Dr Ghostine and his entire staff at UCLA Health in Calabasas, CA are outstanding! His PA Vince Cesario and office assistant Lekisha are extremely kind and thoughtful. They're attentive to the smallest details and are willing to respond immediately to any questions or concerns I had or may have. Dr Ghostine is truly a highly esteemed and respected neurosurgeon here in the Los Angeles area. Patients procure his professional medical services from, not only from all over the state of California, but from across the country. And I believe even beyond! When I first met Dr Ghostine to review my MRI images of my neck, he explained to me what he felt was most likely causing the pain and weakness in my lower neck, right arm and hand. Truth be told, I was the one who actually pushed for a surgical procedure. However, he felt I should definitely get a second opinion from another neurosurgeon just to confirm what he felt was necessary before proceeding further with surgery. And after having received similar advice from another neurosurgeon and after having done as much research as I possibly could, I made the request to go 'under the knife'. And I felt very confident and comfortable with my decision, for it was pretty easy, since there existed few other beneficial alternatives. So this mid July, and at 61 years old and having never had any previous surgery in my entire life, Dr Ghostine performed an almost 2 hour invasive surgery on my C7-T1 herniated/bulging C8 disc to partially remove and alleviate the compromised nerve causing the neuropathy and weakness. For those who desire to know exactly what was performed, the procedure is not as common as the typical front of the neck ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion), but is more of a 'loss art surgery' - according to Dr Ghostine. One in which the surgery is performed on the back of the neck through a 2.5-3.0 " incision where the neck and shoulders meet. It didn't require a complete discectomy, that is, a complete removal of the herniated disc. Rather, a portion of the disc is removed and the nerve canal is widened to mitigate the stenosis. Natural mobility is maintained in the neck through this operation and doesn't require any apparatus or fusion. For those who desire more information, here are the medical terms for all the procedures that were performed on my neck: C7-T1 hemilaminotomy, medial facetectomy, foraminotomy, and microdiscectomy with ORM navigation. Thankfully the surgery went very smoothly for me! I'm not out of the proverbial 'woods' yet. And it's only been a month, but the horrific neck pain that I've dealt with previously for months has disappeared and the neuropathy subsided substantially, the jabbing sensations radiating down my shoulder into my right arm vanished and some of the strength has returned. Yay! Nerves heal slowly at about 1mm/per day so it's going to take some time. Dr Ghostine has remained very involved with my recovery visiting me along with his other patients the following morning after the surgery and has been attentive during my recovery period. I find Dr Ghostine to be warm and friendly and quite humorous! He likes getting to know his patients and really becoming better acquainted with them as human beings with thoughts and feelings rather than just treating patients as mere individuals in his clinic or at the hospital. If you're nervous, have any reservations, doubts or concerns, look no further! Dr Ghostine is awesome! You'll be taken care of by him better than you can even imagine! Trust me, I, too, was feeling quite despondent and confused about my future and the painful situation with my neck until I miraculously met Dr Ghostine. I'm so eternally grateful for his professional medical expertise and abilities. My life has been completely transformed since the successful neck procedure Dr Ghostine performed on me. It's truly been a game changer!! Thank you Dr Ghostine!!!! And thanks to your amazing staff!!! Best of luck and prayers with you who are reading these reviews! Strength and positivity as you navigate your personal journey to repair and recovery. Jed Udall read more

Wonderful surgeon. Made me feel like all my concerns were listened to and understood. Very kind person.

Super helpful didn't care what the situation was, so he had a positive attitude and I would recommend him to anybody who is to have surgery super funny and him and his team are top-notch, I'm really appreciative, and I recommend them for all sincerely D Hatchett. read more

