Dr. H. Matt El-Kadi

Dr. H. Matt El-Kadi

Doctor

Location:
Pittsburgh, PA
Gender: Male
Specialty:Neurosurgeon
Website: spinedisease.com External Link
Practice: Tri-State Nerolosurgical Associates-Upmc
Hospital: Upmc South Side
UPMC PASSAVANT
Phone:877-635-5234
Med. School:Second Moscow State Pirogov Medical Institute
Grad. Year: 1983
Answers Email:
Online Appt. Scheduling:
Accepting New Patients:Yes

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (5 is best), based on 42 reviews. smile

Neurosurgeon-related: nervous system, cervical and lumbar spine problems, brain tumors, neurovascular problems, peripheral nerve problems, neurological surgery, brain and spinal cord tumors, skull-base surgery, brachytherapy, aneurysm surgery, epilepsy surgery, neurological surgery
The following ratings and comments have not been substantiated by RateMDs.com.
  • Save
Date Staff Punctual Helpful Knowledge Comments
RID: 2618313
4/16/13 5 5 5 5 After suffering for many years with sciatic back pain and four operations later, my husband went to Dr. El-Kadi. He is now pain free. 
Insurance: Medicare
Respond
RID: 2578134
3/6/13 5 5 5 5 Dr. ElKadi as well as his PA's, nurses and hospital were top notch. I couldn't ask for anything better. I had extensive back surgery - a four disc fusion to include numerous other adjustments that ended with a titium cage, rods and screws. Six months later I feel great. Numbness in my legs has subsided and the crippling lightning bolts down my leg has not returned. Sure I'm not 100%, but it's only been a half year of recovery. I would recommend Dr. ElKadi to anyone, you will not regret it. Also I might note he does not take surgery lightly. When it's needed it's done and not before. Dr. ElKadi is a 10+ in my book along with his entire staff and care facility! 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 2559560
2/14/13 5 5 5 5 I had neck pain for years but after a car accident the pain was much worse with numbness in left arm down to l thumb. Dr Ek-kadi assured me he could help and scheduled me for surgery immediately. In the recovery room my numbness was completely gone!! Recovery was great and ny neck is 100 percent better. God Bless this Dr. I think he is wonderful !!The hospital stay was great too.  Respond
7/12/12 Pittsburgh Magazine - Best Doctors of 2012 - http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Pittsburgh-Magazin...  Respond
RID: 2302190
6/29/12 5 5 5 5 I had a microdiscectomy l4- l5 June 12, 2012 performed by Dr. El-Kadi. Before surgery due to sciatica i could not sit for 3 weeks, and had pain for 2 months. I always feared having surgery as this was my first. He told me he would take care of me. When I met Dr. El-Kadi, I knew I could trust him. I know he is a very busy man, but considering my pain he operated on me within a week of my appointment. When I woke up in the recovery room I smiled right away because my pain i was suffering from was gone. I was able to walk 3 miles a day post-op, and I can play with my 2 year old again. I can't begin to express how appreciative I am. Everyone I know is amazed with my progress. I have read from some comments that he doesn't spend enough time with his patients, but you must understand he is trying to help everybody he can. Thank you so much Dr. El-Kadi for helping me I will forever be grateful. Jon - PA 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 2133925
5/12/12 5 5 5 5 When 33 (now 69) I hurt my back caring for our special needs child. Over the yrs it continued to get worse. Finally went to a neurosurgeon in Erie and he told me I was fat, to go home and loose weight. That cannot be done with a back that hurts all the time. 25 yrs later went to an orthopedic surgeon and he put X-Stop Spacers in my Lumbar. Worked for 2 1/2 yrs. Chiropractor suggested Dr. El-kadi. Saw him on 1-19-12 and had a Lumbar Laminectomy & Fusion on 2-13-12. I have done everything he & the physical therapist have told me and my back is doing wonderfully, NO more Pain!! It is such a wonderful feeling! There are not enough good words in the English language to describle Dr. El-Kai. At times I even felt he was feeling my pain with me. He has a staff just a wonderful as he is. They, along with him, are caring, helpful, have empathy, are only a call away, and not only do they listen- they hear what you are saying. My one and only recommendation for a Neurosurgeon is Dr.El-Kadi!!  Respond
RID: 2012454
4/12/12 5 5 5 5 16 days ago I had excruciating leg pains due to a herniated disc. I went to Dr. El-Kadi and after surgery and 16 days the pain and stitches are gone. A first rate doctor and staff. 
