Strong Credentials but Major Shortfalls in Patient Care and Communication - A Cautionary Tale…read more
I have waited an entire year since my surgery to post this review so that I could express my experience accurately in a rational and non-accusatory manner.
I selected Dr. Farooq for a complex hemorrhoidectomy based on a straightforward routine colonoscopy he performed earlier, which went smoothly, and his website's clear self-pay rates that eliminated financial uncertainty. These were genuine positives that drew me in. However, my subsequent experience with him for this more involved procedure highlighted significant gaps in personalized care, empathy, and follow-through, which ultimately impacted my recovery. I'm sharing this to alert others--especially those facing colorectal issues--to prioritize surgeons who invest in thorough, compassionate interactions beyond the initial consult.
Dr. Farooq and his wife have produced YouTube videos where he comes across as genuinely cordial, informative and compassionate, but my in-person interactions bore no resemblance to that persona. The office environment seemed more oriented toward upselling cosmetic procedures and his fiber supplements than delivering focused colorectal care.
The pre-surgery process felt impersonal from the start. After a two-minute initial consultation, I had no further in-person meetings with Dr. Farooq. My pre-op was handled entirely by the nurse practitioner, who performed the anoscopy and, I assume, shared findings with him. On surgery morning, he briefly checked in, and when I mentioned my many questions but expressed trust in his expertise, his visible relief suggested a preference for minimal engagement. I was informed he'd decide intraoperatively on any additional procedures, which added to the uncertainty.
Post-op, the lack of clarity persisted. In recovery, the nurse couldn't detail what was done, and it was evident from her response that a follow-up visit from the doctor wasn't planned. I had to insist the staff track him down so I could get answers. My recovery was painful but expected, and a three-month check-in was routine. Then, about a month later, constipation led to a fissure in my rectal scar tissue, causing excruciating pain.
That's when things deteriorated sharply. In severe distress, I explicitly asked for a gentle exam. Instead, he inserted the anoscope forcefully, triggering the worst pain I've ever endured--I screamed, sweated profusely, and nearly passed out. There was zero acknowledgment of my agony: no apology, no reassurance, just a curt dismissal. When I could barely speak but managed to ask about pain relief, his response was, "No, only time will heal this. And you need to get off the stool softeners." This advice was not only unhelpful but counterproductive, as it ignored standard protocols for fissure management.
Frustrated and in ongoing pain, I sought care elsewhere. A different colorectal surgeon promptly prescribed a healing ointment and confirmed I should continue stool softeners to prevent straining--advice that aligned with what I'd researched and brought relief.
Dr. Farooq has the technical skills for routine cases, but for complex ones requiring emotional support and detailed guidance, this approach falls short. Colorectal surgery is intimate and vulnerable; patients deserve more than efficiency. I recommend seeking providers with robust patient reviews on communication and bedside manner, and always advocating for yourself by preparing questions in advance. Transparency on costs is commendable, but it shouldn't come at the expense of holistic care. Proceed with eyes wide open.