Dr Samer Ghostine is quite possibly the best spinal surgeon in the State of California. I joke that I think he uses some kind of magic, because his skills have drastically improved my life for the better. I was in a devastating car accident in 2018 when I was rammed from the back while at a stoplight. Disks in my lumbar and cervical spine were herniated, and I have since had extreme pain and progressively growing levels of physical disability. I came to Dr Ghostine initially for a spinal cord stimulator in 2021 because of my high-level lower back pain. The representative for Medtronic told me he has never seen a surgeon place the paddle and leads with as much precision as Dr Ghostine did. I was unable to walk for very far (often not even a full block) and was having many falls prior to this surgery. And when I had complications during my recovery due to preexisting scar tissue, Dr Ghostine was kind, caring, and compassionate. I have since had a stark reduction in sciatic and lower back pain, as well as improvements in mobility and a decrease in falls. About a year ago, the problems with my cervical spine became more advanced. I had a 10mm herniation to my C6-7 disk, and was having increased pain in my head, neck, shoulder, and arms, as well as numbness in all the fingers of my hands and a growing tremor in my right arm. Due to extenuating circumstances, I needed surgery to happen urgently, and Dr Ghostine and his surgery scheduler, Lekisha, worked ceaselessly to get my surgery scheduled and approved during February 2025. I was initially getting frustrated when the answering service failed to effectively communicate with my doctor's office, but once Lekisha found out I was trying so hard to contact she made other arrangements for communication, and she was instrumental in helping me get this surgery. Lekisha, thank you so much for your hard work and all the prompt communication via email! My surgery was two days ago, and I cannot believe how much better my symptoms are in such a short period of time!! Immediately after I woke up, I noticed that the tremor in my right arm had completely disappeared. Much of the numbness in my right arm has resolved, and though I still have numbness in the fingers and the back of my left hand, the numbness has decreased from the level it was at prior to surgery. I still have some pain in my shoulders, but nothing close to what I was experiencing prior to surgery (aching versus stabbing/shooting pain, and at a much lower pain level), and that should be getting better with time, as well as the post-operative swelling decreases. I have also noticed that pain I have been experiencing in my legs and lower back have gotten far better, and I have strength in my legs and arms that I haven't had in many years. At age 18, I was in a 6-car pileup, and that resulted in my cervical spine lacking any degree of curvature. Not only did Dr Ghostine perform the discectomy and fusion I needed at C6-7, but he also rectified that problem, somehow giving my c-spine 10 degrees of curvature, which will help me with pain and function over time. I was told by a number of doctors that this was not possible to fix. I am elated! Dr Ghostine and his staff members, especially Lekisha, are amazing and kind people who genuinely care about their patients. I have possibilities in my future that wouldn't exist if not for them and their dedication. I cannot even find the words to express the depth of my gratitude to them for both this life-changing surgery as well as all the hard work that got me to that surgery. Thank you all so much. read more

Hi Dr. Ghostine. It's been almost 3 years since you did my back surgery, and I am feeling great. Since my surgery with you July 19, 2021, I had a complete hip replacement with Dr. Tooma on June 6th, 2023, and today, you wouldn't recognize me. I have a skip in my step now and I am no longer depressed or in pain. It's a miracle. I no longer use a cane or walker and every day I am so thankful for all you did for me. Remember my dog Zoey I would bring in with me? She is happier now because I am. Thank you for changing my life and giving me a second chance in life. God sure answered my prayers when he dropped you in my lap. You are such a gentleman, loves the Lord and your family and you made me feel so safe and you were so trusting. It was a honor to be your patient. May God continue to bless you and be there with you, with all your surgeries to come. Thank you Dr. Ghostine. You are the best. read more

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A miracle worker, Dr. G saved me from fusions and hardware while performing complex and difficult surgery on my damaged lumbar spine. The pain is gone, and at 3 months I am well along with he road to recovery at age 79. He gave me my active lifestyle back. He is truly a master of his craft, and also a really great man to be around. Thank you Dr. Ghostine! read more

Im am a 77yr. old male. I had a bad brain bleed. Dr. Ghostine performed a double craniotomy on me and saved my life. I have fully recovered. No words can tell you how much this man means to me and my family. read more

