I wish I had known before I wasted so much time with him. Research your doctors prior to scheduling a surgery

Submitted Nov. 5, 2019

Self-verified patient of Dr. Louis G Jenis - Posted on March 5th, 2018
Here is a summary of my experience with Dr. Jenis. He performed a minimally invasive XLIF surgery on 3 levels L3, L4, L5 in 2009. I went in healthy and active. I emerged with a permanent foot paralysis (foot drop) and intractable neural damage. I sued Dr. Jenis. My case was approved at tribunal stage. He was deposed. A trial was scheduled. However, my case was dropped by my lawyer two weeks before trial (another story). Dr. Jenis failed to inform me of his financial ties and interests with medical device manufacturers. I never had "informed consent." I found out later from the web site, DollarsforDocs, that he received $200,000 in licensing and royalty fees from NuVasive and Stryker, the two companies that manufactured the devices he implanted in my back. He never informed me that three representatives from these two companies would be present in the operating room. He never informed me that the medical literature on XLIF stated that, “Even a cursory look at the XLIF data demonstrated the greater danger posed to neural tissue by this newest addition to back surgery. Clearly, the MIS (minimally invasive) XLIF approach inherently places major neurological structures at risk, and the multiple studies developed to limit these risks have not succeeded.” The day after my operation I learned that I had a permanent foot paralysis (foot drop) and severe and intractable leg pain. A CAT scan on day 3 read, "there is a XLIF interbody fusion device on the left side of the disk space with position also somewhat relatively posterior and is resulting in narrowing of the subjacent exit neural foramen." I was never told about the CAT scan findings until after a 2nd revision surgery. In his revision surgery he did not remove the malpostioned cage. I had to undergo a third surgery by Dr. Lapinsky to address the nerve compression caused by this posteriorly placed cage. I only lost my case because my malpractice attorney, Gorovitz and Borten, fabricated expected expert testimony from Dr. Brantigan. I contacted Dr. Brantigan. He said he never saw my case and never wrote any expected testimony. He never signed any documents. Beware of Dr.'s with financial ties to medical device companies who put their financial interests above those of the patient. Beware of company representatives in the operating room. Read the medical literature before agreeing to any new type of operation. Beware of malpractice lawyers and make sure they get signatures from any "expert witnesses.” Personally, I found Dr. Jenis dishonest, uncaring, and unwilling to acknowledge his mistakes. In short, he put his financial interests above those of his patient.

Submitted March 7, 2018

Not the best experience. Dull personality and didn't communicate effectively

Submitted Feb. 6, 2018

He saved my life!
He not only is a brilliant surgeon, he is a mensch!

Submitted Feb. 18, 2015

Dr. Jenis is wonderful. He really listened to me and laid out a plan to fix my back.

Submitted Aug. 29, 2013

At first he was pleasant, but once problems occurred post operation he was very dismissive. When explained the problems, he walk away from me saying there's nothing wrong with you! As explained by Jenis - I was a perfect candidate for fusion. Non smoker, not a big drinker and fairly good shape at the age of 50. He would not even see me after complaining. Now three surgeons have told me my fusion never took after he said everything was fine. A cover up for sure. Now one surgeon told me a SCREW is missing and my L5 was just flopping around. I was told this type situation manifested early enough for Jenis to see while in his care! Does that tell you something?

Submitted Feb. 18, 2011

After a long history with L4/L5 pain and sciatica, I tried everything - physical therapy, chiropractors, acupuncture, and cortisone shots. NOTHING worked. Dr. Jenis, worked with me through a very intense spinal program and after exhausting all options, helped me reach the decision to go for spinal fusion surgery Jan 2007. It was last resort and not once did he ever try to pressure me into it. As scared as I was it was the best thing I could have ever done, as I am now 98% pain free and have very little restrictions on any activity I wish to do. I am living a very normal life and it is due to the knowledge, caring attitude and commitment from Dr; Jenis, his staff and all of NE Baptist Hospital. I would not hesitate to recommend him, and will definitely see him again if I need to.

Submitted July 26, 2010

Dr. J. did L4/S1 fusion on me 1/06. Sustained permanent nerve damage. Had horrible pain. He did not believe me, had to be referred to pain clinic for verification and treatment. Have cauda equina syndrome now, plus chronic neuropathic pain and residual back pain. Lost sexual feeling and function. He told me repeatedly "You will be fine". Poorly documented my issues afraid of lawsuit? I am RN know crap documentation when I see it. Showed NO compassion for me at all. I think I irritated him because I was in such distress. Complained when I would not leave the exam room because of my questions; told me he didn't set aside that kind of time. I consistenetly waited for him well over an hour for each visit. I believe he knows but covered up whatever happened in OR. He's very nice when you first meet him, FYI. I lost career, sexual satisfaction, have altered sensation foot to rear, left ankle swells, foot purple blue at times. Hope he reads this.

Submitted Aug. 10, 2009

I was referred to the doctor for severe neck pain and was very disappointed. Dr Jenis told me not only could that he could not be any help to me, but also that I had very minimal spinal stenosis and that it would not be the cause of my pain. The original MRI I recieved said I had moderate/severe stenosis and afer receiving THREE opinions from the top neurosurgeons of the University of Virginia they all concluded that I DO have spinal stenosis and will be needing a decompression surgery. Maybe Dr. Jenis is a good surgeon but in my case, he definitley let me down.

Submitted Nov. 12, 2008

Dr Jenis performed surgery on me in 1999 and 2004 on two different discs. both operations were successful i returned to work full duty with in three months of the first surgery. i am not able to return to full unrestricted duty due to my second injury however i am able to enjoy a very high quality of life. i recommend Dr Jenis to any one who needs care for a back injury.

Submitted March 26, 2008