Insurance: United Healthcare
Respond
RID: 1863754
4/7/12 5 5 4 5 I went to see Dr. El-Kadi for a second opinion for a c5-6, c6-7 fusion after seeing an orhtopaedic surgeon initially. The orthopod told me that i would have problems swallowing for possibly a year because i have asthma and reflux and that didn't sound right to me. Dr. El-Kadi first sent me to an ENT specialist due to having a vocal cord nodule in 1991 which i thought was excellent advice. My surgery was on March 30th and it is now April 7th. I had minimal pain after surgery and only a sore throat for about 3 days. Dr. El-Kadi is an excellent surgeon and one of the best. The numbness in my arm and some pain hasn't gone away yet, but Dr. El-Kadi explained that it is going to take time for the nerve to heal. I had really bad nerve compression and symptoms for over a year. His staff are excellent, courteous and always available. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. El-Kadi to anyone with spinal issues. 
Insurance: UPMC
Respond
RID: 1709444
2/9/12 5 5 5 5 I am a 20 year old female, who has been extremely active my entire life, including running collegiate track/field and cross country. I began experiencing back pain 2 yrs ago, and 3 months before surgery which was Dec. 29 2011 I could barely move. Legs numb/tingling, excruciating leg and back pain I could barely walk or move. I spent my days laying in bed. When I finally went to see doctor El-Kadi, I knew that he would help me get my life back. And he did. He and his staff were very welcoming and helpful, providing information packets pre-surgery. I was terrified of surgery since I had never had anything wrong with me before, not even a sprain or broken bone. They helped me out a lot and the surgery went very well. Dr. El-Kadi performed a lumbar laminectomy, a minimally invasive spinal fusion, on my L4-L5 and L5-S1, with bone grafts from a bone bank. It's only been a month since surgery but I feel amazing. My pain is 100% gone. He truly is an exceptionally talented surgeon! 
Insurance: UPMC
Respond
RID: 1677432
1/5/12 5 5 5 5 November 7th, 2011 I had back surgery by Dr El-Kadi. The staff and doctor were very professional, knowledgeable and helpful during surgery and also with paperwork for my employment ets. I feel 150 % better than before surgery, no hip, leg pain or numbness  Respond
RID: 1671197
12/28/11 5 5 5 5 Prior 3 level ACDF by MD. rated previously MD GREAT surgeon but did not explain post-op symptoms. I went for follow up at his recommendation. He reads these reviews and mentioned same. Today Dr did explain to me much of what my prior concerns were and asked me to edit my review. I would not have driven 125 miles one way in the snow and ice (250 miles total) if I did not value Dr. El-Kadi's opinion. Reason for appointment, nurse call to me mentioning more possible surgery. I do know Dr El-Kadi is a busy man. I am going to make a suggestion, perhaps if the common complaints could be addressed without referring to him? I did not know for instance that my non affected hand would be numb after surgery or that it would resolve. If I had experience such as I have now I would not have had anxiety. I didn't think about surgery=swelling surgical side could cause this. Now if all this neck pain would resolve I would call Dr El-Kadi a saint, but he is human. I trust(ed) him him with my life 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1663317
12/16/11 5 5 5 5 extremely satisfied with doctor and staff. lumbar mocrodisdretomy surgery was a success. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1518314
8/21/11 5 5 5 5 50 yr old female, athletic. Tried all non-surgical routes to try to end nerve pain down right leg. Pain was so severe I was crawling from my bedroom to bathroom. Couldn't work. Debilitated. Saw Dr. El-Kadi on recommendation of friend and had rods, screws, fusion, bone graft the whole works L4, L5, S1. Less than two months later I am back to physical work, swim 25 laps 3x weekly, walk 10 miles weekly. NO PAIN. I am grateful for Dr. El-Kadi's expertise. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1516477
8/18/11 5 5 5 5 I could not be more thankful for Dr.El-Kadi and his staff. I (at 42) had never had surgery before. I was scared, but the almost 2 years of pain outweighed the fear. I went to Monroeville for my appt. Dr. El-Kadi told me he could fix me and I believed him. I had my Surgery on Aug.5 and yes there is some pain involved which the wonderful staff at Passavant helps you control. I had 2 rods,6 screws, and a "cage" fused in somehow. And today Aug.18 I had my staples removed and I can start therapy next week. I am very greatful for Dr. El-Kadi and his staff. I also know 2 people at work who have been to him and are extremely satisfied. I would highly recommend Dr.El-Kadi to anyone who is ready for a new life without pain. Thank you Dr.El-Kadi !! Lisa, Johnstown,Pa 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1462322
6/11/11 5 5 5 5 I suffered many of years with spinal stenosis I felt comfortable with the decision to have surgery. It was the best thing I could of done. Dr. ElKadi was sent from god I am 4 week post op. This is the first time in years I haven't fallen and I finally got feeling in my feet.I wore hunting socks all year round. I haven't had socks on since my surgery.I would recommend Dr.ElKadi to anyone. There is not enough words to thank him. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1458739
6/7/11 5 5 5 5 I am so pleased with my outcome. I feel like I have my life back thank to Dr. El-Kadi. He has a wonderful staff also. 
