Yazeed Gussous, MD, Mountain View CA

Two weeks ago now, I had back surgery. Dr Gussous was my surgeon. I cannot begin to praise him enough. He’s not only the humblest doctor I’ve ever met. He truly cares about His patients. He did an amazing job during surgery, as well as his team. I have been able to text him on his work number, and he gets back to me almost always the same day. He even texted me a few times just to check in. As soon as the surgery was over, and I was still sedated, he went to the waiting room to see my husband to let him know everything was well. 11 out of 10, thank you for everything Dr Gussous!

Dr Yazeed Gussous is nothing less than brilliant. I would score him seven out of five if that was possible!
I had suffered from back pain and sciatica in my left leg for many years. I have seen a range of physiotherapists, consultants and had various types of injection. I even tried acupuncture – all with no improvement.
I spent a good deal of time researching which surgeon to see here in Silicon Valley. Dr Gussous was exceptional in that all his reviews gave him five stars and everybody was full of praise for him.
At my first consultation he immediately connected with both my wife and me. He listened carefully to what we both had to say and then explained the options as he saw them. He was very careful to make sure that we both understood the implications of the different options that we might take. He also showed us examples of his previous work (with no identification obviously) which reassured us that he was very competent. I was inclined to go for major surgery to remove three discs and lock the vertebra together. He explained why he thought that a more conservative approach would be preferable for me. As a result, I signed up for a spinal decompression on my 3 lowest discs. I cannot tell you how pleased I am that I accepted his recommendations.
In terms of the surgery itself, there is no doubt in my mind that Dr Gussous is a perfectionist. I was the last operation of the day for him, and he still spent considerable extra time to ensure that the best possible result would be achieved.
I woke up with only minor discomfort and no pain. During my recuperation I never had any need to take any painkillers. At our post operative consultations, he was considerate and thoughtful, providing any new information that I needed. He also recommended me to excellent physical therapist.
If you need surgery on your spine, go to this man. He is a superb surgeon based on my results, but he is also a lovely human being!

After several years of pain management and physical therapy treatments to deal with a couple of degenerative discs in my cervical spine, I decided to pursue surgical options. Even when my symptoms were under control I was always cognizant that any mistimed exertion (like digging a hole in the backyard) could cause a flare up, and eventually my symptoms became constant and unresponsive to treatment. Just a little bit of home research surfaced the possibility of adjacent joint disease as a potential down the road complication associated with spinal fusion procedures. An alternative - disc replacement surgery - seemed very appealing, but I struggled to understand whether some of the contraindications for replacement surgery were applicable to my situation or not. After consultations with two other surgeons, both of whom I respect and believe to be excellent professionals, I put myself - literally - in the hands of Dr. Gussous. Each of the prior surgeons presented dramatically different takes favoring either fusion or disc replacement, with only dismissive and superficial discussion of the alternative. And while I urgently wanted to avoid a fusion procedure, I still didn’t think I had a full grasp of the risks pertaining to my case. Dr. Gussous gave me the most balanced, thorough, and thoughtful view of the pros and cons of each option with respect to my specific situation - which I’ll describe as not being the ideal candidate for disc replacement but not a case to be perfunctorily ruled out either. I think a dilemma many medical professionals must face today is the possibility of a single negative internet user review damaging their business reputation, and if that concern subconsciously becomes an incentive to stick to familiar procedures tilted heavily towards the most conservative approach. Dr. Gussous and I talked extensively about both alternatives for me, and taking into account my desire to avoid a fusion he suggested, and we agreed on, the following: we would plan on disk replacement surgery but Dr. Gussous would have the final say during the procedure itself - if he became convinced that my symptoms could only be properly addressed with a fusion instead than he would be free to make that call at the time. I believe this speaks volumes about Dr. Gussous’ approach to his patients and his practice - if I was willing to put my faith in his expertise he would be willing to take on the risk of a non-cookie cutter case - even if it opened the door to the possibility of an unhappy patient writing unhappy things about their experience down the line. I’m immensely grateful that I had a surgeon who had the confidence in their skills and the sensitivity to their patient’s POV to make me that offer. On the morning of the procedure, Dr. Gussous reassured me he would do his level best to stick to the disc replacement plan, but in any case I went in with the peace of mind knowing that whatever the outcome, I had hoped for and found the right surgeon for me. While my memories of coming out of the anesthesia aren’t totally spot on, I do remember two things clearly: 1) that the aching, burning, and pins & needles in my shoulder, arm, and thumb were instantly and completely gone, and 2) Dr. Gussous smiling and immediately relaying that I had a two-level disc replacement rather than a two-level fusion. He had kept my family in the loop before and after the procedure as well, and during my overnight at the hospital I heard consistently from every shift change what an excellent doctor I was under the care of - but I already knew that. I’m a few months into my recovery now, working with an excellent physical therapist he recommended, and I’m doing and feeling great. It’s been life-changing. If you’re struggling with the same decision I faced I urge you to see Dr. Gussous. And whatever your specific situation, I truly don’t think you’ll find a more thorough, attentive, and caring physician.

