Re: Amputee's Surgeon Never Heard of Ertl Procedure/What does he do ?/ Dr. Ertl Responds

Re: Amputee's Surgeon Never Heard of Ertl Procedure/What does he do ?/ Dr. Ertl Responds

Tony Barr

1/8/2007

Ertl Procedure by a surgeon who has never heard of the procedure?




Q: From Charles

 

 

I am a 50 year old type 1 diabetic (since age 10) that has had numerous
operations on the right foot over the past 4 to 5 years due to
osteomylitis.All metatarsal joints removed. Numerous infections from
diabetic ulcers etc. All healed though via IV therapy. Now my foot is
somewhat disfigured and has a non healing ulcer to the right side and under
the pad exposing the 4th tarsal bone, My Orthopedic Surgeon anf I have
concluded that it is time for a BKA. In Lieu of a Symes. I have read a
great deal and researched the procedure and the overall prognosis of
amputation with many bad outcomes.Since I do not want to be in this category
I was wondering if your procedure can be performed by my Surgeon who has
never heard of the Ertl method? It seems clearly superior to me from
reading your site and coming across it on many others.

Is this possible or would I have to search for someone trained in the
procedure? Not to mention how to TALK to my surgeon about it! Without
being taken out of context or insulting.He is a great Guy and has fought
alongside me for some years now with this foot . Over 10 surgeries I can
recall but actually more than that.Your technique seems to be a better
outcome for someone like me/We have the BKA scheduled for July 2nd. Although
now I feel I may put this off until I can ascertain what course to take.

Any help would be appreciated greatly


  _____


A: From Dr W Ertl

   

From reading your brief history, the first test that should be done is
determine whether there is sufficient blood flow in your limb to allow for
surgical healing. This the trans-cutaneous oxygen measurments, TcPO2
studies. Also, I would recommend that you undergo an arterial duplex doppler
to make sure there aren't focal arterial lesions in your limb that can be
treated to allow your ulcers to heal without an amputation. In other words,
a complete vascular work-up is needed if it has not been done yet. Once this
is completed and an amputation is indicated, an Ertl osteomyoplastic
amputation can be performed on diabetics with success with proper
pre-operative planning and work-up. It will be up to you and your surgeon to
determine the type of amputation that will be done.

William Ertl,MD

==========================================

We currently have listed most all the surgeons as performing complete Ertl
Procedures, or acceptable variations thereof, as opposed to modified or
partial procedures. The Barr Foundation does have DVDs available that
could be obtained and shared with surgeons in your area for them to review.
Many surgeons, whom were not previously familiar with the Ertl, have
reported that they were efficiently able to perform the procedure upon
reviewing the film beforehand and or while, viewing the DVD in the operating
room.I would also suggest when you present the DVD The Ertl Procedure
:Beyond the Bridge, to your physician, you also download and print the * '
Suggested ' Surgical Reimbursement Codes for performing the Ertl, available
of ErtlReconstruction.com (* billing codes may vary)

The American Health Front trailer video, also available on
ErtlReconstruction.com is a 2 minute long summary of the procedure that you
and he can watch together with you.Most all of the 30 surgeons currently
listed, including the Ertls, would be happy to discuss any questions and
issues that your physician may have , after they review the Ertl DVD. New
surgeons are being added to the Ertl Surgeon link every day.

Thank you for your submission and please check on all your options before
your decision is made..

Anthony T. Barr
President
Barr Foundation
www.oandp.com/barr
www.ErtlReconstruction.com < <URL Redacted>>





 


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