurosurgeon with Friedman, that is a huge plus.  I had a great result with Schwartz.  As another way to decide, you might also consider pros and cons for retro vs translab.  Their complication rates are not exactly the same.  Since these usually are two man surgeries, you might also inquire who the other doctor is for each of these.  Let us know if you need more info.