I suffered from sciatic pain for close to four years, before being referred to Dr. Gussous. He decided that an anterior lumbar inner body fusion would work best for me. Immediately after surgery the sciatic pain was gone. I am seventeen weeks post surgery and still improving. From pre-op to post-op Dr. Gussous has been very kind and caring.

Wasted my time coming to see this Doctor. Dr. Gussous didn’t pay much attention to me and was too busy messaging other people during my visit. I will not be coming back.

Dr. Gussous is a great doctor. He identified that I need cervical spine surgery at c4/5/6 after comprehensive review of mris and CT scans. I believe that the surgery was performed very well. After the surgery he was very attentive, he came to the room every morning and evening and resolved any issues I had. The really good experience has been that he gave me his contact information. When ever I contacted him about any issues, he responds very quickly. His helpfulness has been just great even after 7 months after my surgery. Thanks Dr. Gussous.

Dr Gussous is an excellent Orthopedic Surgeon. I had been experiencing sciatic pain for months. The problem was my L4L5. Upon taking an MRI, Cat Scan and X-rays he determined an LLIF (Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion) was needed. All along the way he kept me informed about the procedure and always answered all my questions and was excellent in responding to my emails. It’s been 4 weeks since my surgery and my recovery improves everyday. I highly recommend Dr. Gussous to everyone who is living with sciatic pain. His knowledge and skill are incredible. I’m so grateful for his expertise.

I was searching for an orthapedic surgeon, because I was unable to walk, and had excruciating back and leg pain. I interviewed two great surgeons. I decided to go with Dr. Gussous. I am very happy that I did. He and his staff are amazing. He is a kind and caring doctor. He has great bedside manners. Any and all questions I had he answered with honesty. When surgery day came, I was a little nervous. He put my mind at ease. Thanks to Dr. Gussous I am now pain free and able to walk.

My left leg was in constant pain from L3-L4 synovial cyst/ligament tear pressing nerve root and Dr. Gussous saved me! He did L3-4 left sided hemilaminotomy and foraminotomy in a minimum invasive surgery and I was free of all the pain right after the surgery and back to my life in a day! Dr. Gussous was very pleasure to work with, he listened to my concerns and offered the best approach to my current problem. His staff was all wonderful to work with!

Sincere compassion, thoughtful care, and rare commitment are the best words I can choose to describe my experience with Dr Gussous.   After nearly 30 years of struggling with lower back pain, and several rounds of epidural injections just not providing the relief I needed, I decided to pursue the surgical route.   And the first step was an in person assessment of my situation with three orthopedic surgeons, all of which came highly recommended from people I trusted.   While all of the doctors were fantastic (we’re so fortunate to be in the Bay Area), I’m thankful that I chose Dr Gussous.   He spent the time needed leading up to my surgery for me to feel comfortable and confident about the procedure I was about to undergo (for L5/S1 herniated disk).   He explained exactly what he was going to do as well as the range of scenarios that could occur and how he would deal with them to ensure a positive outcome. And he was available days and nights, weekdays and weekends, to help me navigate the recovery process.   Today, I’m essentially pain free and couldn’t be more delighted with my experience with Dr Gussous.

Dr. Gussous is absolutely amazing! I had my first surgery ever done with him and he was supportive 100% of the time and made me feel so comfortable. He made sure to follow up and was great!

Dr. Gousous did a spine fusion surgery on me three months ago, and I am already on my way to a full recovery even with my old age.

The surgery consisted of fusing L3, L4, L5 lumbar vertebraes, with titanium cage, bone graft, and 20 some screws in my back. Quite an invasive procedure and the discomfort of recovery was no joke. However, it was so worth it.

I needed the surgery to fix my long-term back pain and the sharp nerve-pinching pain migrating through my left leg. When the pain became unbearable, I seeked doctor's help.

