"The surgeon who said everything looked fine -- now my mother is on dialysis, in decline, and will…read morelikely never recover." In December 2024, my 82-year-old mother underwent spine surgery by Dr. Vingan, Chief of Spine Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center and a lead physician at North Jersey Brain & Spine. The sequence of events surrounding that procedure is fully documented -- and deeply troubling. Just eight days before surgery, her ejection fraction (EF) was documented as 37%. Then, without any cardiac intervention, a new echocardiogram appeared listing 51% with the vague comment "looks better." The report was unsigned, missing details on her pacemaker, right ventricle, and lacked any comparison to prior studies. According to the American Society of Echocardiography, EF measured via Simpson's method has a typical reproducibility of ±5-7%. A 14-point jump--without intervention--is far outside expected variability. When her condition worsened post-op, an independent cardiologist re-tested her EF: it had returned to 37%. That was only the beginning. At 5:59 a.m. on the morning of surgery, her labs came back showing a GFR of 17 -- Stage 4 kidney failure. Dr. Vingan was consulted and documented her creatinine and BUN levels in his notes. He conveniently omitted the GFR. No nephrology consult was documented. Her nephrologist later confirmed -- on video -- that he was never contacted for clearance. The surgery proceeded. The EMG ordered to justify the procedure did not test the spinal nerves at the surgical levels. Still, Dr. Vingan implanted a Coflex interlaminar device at L2-3 and L3-4 -- directly above a prior fusion at L4-5. Coflex is contraindicated in patients with osteoporosis, prior fusions, or advanced age. The manufacturer warns of segmental collapse, restenosis, and instability -- all of which were later confirmed in her MRIs. After surgery, she was discharged. She returned with oxygen saturations as low as 76% and massive pleural effusions -- a life-threatening complication that, if not caught at rehab, would have resulted in respiratory failure. She was readmitted to Hackensack and remained inpatient for 45 days with post-surgical complications. During that 45-day hospitalization, Dr. Vingan saw her once and said "everything looks good." He never followed up again. A post-surgical EMG was performed. Despite numerous requests for the results, the report has never been released. In her MyChart, it appears only as "EMG" -- with the findings section completely blank. After discharge, she returned to Hackensack ER over ten times with severe burning sensations, intense itching, back pain, and progressively worsening mobility. Eventually, the symptoms were acknowledged as neuropathic in etiology. Dr. Vingan never saw her once. Today, she requires a walker with contact-guard assistance indoors, and relies on a wheelchair outside the home. She is also on dialysis three times per week. MRIs from Englewood and Holy Name confirm adjacent-level spinal collapse, severe stenosis, and nerve impingement. When I contacted Dr. Vingan directly about her deterioration, his only response was: "People are always looking for someone to blame." This isn't blame. This is the medical record. The documentation speaks for itself. Choose carefully.

Roy D. Vingan, MD charged my insurance company for 45 min saw him less then 15 min and charged my…read moreinsurance for 15 min and saw less then 10 min. Front Desk staff Rude. I Do not Recommend this place.

Dr.Okubadejo is an exceptionally skilled surgeon, he is the only surgeon I would ever trust to…read moreoperate on my spine. He has been my doctor for several years through multiple surgeries. He is very knowledgeable and caring. His staff is very pleasant and helpful. I would highly recommended Dr.Okubadejo and his practice.

From the owner: Dr. Okubadejo and The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care is committed to excellence by pledging…read moreto provide the highest quality of spinal care possible. Along with the treatment of immediate or chronic problems, we strive to integrate the doctrine of prevention in all our treatment plans as a way to alleviate possible future difficulties. Dr. Okubadejo is a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon with comprehensive experience in performing numerous spinal surgical procedures in the treatment of cervical, lumbar and thoracic conditions. He is extremely adept in dealing with degenerative spinal disease, deformity and all other pathologies of the spine.

Incredibly knowledgeable and patient staff. I've received excellent care from Dr. Stieber and Dr…read more Cohen. And these new offices are really impressive.