Insurance: Coventry
Respond
RID: 1458431
6/6/11 5 5 5 5 Dr. and his team are excellent had a similar surgery in 2000 from another Dr and still had a lot of pain this time I feel fantastic they covered all aspects and kept me informed same team he hAS IN OFFICE IS THE TEAM YOU SEE IN THE RECOVERY PROCESS 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1445348
5/19/11 5 5 5 5 I went to see Dr. El-Kadi for my neck. I was in severe pain and frightened that I might have to have surgery. When I saw Dr. El-Kadi, he showed me my MRI and explained why I was having the pain. It was refreshing to have him explain my symptoms and show me on the film the reason for them. Then he surprised me by telling me that he could first try to treat me without surgery. That was 3 months ago, and I am still pain-free! I am back to my regular activities, including exercise. When I went for a follow up visit, he reassured me to call if my pain returned. He was sincere, and he helped me without surgery! 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1440015
5/13/11 5 5 5 5 Overall I feel Dr. El-Kadi is a phenomenal surgeon, and his staff is VERY friendly and knowlegdeable! No compliants here! 
Insurance: UPMC
Respond
RID: 1421172
4/20/11 5 2 2 5 Dr.El-Kadi performed a cervical fushion on me(c4-c7) in 2005 with fairly good results, i needed a microdisectomy at L3-L4 in aug. of 10, Dr el-kadi performed, for ten weeks after surg. and after returning to work, my pain was worse than it was before surg. returned to Dr. el-kadi with fresh MRI, he looked at films for 3 seconds and not even looking at me proceeded to walk out of room, saying nothing he could do for me surgicaly and to go back to pain mgmt. I went to pain Dr. for epidural with no good results, pain Dr. sent me for C-Scan and found complete collapse at L3-L4 and disc completely gone at L5-S1 which in turn gave me that bone on bone grinding when i made certain moves. In March of 11 I had a fushion done (different dr.) at L3- S1 3 rods and 10 screws. I shall never go back to El-kadi, he doesnt have time to talk to his patients, after my august 2010 microdisectomy he didnt even come out to talk to my wife after surg. he called her on the phone. 
Insurance: UPMC
Respond
RID: 1376622
3/2/11 5 5 5 5 My highly successful lumbar luminectomy and fusion (sp?)may have some impact on my rating, but I think they are all wonderful! The attitude of the office and hospital staff was always friendly and helpful. Dr. El-Kadi was friendly and concerned and above all, willing to answer questions and concerns my husband and I expressed. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1352627
2/2/11 5 5 5 5 I am a 45 yr old man and have been dealing with my back issues for 10 yrs, On JANUARY 24 2011 DR EL-Kadi had done a spinal fusion on my lumbar spine with rods and screws and new bone from the bone bank, and today febuary 2 2011 I am up and walking and other than bein sore from surgery i feel great. he is very confident and has a great bedside manner i cant be any happier with the results. my hospitial stay was like being in a hotel room i had a private room that was huge and all the care and meds i needed, the best part is if you ever had surgery and remember going in the or well you wont with him It was awesome I went into pre op the got me ready the nurse gave me something to relax and the next thing i knew i was in recovery room cool as heck never seen the crepy or room. do yourself a favor if you need this done go see dr el-kadi you wont regret it. 
