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James Balserak, MD

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Tucson, AZ

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Tucson, AZ

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Tucson, AZ

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Tucson, AZ
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James Balserak, MD
Southwestern Surgery Assoc
(2 Reviews)
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5390 E Erickson Dr Tucson, AZ 85712
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About

James Balserak, MD

James Balserak, MD practices as a Surgeon in Tucson, AZ.James Balserak, MD graduated from Va Commonwealth Univ, Med Coll Of Va Sch Of Med, Richmond Va 23298.
Primary Specialty

Surgeon

Education Va Commonwealth Univ, Med Coll Of Va Sch Of Med, Richmond Va 23298
Training Univ Of Az Coll Of Med, General Surgery
Map and Directions
5390 E Erickson Dr, Tucson, AZ 85712
Services Vascular Surgery, General Surgery
Consumer Feedback
(2 Reviews)
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Recent Reviews
In my opinion, from my own personal experiences, you should avoid this surgeon if he is operating on your throat region, specifically for parathyroid (PT) problems (e.g., high calcium levels due to benign PT tumors).

There are other negative and positive reviews on various websites, so please don't take my word alone. I’m only conveying the living hell I went through because of this surgeon.

I was forwarded to Balserak by another physician for parathyroid problems relating to high calcium levels. Normally, with an "experienced surgeon," using modern testing procedures, the first surgery success rate of correcting this problem is over 95%. The procedure involves removing bad TP gland(s) while leaving the good ones (usually 4) intact.
I must note my complaints and opinions about Balserak are not solely concerning the "success rate," but rather, my concerns involve a documented series of poor judgements and procedures leading to a negative, dangerous outcome, requiring high risk corrective surgery and a long-term prognosis that is not guaranteed.

If initial PT surgery is not preformed correctly, a second+ surgery is considered "high risk" and "complex" because of multiple factors. (It's also very expensive). This includes the surgical difficulty of maneuvering around scar tissue, the possibility of cutting existing parathyroid glands, e.g., "seeding," and removal of all glands. These are all serious complications that can result in life-altering or life-ending events. In fact, there are only two surgical facilities in the US that can perform secondary+ PT operations with any confidence. One in FL and one at UCLA. My advice to anyone needing this surgery is to have it done right the first time by a very qualified surgeon.

During my surgery, Balserak removed the incorrect parathyroid gland(s) and left the bad one in place, despite pathology and x-ray guidance. (The eventually-removed tumor was a whopping 6 cm!) In addition, during the post-surgery period, he NEVER ordered a PTH or calcium test to see if his operation had been successful. Instead, he had me taking calcium supplements (acting with the tumor), which were overloading my cardio and mental systems with high levels of calcium.

I traveled to Florida in 2020 to have corrective surgery by one the best parathyroid surgeons in the world. This doctor was able to find the bad parathyroid glad (6cm!) and remove it successfully. He did this using proper techniques and laboratory guidance, including a PTH testing device during surgery. Most alarmingly, in the surgeon's notes, he commented about Balserak's surgery: “It is still not clear what still remains in this patient’s neck.”

I suffered greatly from Balsarak's mistakes, both mentally and physically. The second surgery was painful and caused additional scaring in the throat tissue. It's no completely unknown how many PT glands I have intact, if any.

I am only listing a small portion of the overall problems I had with Dr. Balserak. I will soon be dedicating a website about my experiences with Balserak, including all of my medical records, so people will know the living hell I went through. You can find by it soon by searching under his name.

Thank you.
by Warren xxx.xxx.23.139
September 02, 2022
Recent Polls
Was this provider's office too cold?
Not at all, it was the perfect temperature
Was it easy to find parking at this surgeon's office?
Extremely easy, and close to the entrance
Are you going to visit this provider again?
Without a doubt!
Does this surgeon promptly return your phone calls?
Yes
Did this surgeon use excessive foul language?
Not at all! They are always respectful and courteous!
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.147.42
January 11, 2013
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