From the owner: Find trusted care for your back and spine with experienced specialists. Book your consultation for…read moreexpert guidance today.

I just had a disk replacement surgery in my neck from this office. The surgery went amazing. I saw…read morea 95% recovery in 5 weeks. I do not even need physical therapy. You defiantly should get a spine surgery here if you need one.

Great surgeon, easily able to schedule an appointment that fit my schedule. Staff is professional…read moreand efficient .

I have been seeing Doctor Simhaee for almost 10 years. He is an exceptional physician and takes…read moreamazing care of me. He always goes out of his way to make sure I understand all of my options. He has injected me several times in the last 10 years and without his interventions I would be miserable.

If I could post 0 stars- I would…read more I have often taken the time to write a positive review and publicly thank someone, I have never written a negative review, until now. I had an 11:45AM appointment yesterday to see Dr. Jonathan Simhaee in the Englewood office. I arrived at 11:40AM and checked in. 45-minutes later at 12:30PM I asked the receptionist when the doctor might be ready to see me (as I watched 8-9 other patients called, some of them coming in after me). Her response was "he will see you soon," and then went back to chatting with colleagues. At 12:45PM, I again asked and was told "there are two people ahead of you..." What??? How? No emotion and no sense of concern. I realized then I was just a number in the system, which was so surprising because the doctor who referred me goes out of his way to make his patients feel like they really matter. Finally, at 1:15PM, I approached to remind her I had been waiting 1 1/2hours. A puzzled look came over her face: What was happening!!! After she checked her computer screen for a couple of minutes (not sure for what), she went in the back and next thing I knew someone called my name. I went into Dr. Simhaee's office and he entered shortly after me, and without even looking up, or making any reference or apology for running so late, (we're not talking 15-30-minutes, but 1 1/2 hours!) he just launched into "so what's the problem, even though the referring doctor had sent him a full report and MRI results which he hadn't bothered to read. It also hit me at that moment that when I last saw this doctor, 5-years ago, I had a similar negative experience. Unfortunately, my memory kicked in too late. I knew at this point that there was no way I was going to stay, even if it meant spiting myself. This place is a factory. I also knew at this point for my own sanity, I had to ask Dr. Simhaee what happened, hoping his response might evidence some concern or understanding. Instead, I got.... "I'm slammed; it's the holidays; I had an emergency." There was no apology or sense of concern." besides throwing the receptionist under the bus and saying he would talk to her later. I am the first to acknowledge that emergencies happen and appointments can run over time. That said, there's a way this should have been handled and it starts in the waiting room with the receptionist or whoever expressing some concern or acknowledgment of the situation. That didn't happen, ZILCH! So, I couldn't really be surprised when there was no acknowledgment from Jonathan SImhaee. This holier than thou culture flows from the top. Keeping patients waiting is "business as usual here." There's no other reasonable conclusion in the absence of someone from management "owning," acknowledging and attempting to ameliorate the situation. Here, the doctor-patient relationship is purely transactional. I am in the process of securing a new appointment with a new doctor.

Dr Nair gave me my life back with a neck decompression surgery . He is a very smart skilled…read moreprofessional I was terrified to go through with this necessary surgery. His mellow but professional demeanor was so reassuring even when I was panicking about it. I had dreaded this surgery due to a incredible amount of health challenges I went through in my life but I assure you that pain relief and mobility can be improved with the right surgeon who truly cares about your outcome . I can lift my arms without crying I'm pain and has helped my spinal problems just a bit less to bear . Thank you to Dr.Nair and his staff for helping me and believing in my recovery . I know I still have a ways to go in recovery but I appreciate this positive step