Insurance: UPMC
Respond
RID: 1329715
1/6/11 5 5 5 5 100% pleased with Dr. ElKadi and his entire staff. Highly recommend this Dr for any spinal column issues. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1318139
12/20/10 5 5 5 5 Dr ElKadi was a great surgeon who relived me of pain and numbmess due to herniated discs in my cervical spine. I have had a 100% turnaround in my health. He and his staff including nurses & PA's were very good and informative. I am confident that if I know anyone who is having back problems that I would recommend Dr ElKadi. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1315806
12/16/10 5 5 5 5 Very pleased he did Multi-level surgery on neck now pain free.Only Dr. I know that still has Saturday appointments.Between the Dr and his staff I knew everything to expect.No long waits in this Dr.s office. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1283546
11/1/10 5 5 5 5 My quality of life was given back to me after my surgeries with Dr. El-Kadi. I had a Lumbar Laminectomy in 2005 that left me pain free the same day. My most recent surgery Aug. 2010 was an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. I am pain free and back to doing my daily tasks. I have great respect for Dr. El-Kadi. 
Insurance: Medicare
Respond
RID: 1276709
10/21/10 1 4 1 4 Surgery was well. A lot of talk of patient care after but reality is the care after couldn't be worse. They give pain meds that don't work and refuse to help after that. For after care I would not recomend. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1250145
9/14/10 5 4 5 5 Very skilled at correcting my severe neck problems. Excellent service and support, including hospital. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
See Responses
RID: 1230573
8/17/10 5 4 5 5 I would recommend this doctor to everyone!! Haven't heard nothing bad on him. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1219074
7/30/10 5 5 5 5 What Dr. El-Kadi did for me was a dream come true. For seven yrs I have had no feeling from my knees down. In the past I only would wear shoes on a need to basis but in the past 7 yrs I had to, to walk on carpet felt like I was walking on glass, and since Jan.,2010 it looked iffy if I was able to have Dr. El-Kadi as my doctor. My PCP was unable to schedule for me becuz his employer St. Vincents wanted me to go to the neurologists first keeping money here. I knew I wanted Dr. El-Kadi since my brother saw and was operated on some 3 yrs. ago. It was my chiro that got me an appt. in six days and eleven days I had surgery. I'm a single mom whose husband walked out after 22yrs of marriage, with no definite reason, living off of $967 a month from a different injury work related,nursing, soldiers and sailors home, for almost 11yrs. Spending $600 a month on drs. and physical therapy appts. But thank god i was pointed in the right direction. Dr. El-Kadi gave me a reason to wake up each day J 
Insurance: UPMC
See Responses
RID: 1197345
6/27/10 5 5 5 5 This was my first surgery with general anesthetic. Dr. El-Kadi and his staff made me feel very comfortable and reassuring. He explained in great detail what he would be doing. In addition, I was given a folder that had everything in it that he had just gone over with me. That was extremely helpful for me because I could not remember everything he had told me. It included a detailed proceedure to follow leading up to the surgery that was very valuable in assuring that everything ran smoothly. The day after my surgery, Dr. El-Kadi discharged me and a Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist went over a number of things to do and not to do. Again, I received a detailed instruction sheet to enable me to remember these things. At my post-op appointment, considering the work I do, he gave me a prescription for my employers telling them how long my recovery would take. He had a prescription for Physical Therapy. I am so thankful that I was referred to such a fine surgeon. 
Insurance: UPMC
See Responses
RID: 1185308
6/8/10 5 5 5 5 THE SURGERY THE DOCTOR PERFORMED ON MY BACK MADE MY LIFE WORTH LIVING AGAIN, HE IS THE GREATEST 
Insurance: Medicaid / Medi-Cal
Respond
RID: 1182924
6/4/10 5 5 5 5 Dr. El-Kadi is a wonderful surgeon; He performed a pedicle screw fixation and interbody fusion on me last year and I have finally got my life back. After trying every conservative route he very thoroughly explained the procedure with me along with his wonderful staff. I am suprised by the one negative comment that I have read on this rating about Dr. El-Kadi considering myself along with many others think he is truly amazing!  Respond
RID: 1181433
6/2/10 5 5 1 2 He saw me for less than a minute. Sends me for an MRI and referred me to another doctor. Also, you can't understand what he is say because of his accent. STAY AWAY! 
