Doctor Kalfas did lumbar fusion on me six weeks ago. all the pain I had in legs is now gone. The neuropathy in my legs is almost gone. Now I only have to fuse and that can take a year. But so far I am a much happier and pain free person. Thank you Doctor Kalfas. His nurse Mary Beth is also top notch.

Submitted Nov. 29, 2022

Dr Kalfas has performed two very successful spine surgeries for me. After 18 months of dragging my right leg while waiting for surgery in Canada ( a two year waiting list ). Dr Kalfas performed a minimally invasive hemi-laminotomy and cyst removal on June 6/18. Immediately following surgery I was able to walk and had tea in the adjacent hotel restaurant. My recovery was uneventful. Then I developed a mobility in my lumbar 4/5 vertebrae because of my pre-existing degenerative spine condition and Dr Kalfas performed a lumbar 4/5 stabilization/fusion procedure Sept11/19. That was a more invasive procedure and required three day postoperative hospital stay which went uneventfully. I was driven home ( a four and one half hour drive ) in a semi-reclined position that was comfortable. Upon arriving home the neighbors who greeted me could not believe that I had had a surgery done. I did not need to take any pain medication and the prescribed muscle relaxant medication worked wonderfully. The most exciting and, for me, unexpected result was that Dr Kalfas's surgery had corrected my lumbar scoliosis and stabilized my core. Amazing! My recovery has been pleasant and rewarding. Dr Kalfas is that rare combination of a superbly skilled surgeon with excellent people skills. His team is superb in all respects. Bless you Dr Kalfas and team. Tracey Prentice

Submitted Nov. 13, 2019

Dr. Kalfas took it upon himself to do a full laminectomy versus a partial laminectomy as discussed prior to my lumbar surgery. Now thanks to Dr. Kalfas I am in more pain than ever before with more disc problems. Dr. Kalfas removed the vertebrae stability. Six weeks post-op when I told Dr. Kalfas of my continued pain he stated to me "I guess you won't pain free" and referred me to the pain clinic. I would not refer my worst enemy to Dr. Kalfas.

Submitted Oct. 30, 2018

I'm a retired tour professional golfer, and was involved in a major auto accident many years ago which occurred down in the Southeastern US. Not only did I think my career was over in a flash, but I was nearly convinced that I'd never have full use of the left side of my body due to multiple ruptured cervical disks. I expected to be in the hospital recovering for a lengthy time after surgery, and was shocked that Dr. Kalfas was able to do it outpatient, and also received amazingly unexpected results in what he said at the time was an absolute miracle and he was amazed at the speed and quality of my recovery, and I went from probably never playing golf for a living again, to maybe taking about 18 months off, to swinging a club pain free within about 14 weeks! This brilliantly talented Neurosurgeon is a gift from God, and I wouldn't be where I'm at financially, professionally, or personally without the man that I consider the TOP NEUROSURGEON IN THE WORLD!!!
Thank you Dr. Kalfas for all that you've done for me and my family and loved ones!

Submitted Feb. 16, 2017

I have had four back surgeries, two of them done at Cleveland Clinic and would also not have anyone other than Dr. Kalfas operate on my back. Superb care.

Submitted Oct. 5, 2014

I wouldn't let anyone other than Dr Kalfas come anywhere near my back... I have had 3 disks rupture, have had 3 surgeries, and have 100% recovered from all 3... Dr Kalfas is the best!!

Submitted Aug. 9, 2011

I thought the Cleveland Clinic was supposed to be a really great place to go to get help, but I was very hurt and disappointed when I saw this doctor, he just seemed to me very uninterested in me altogether and seemed to be upset with me for asking too many specific questions. His nurse and secretary were what I would call very rude and curt, too. They just kind of had the attitude of "nothing is wrong with you so go away". However, his assistant or "understudy" was one of the nicest doctors I have ever met.

Submitted May 2, 2006