Dr. Samer Ghostine, Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery at UCLA. Dr. Ghostine successfully performed an extremely complicated surgery on my spine at UCLA Medical in Westwood. I had two long days of surgery: anterior surgery on day-1 (front side access), followed by posterior surgery on day-2 (back side access). After 1-1/2 months following surgery, I am healing well and experiencing very little pain, and am extremely happy with Dr Ghostine's medical expertise conducting this procedure. Dr Ghostine has also shown empathy with me, in the office and at the UCLA medical facility. I would highly recommend Dr. Samer Ghostine for spinal neurosurgeon. read more

I suffered from severe nerve pain for 2 months (unable to walk more than five feet without excruciating pain) due to stenosis and lumbar disc issues prior to seeing Dr. Ghostine. He was knowledgeable, reassuring and kind. Results , of course, will vary depending on the patient's age, general health and specific problem but I was home within 3 weeks of surgery and this must be in no small part due to the experience and expertise of Dr. Ghostine. This is not to minimize the necessity of PT, OT and continued caution for at least 3 months following surgery but my pain was virtually gone by week 2 and as of this writing I am 4 weeks from surgery still with no pain and making progress daily. Thank you, Dr. Ghostine. read more

Dr. Ghostine saved my life! I had years of constant pain and was losing my ability to walk. After my neurologist discovered a large calcified tumor pressing down on my spinal cord I was referred to Dr. Ghostine. He reviewed my MRI with me and explained in detail and with such care what the surgery would entail and all possible outcomes. I felt like I was in such good hands from the first meeting. My family and I are so grateful for Dr. Ghostine. He performed a very complicated surgery and thanks to him I can walk (and dance) again and have my life back. I am so filled with gratitude for Dr. Ghostine and can't recommend him enough. read more

Had my first New patient review yesterday morning. Arrive early!! finding close enough parking was a headache upon having to walk from the parking structure to the doctor's office. Atmosphere friendly, office was clean, the receptionist/ office staff was polite meeting doctor ghostine I have only heard great things about him his energy and bedside manner was professional very up front straight to the point with what he felt was best for me in the direction I needed to go with the pain I am experiencing in my lower back ( entire back ), hips, legs, feet. Although he felt like a surgery ( fusion ) would but would not be needed for me at this age or time. And that's kind of the route I don't want to go NO fusion I don't believe it would be best for me either in this age and my lifestyle. Other options he gave me I will consider. but I do believe a surgery would be needed to correct the slipped herniated and ruptured disc. I will most likely get a second opinion and go from there read more

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Samer Ghostine. My husband, who is a very fit and active 76 yr old surfer, could not walk or stand for more than 5 mins the past 6 months without terrible pain due to worsening spinal stenosis. It was causing neuropathy pains and numbness going down his legs to his feet. He had been avoiding having surgery for years since other docs said no guarantees for such a complex surgery... but when we met Dr.Ghostine, he reassured us "I got your back!"....It's been 5 weeks since the Laminectomy and a 4 hr surgery - the lower spine nerves were being crushed! 5 weeks later, my husband has been walking with NO PAIN and NO CANE!!! Hoping to get back on his surfboard eventually. Dr Ghostine has given him his life back, we will be forever grateful for his care, his expertise, his passion, his humor and his compassion for the patient. Thank you Dr. Ghostine - in our case - no fusing no cage - you are a miracle worker, being out of pain is a dream come true! read more

I and a 52 year old male who had the opportunity to be treated by Dr. Ghostine for my laminectomy for spinal stenosis. He performed the complicated surgery with utmost care and consideration to give me best possible results post-surgery. He creativity during surgery based on my condition helped me to recover with most of my range of motion intact in my neck. He is extremely courteous, took his time to listen to my concerns and gave a very detailed course of action based on my MRI and symptoms. His concern towards my well being prompted me to chose him as my surgeon and I am absolutely glad I did. It has been a little over a year and I have had a few follow ups since my surgery. Everything has been on the path to recovery as he has predicted. I have already recommended Dr. Ghostine to my circle of friends who needed his kind of expertise. Dr. Ghostine is a very thorough gentlemen and treated me and my family with utmost respect while respecting my religious sensitivities. I rate him a 10/10 doctor. Thank you Dr. Ghostine for everything you did for me and continue to do. read more