Dr. Ciro Randazzo and his staff are truly an exemplar for bedside manner and expert care. Rarely…read morewill you encounter a surgeon who is approachable and can allay your anticipatory jitters prior to surgery. Suffice it to say he is a consummate and highly caring professional. Additionally, his office team are second to none - most efficient and kind. Martin Weinstein Retired NYC Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Long was referred to me thru a family friend! It was not an easy task to find a Neuro-Surgeon…read morethat took my insurance. My very first visit Dr. Long put me at ease as we spoke about his education, internships at various hospitals under some top surgeons in the Tri state area and Philadelphia and to be accepted by Hackensack University Hospital to perform surgeries. He describe what I would be going through with the procedure. I opted to do an L4 surgery instead of a cervical procedure of c5,6 and 7. I have had 2 lower back surgeries 25 and 30 years ago and felt I would recover much quicker with the lower back. My surgery took place on the 16th of February of this year. All went well as expected and was home within hours of the surgery and actually walked around my block with a walker with my daughter! I felt that I made the right choice and feeling great! Dr. Long followed up that night and I had nothing but praise! 10 days later, I saw Dr. Long for a follow up and he said I looked great and I did feel great! Observing my incision, he noticed a bit of secretion and said keep an eye on it. 5 pm that day, I was unable to walk, my wife called Dr. Long and he advised her to get me to the hospital if things got worse. No pun intended, Long story short, I ended up back in the hospital with Dr. Long having to do surgery again because of the secretion in my back. He explained to my wife that I may have come down with serious infections due to my high white blood cell count! All thru the process, Dr. Long continued his communication with my wife on how serious the situation was and with in days of all of the cultures coming back with very high positive infection results, Dr. Long communicated with me and my wife that another surgery was needed asap to install drains into my back because of the infections. Both Staph and blood infections took over my body and for nearly 2 months, I laid in the hospital in Hackensack! There wasn't one day that Dr. Long didn't visit or call me or my wife with the latest on my blood test for the infections! I can't say enough for his bedside manor and the group of doctors he used to get me better! I missed one of my favorite holidays, St. Patrick's Day and he brought me in a dinner that his wife cooked! That is bedside manor!!! It has been 4 months now since my last surgery and I am still on antibiotics but feeling great with therapy and very strong! We stay in touch and I do very much thank him for taking care of me! Thank you Orthopedic Spine and sports Medicine Center in Paramus, New Jersey for accepting Dr. William D. Long III into the group! David Foudy Hawthorne, New Jersey

From the owner: Having trained at some of the most prestigious schools and hospitals in the country, Dr. Long has…read moremade the practice of spinal surgery his main focus. After years in Philadelphia, New Haven, and New York City, he has moved to the Manhattan suburbs in northern New Jersey, and operates at Hackensack University Medical Center. His award winning achievements throughout his career highlight his dedication to excellent patient care, evidence based medicine, and optimal surgical outcomes. Dr. Long believes in the importance of rigorous medical education, and as such continues to publish book chapters and scholarly journal articles focused on spinal disease and treatment, and teaches the next generation of doctors from multiple medical schools.

Don't be a word of his glory stotied regarding his great successes! Hes a butcher that does what he…read morewants in surgery once you sign the consent form then sends you home order then you were and says things happen in surgery! He's a butcher a lives not a doctor. Don't trust him

Dr Rovner and his staff are amazing. Dr Rovner took 45 minutes before he came into the room to…read moreexamine met to review my X-rays The news I received was not pretty all my hardware needed to come out and be replaced. Dr Rovner explains things in a way that makes you feel at ease and calm about your upcoming surgery. His office staff Monica and Erica went above and beyond to get me authorization. The office works as a team everyone is friendly kind and caring. It's an office that makes you feel welcome and not rushed.

Yes, I've been going to this orthopedic organization starting with Dr. Vasquez since they opened…read more He is operated on two of my forearm tendons and now has given me a Cortizone shot for a surgery I had in February on my shoulder and it's working out very well. The staff is always, pleasant and accommodating and I don't know how much more you can ask for other than your surgery to go well and it has both times

Great group of doctors & professionals! They know what are doing and do it well…read more The practice has specialists for all of your needs. X-rays right on the spot. I don't expect them to pamper me, but to tell me what I need to know and expect. The path forward may not be a happy one (that's why I'm here) but it is always clear. Outcomes are great... I highly recommend this group!