Amazing skilled Surgeon. My initial visit, I knew I wanted Dr. Yu to do my surgery.

Submitted March 18, 2022

I went to Dr. Yu to get a second opinion about having four fibroid tumors removed. I had one very large fibroid (16.5 cm) which I had been monitoring via ultrasounds. The first surgeon I saw specialized in Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Without even an MRI he said I would need invasive surgery to remove the fibroid, that it was too large to be removed non-invasively. His surgery would have required a 6-8 week recovery. He also wanted to perform a hysterectomy and potentially remove an ovary (he said he wouldn’t be able to know for sure until mid-surgery.)

I decided to get a second opinion from a surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive surgery in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The list isn’t long but I found Dr. Steven P. Yu at UCLA. He ordered an MRI and felt confident that all the tumors could be removed laparoscopically. He saw no need for an hysterectomy and could tell from the MRI my ovaries were fine. The recovery time would be one week. I chose to have him perform the surgery. He did another ultra sound during the surgery and found an additional 6 more tumors that he was also able to remove laparoscopically.

He was incredibly thorough and patient during the whole process from first introduction to final office visit. There are not a lot of surgeons in his field who specialize non-invasive surgery for women. He will tell you himself that women have been historically butchered on operating tables when minimally invasive surgeries were very viable options. If you have a fibroid, see him first.

Submitted March 31, 2020

I recently had a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for a fibroid removal by Dr. Stephen Yu. I highly recommend Dr. Yu without any hesitation.
I was concerned because of the large fibroid size and the post-op recovery. Looking back now after having the operation by Dr.Yu, I would say that there was nothing to worry about. Discomfort and pain after the surgery was manageable. 3 days after the surgery I didn't need pain medication at all. I feel a lot better 2 weeks after the surgery. I have 4 small scars a few millimeters in length which are healing well. I had also the best treatment at the outpatient surgery center by the staff and Dr. Yu's team.
I would say to women that experience discomfort from uterine fibroids to not be afraid of this type of surgery. Dr. Yu is an excellent physician, on top of his field, professional and caring. I could not have asked for a better doctor for this type of procedure.

Submitted Feb. 22, 2020

Thank you to Dr. Yu and the medical professionals who helped with my minimally invasive operation to remove my fibroids. His patience and help with all my questions made everything go smoothly. I suffered for many years with regular discomfort and pain, and occasional sever problems. I’m so glad that I had this option as opposed to a big incision and hysterectomy, making me feel like a new person in just a few weeks.

Submitted Aug. 12, 2019

Kind, caring, respectful and helpful! He was empathic to my highly anxious patient and responded to all of her questions. He was confident and compassionate and made my patient comfortable to the greatest degree possible.

Submitted Aug. 1, 2019

I hate to leave such a harsh review, but after a lot of debate, I would strongly advise any woman to seek another doctor within the UCLA network. If you message me privately, I will refer the other doctor I had to go after Steve Yu.

I was recommended by a friend to see Steve Yu. It was a horrible and very expensive mistake. The nature of my periods changed recently, and Steve Yu suggested I had fibroids. We had an ultrasound, and then he mentioned I needed to get surgery.

He said I needed to get an MRI ASAP with UCLA which cost an estimate of ($5000).

When I tried to ask more questions he mentioned I needed surgery ASAP, without seeing an MRI or the details on my condition. HE GAVE ONLY ONE OPTION - SURGERY!

I went to see another doctor at UCLA, he mentioned that my condition was not bad, and I definitely did not need to get surgery. This is unfortunate because under Steve Yu's direction I already got a rather expensive MRI. My new doctor stated it was not needed and that 70% of women have fibroids, and not all 70% of them had to get surgery.

Steve didn't give any other options besides surgery, the new doctor gave a list of options to help, and listened to my concerns. He also mentioned that my MRI was not necessary. One thing I appreciated about my new doctor was that he was honest, he mentioned if I wanted to get the surgery I could, but it was not a need. He also mentioned that this type of specific surgery was not his strong point, but was happy to point me to a doctor that would be excellent with this surgery. (In comparison to Steven Yu, my doctor was very honest about what I needed and even recommended options that wouldn't benefit him).

It is rather unfortunate that in today's day a doctor will pick fattening his pockets instead of selecting the best option for a patient. Upon my research and the second opinion of the other doctor, it did seem that Steve Yu's recommendation of surgery as my ONLY option was not in my best interest.

Again, I hate to leave such a harsh review.....please seek other options. I would hate for any other woman to have a similar and expensive mistake.

Submitted May 31, 2019

This doctor should not be working . He has no manners and is very unprofessional. He spent no longer than 5 minutes with me. Did not answer any of my questions and rushed with my appointment. I left the office having a lot of questions unanswered and I did not get a chance to ask them. My medical chart said that I was due to other tests and he did not even bring them up. Really dissapointing. UCLA really should look better at their doctors...

Submitted March 19, 2019

I came to Dr Yu for a second opinion after my husband had a kidney transplant at UCLA in October 2018. I had an established doctor in my home town, but never felt confident that my diagnosis was completely correct and my options were never explored. I learned more from Dr. Yu in one examination and visit, followed by imaging to confirm his diagnosis than more than two years at my local dr. He diagnosed me with Adenomyosis, and Fibroids, confirmed it with imaging and then gave me his professional opinion - although he specializes in alternatives to hysterectomies for fibroid tumors, my best possible outcome would come with having one. I completely trusted his opinion as he had proven to my husband and I that I was not a "number" to him, but an individual with a unique situation. I had my hysterectomy on February 11, 2019. He, his staff and the entire UCLA team were amazing. I cannot say enough good or recommend him any higher.

Submitted March 14, 2019

I had surgery on March 4, 2019. Twenty-four hours after my laparoscopic hysterectomy from Dr. Yu, I was able to work on a book I'm writing and two days later, I was able to go shopping at the mall with a wheelchair. A few days later I was able to take an international flight.

I just want to share with women like me who have very large fibroids, to know that they don't have to go through surgery with large incisions, a long recovery, and much pain when there is an alternative.

Dr. Yu is the best and his team is excellent. I was so comfortable, treated with warm friendliness. I felt like I was among my family rather than a stranger patient.

I'm sleeping and eating well, taking short walks with my husband beside me for safety, and have no serious pain less than a week after the surgery.

I highly recommend Dr. Yu and UCLA health for this kind of procedure.

Submitted March 10, 2019

Dr Yu is the best Ob-gyn for certain. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which can be challenging from all the co-morbidities. He was patient and really took the time to make sure everything would go smoothly. Dr Yu & his surgical team took almost 45 minutes before my surgery so nothing would go wrong. I have great confidence in Dr Yu & highly recommend this wonderfully caring & knowledgeable practice. I'd also say he is wonderful for anyone with EDS seeking an Ob-gyn. I have had horrid experiences in the past & finally found the rare gem.

Submitted July 20, 2018