Insurance: UPMC
Respond
RID: 1150236
4/15/10 5 5 5 5 very good surgeon and person very friendly the staff is very informative would recommend this practice to anyone 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1114460
2/24/10 1 1 1 1 At first I believed that the best possible outcome had been acheived,however once I saw 3 other "CHIEF NEURSGNS" I realized that the wrong surgery had been preformed,and my nerves at the foramen were trapped under the fusion appliance he had implanted.Three neursgns said i should of had a intrabody fusion not the flexible fusion i recieved, El-Kadi made my condition much worse,and if i hadnt gotten other opinions i would still believe that was the best possible outcome. The reason he didnt do the intrabody fusion is because he isnt able to.Its above his pay grade,but instead of doing the HONEST thing and sending me to have the correct surgery he decided (intentionaly OR NOT) to ruin my life for 3 years. PLEASE GET AWAY FROM THIS DR. AS FAST AS YOU CAN.IM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS LEFT HIS TABLE WORSE OFF. HES A HIGHLY EDUCATED SNAKE OIL SALESMAN,WHO MIGHT ACTUALY BELIEVE HIS OWN ****. The only species that should exper. his brand of med. are lab rats,or maybe thats what i was to 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Paid/Co-pay: $180000
See Responses
RID: 1093932
1/31/10 5 5 5 5 A very caring human being in addition to being a highly knowledgable neurosurgeon. Very satisfied with all the care. Highly recommend to others. Excellent staff who are also effecient, knowledgable and caring. A slight problem occurred post surgery while in the recovery room and Dr. El-Kadi (who was driving home), turned around to check me himself and not just give orders to the staff. Testing was done and all was well soon , but how caring of him at 9:30 p.m.! 
Insurance: Medicare
Respond
RID: 1082660
1/18/10 5 5 5 5 I had been having pain in my right leg and both calves for a couple months. The pain was getting worse as the time went on. Dr. El-Kadi informed me I had two separate problems but told me he could take care of both with one surgery. Three weeks later I had my surgery, I was amazed that I went from extreme pain the night before surgery to absolutely no pain from the recovery room to now, a month later. Dr. El-Kadi not only fixed the problems the MRI showed but found another one when he opened me up and fixed it as well. I have nothing but good to say and have already recommended him to some of my family and friends. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 1040120
11/21/09 5 5 5 5 I am 38 years old and needed a lumbar laminectomy fusion. Dr. El-kadi ask me one question "What do you want from this operation?" I told him my life back. Dr. Matt El-Kadi gave me more than I could ever ask for. I am playing with my children again. I can play catch with a 12 and 9 year old!!! I could hardly walk into the hospital the day of the operation. When they took me upstairs I walked to my bed with zero pain. Hours after the operation I could walk with my feet straight ahead of me instead of off to the sides. If you are in pain don't wait as long as I did. Go see Dr. El-Kadi he WILL help you.  Respond
RID: 933042
7/9/09 5 5 5 5 I was apprehensive when my family Doctor said I needed to see a Neurosurgeon. I saw Dr. El-Kadi and since I didnt have any conservative treatment, he sent me for physical therapy first and I feel GREAT!! He was wonderful and explained everything thouroughly. He also said if my pain returned, I could get another appointment to see him right away! I had a very pleasant experience all around at Dr. El-Kadi's office in Wexford, PA. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 919145
6/22/09 5 5 5 5 My Husband had a Level 4 fusion -c3 thru c7 with 4 bone grafts on 6-1-09. Before surgery-he had constant pain all thru his body. He took at least 3 pain pills a day and arthritis med. He had numbness in his left arm and could only relieve it by turning his head to the side. He could hardly walk into the hospital when he went in for the surgery. All the pain went away the day after surgery. Since that time, the only pain he has had involves his lower back which will require more surgery at a later time. He has taken no arthritis medicine since 10 days before his surgery and very little pain medicine. He has doctored for hypertension for 30+ years. Since the surgery, his blood pressure has dropped 20-30 points. He is 69 years old and had back surgery 40 years ago. His recovery has been amazing. Most restrictions have been removed and he starts physical therapy 6-24-09. As far as we are concerned, Dr. El-Kadi performed a miracle when he did this surgery. 
Insurance: Medicare
Respond
RID: 766684
1/17/09 4 4 5 5 I had Lumbar spinal fusion surgery in December of 2007. Dr.El-Kadi has proven to be the best surgeon I could have possibly hoped for.The man is simpley a God send.Dont trust your spine to anyone other than the best. 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
RID: 497967
1/28/08 3 3 2 5 i had neck surgery in 2005 and it when very well I have no problems 
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Respond
* - Rating left by a registered user