has anyone used Dr. Hollinger of Chicago

[madelyn and rynns mom]

One of our daughters is seeing Dr. Lauren Hollinger of Chicago. She needs to have laryngealtracheal reconstructive surgery. Can anyone give us some insight into this procedure and doctor Please???We are very nervous about this! We have been told he is a very good surgeon, but would really like to hear opinions of him and the procedure from the point of view of other families!!!!!

[magnus'mom]

Magnus has been followed by Dr Gerber since birth. He was seen by Dr Hollinger also. Magnus has severe bronchomalacia. Just for kicks, I had a phone consult with Dr. Cotton (whom everyone you talk to on the boards; swears is the best around). Dr Cotton said that they studied under him and are just as good at what they do.
Sooooo.... Childrens' is definately the best place to go. I have horror stories from our suburb hospitals (joliet).

[madelyn and rynns mom]

We're hoping to get her surgery done this summer but is delayed this month because her nissen has to be revised. She throws up just about every other feeding. Thanks for responding, thats reassuring to hear about the doctors.
kris(maddies mom)

[dc-b]

Kris,
Did Maddie throw up before the Nissen, too?
I'm so nervous about my son having a Nissen--I really don't want it, but the doctors insist it's for the best . . .

I've talked to Dr. Holinger a couple times by phone, and I've heard (from the so-called "airway specialist" here at Loma Linda Hospital) that Holinger is one of the two best ENT surgeons in the world. My brother-in-law studied anesthesiology there and saw Holinger perform many tracheal reconstructions. I've also talked to Dr. Backer there and read his studies online. You can see color illustrations of the different types of tracheal reconstructions on Aaron's Tracheostomy Page. I'd provide you with the link, but I'm not sure where it is.

My son Jet had pericardial patch tracheoplasty on 2/1/03 and is still on the vent. I know that the doctors at Chicago Children's would have done it right (a "free tracheal autograft") so that Jet wouldn't still be experiencing collapse of his airway when he cries.

Your child will be in good hands.

[dc-b]

I think this should be the link to see illustrations of tracheal reconstruction (though the rib graft stent is not here . . .)
http://www.tracheostomy.com/surgery/trachealrings.htm

[cwpeichel]

Dr. Backer and Dr. Holinger performed the free tracheal autograft on our son. They are very good, very compassionate doctors.

Cory

[madelyn and rynns mom]

Danielle,

Maddie was born 7-10-01,she had her first nissen fundiplication done while still in the hospital on 12-5-01. She had been spitting up most or at least half of her feedings by then. She had no problems after that as far as reflux was concerned.But still couldn't eat by mouth. Dr. Hollinger found this year though that she also has a submucousal cleft, probably from her numerous reintubations. She just started throwing up again about 3 to 4 months ago. She and her sister had the flu this last December.Very mild for Maddie, very bad for Rynn. We think that when she had that with how much stronger she is now, that she loosened it. She never really pushed hard against it before that. But for that year prior it worked great. We go for the revision on may14 and we're very nervous. But she did fine on her first one and it seemed to bother us more than her so I hope this time is the same!!!!!!
Kris