Fortunately, I found Dr. Gousous! Obviously, injections would not permanently fix my pain. Gousous did not advocate surgery at first, and for that I appreciated his integrity and conservative approach.

The most important part of my whole experience is that Gousous has done an excellent job ensuring my surgery will be a successful one. From reassuring pre-surgery consultation, updating surgery process, immaculate bedside manner, attentive post-surgery care, to prompt phone/text communication, he has tremendously outdone himself. Honestly, I have not met a doctor quite like him. Besides being an exceptionally skilled surgeon, he bears a heart of gold and is a great human being.

I hope no one would have to endure a back surgery like mine. I would highly recommend Dr. Gousous for my family and friends should they need a spine surgery.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Gussous after I suffered back pain and major issues after an automobile accident I was in.

After discussing the details with Dr Gussous and reviewing my MRI he assured me he could help.

From that day forward I felt that I was in the best hands at all times.

From Carla, his assistant at the time, to the recommendations down to the aftercare from the surgery I would rank Dr Gussous equal to one of the best experts in field.

He was always one step ahead and listen to my concerns, answered my questions and made me feel completely comfortable with the procedure.

The after surgery follow up and care even today, almost a year after my surgery I will get a call or text from him checking up on me.

If you are considering back surgery or even have questions about who you can trust, look no further, Dr Gussous and his team are the choice to make. I would recommend him with my highest standard to anyone who asks.

Lastly, while I was in the hospital every nurse, doctor and specialist that asked, "Who is your surgeon? " and I told them "Dr Gussous", not one person said anything other than good things about him.

I thought that would be important for me to share.

Thank you Dr Gussous!

Dr. Gussous is an astounding and incredibly compassionate surgeon. He is dedicated to excellent patient care, works closely with all involved family members, and strongly favors shared decision making. I could not ask for a better physician and advocate.

Dr. Gussous joined my care team when I was in the ER, awaiting emergency surgery for acute sciatic pain induced by disc herniation. Dr. Gussous was unbelievably responsive: he immediately ordered all required diagnostics while I was in the ER and worked tirelessly around the clock to schedule my surgery ASAP. Moreover, he insisted on fine-tuning my immediate pain management to alleviate symptoms and inflammation.

The surgery was schedule for the following week, but even after being discharged from the ER, Dr. Gussous kept in touch throughout the weekend to make sure I was healing and responding to the medications.

Despite the stress and terror these events caused, I was well taken care of by Dr. Gussous.

I herniated two discs last year, which was my fault. I suffered much of the year with pain extending into my leg due to the nerves impacted by the herniation. I went through a chiropractor and two cortisone injections but ultimately needed surgery. I was referred to Dr. G by Dr. John Welsh and immediately was impressed with Dr. G's empathy. I felt heard and I felt that he genuinely cared about me. And at every juncture, he assured me that, if I didn't want surgery, that I could and should opt out. I never felt as though he was pressuring me into it or that he was just out to make money. Quite the opposite. When it came time for surgery, he explained everything in great detail, and after surgery, he fought to ensure I had the right medicine for my recovery. He checked on me frequently and was available when I needed. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I hope nobody has to go through what I did but it was such a relief to feel cared for. I appreciate that.

If spine surgery is something you need or are contemplating, Dr "G" is your guy.that is if you want someone who is conscientious, truthful, caring, available, available, listens to you, thinks about your particular case and body and pain. I'm 6 months out. I'm a 70-year-old female, with guidance from Dr G as well as physical therapist, I'm skiing, I'm gardening, okay yeah I ride a horse sometimes with safety equipment.anyone who's had back pain and leg pain knows it affects your complete life your energy level everything about you. I wish I would have done this sooner.was it easy not 100%, do I feel it was successful 100%. Talk to Dr G.go with Dr G.trust Dr G. I tried to upload a picture of my fusion from L4 to S1 but I couldn't, oh well now I'm bionic.

My experience with Dr. Gussous was incredible! On the high recommendation of my physiatrist, I was able to make an appointment within the same week of my initial call. Dr. Gussous patiently explained my diagnosis and options for care without any undo fear or pressure. It was clear that I needed surgery quickly and he and his staff worked relentlessly with other providers and insurance to insure I was able to have the surgery within a few days—which I am convinced saved the function of my leg! He was in contact with me and my husband before, during and after surgery. Dr. Gussous (and his staff) were calm, warm, caring and patient—exactly the kind of doctor we all pray for—especially when you are feeling scared and desperate! I will be forever grateful for a successful surgery and highly recommend Dr. Gussous.