Extremely caring and excellent surgeon. Great results from rib resection!

Submitted Dec. 20, 2015

Dr Avery ordered MRI before I saw him . He throughly explained results as did two doctors who referred me to him.. My referring doctors felt I needed surgery right away as I had blood clot. I was on blood thinners and wanted to try PT first, Dr Avery agreed and I followers up every three to 6 months.. I ask for surgery after 2 1/2 yrs as I was tried of pain and limitations due to risks of another blood clot. This is a very difficult syndrome TOS to have and treat early. Surgery has helped prevent blood clots. The issue is I had TOS for at least 10 years before blood clot with pain in neck, shoulder, and arm. No one knew why. Thank you Dr Avery.

Submitted Aug. 1, 2015

I had Thorasic Outlet Surgery 2/5/07 By Dr. Avery at CA Pacific Medical Center in SF. Removal of first rib and scalene muscles and about 4 day hospital stay.Despite complication of severe brachial plexus injury due to inflammation post-surgery, which left my arm paralyzed and in rehabilitation PT a year;still, I consider it a full success in long run as achieved goals by restoring my circulation, nerve function and use of hand (eventually) and relieving pain.He furthur championed my battle with workers comp for this controversial diagnosis after many years of inadequate assessments and therapies.He really went the extra mile in exams, high tech diagnostic tests, specialist referrals and conservative therapies, and then made himself personally available for follow-up and questions with direct line. Surgery carries risks and this one was painful and had complications I accepted, but I am better off now than before.Dr. Avery has excellent bedside manner, friendly staff and seems to CARE.

Submitted Nov. 15, 2012

Submitted May 10, 2012

I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery from Dr. Avery. He performs many of these and he spent 1.5 hrs on my first visit with me and my caregiver and another 45 minutes at my second appointment. He carefully explained the risks, benefits and reviewed my MRI on his computer with me showing me where the compression was. He also described the tests he would do, how long the recovery process could be, and I consented to the procedure after carefully considering everything. I hesitated about his "anterior" approach, but a neurosurgeon told me this approach is technically easier on the surgeon because they can visually see everything and reach everything better, do a cleaner procedure, have less risk to damage other structures, and thus a better result. The TOS surgery is one of the worst surgeries to have to recuperate from but TOS caused me to lose functioning of my right arm/hand, and suffer hatchet knife like pain in my trapezius for years. Hospitalized 5 days, knife pain gone.

Submitted April 11, 2011

I believe Dr. G. James Avery has no conscience. He lied about all the risks on a form I signed prior to his T.O.S. surgery. He did not real tests to confirm at T.O.S. diagnosis and I do NOT believe the physical exam showed I had T.O.S. in his office. He paralyzed my R phrenic nerve, gave me a pneumothorax, paralyzed my Long Thoracic Nerve to my scapula, cut out my 1st rib and too much of my own neck structures, and then refused me follow-up pain meds, told me to leave the hospital early and much more. He abandoned me with cruel behavior after he ****ed me. This surgeon should be in JAIL. Instead they promoted him to Director of the Heart and Lung Transplant team? see calendar for San Francisco Medical Society for his upcoming speech. Protest rally planners appreciated for this event.

Submitted Jan. 2, 2011

He actually gave me his pager number so I could call him weekly & give him updates on my condition! He is also the first doctor I've ever gone to (& I've seen over 10 in the past 5 years for TOS) who spent over an hour and a half with me during the initial consultation. The first 45 min he spent talking to me, getting to know who I was & how I was affected by my TOS & then he went through a lengthy physical exam. His office staff are helpful, but not as quick to respond as he is. Dr. Avery should be the example that every med student aspires to as to his "bedside" manner.

Submitted Jan. 24, 2008

Dr. Avery MUTILATED me. Please see my website at www.tossurgerynightmare.com I'm doing this as a public service. I will not survive my injuries for too much longer.

Submitted March 28, 2007