Patient Testimonials

TRULY GRATEFUL

My husband is a former patient of Dr. Virella's, and I acted as his patient advocate (by his side overseeing and recording his care 24/7 during his hospitalization with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) - from ER to Surgical ICU and ongoing during his continuing recovery). My first-hand knowledge of the care he received from Dr. Virella enables me to say with complete certainty that he not only saved my husband's life, but did so while demonstrating an immense level of compassion and professionalism. From all that I learn in my subsequent research into the nature of my husband's injury as well as the procedures that Dr. Virella performed on him, I become increasingly aware that a surgeon with less skill and insight would have achieved far less successful results. In my husband's case, this meant a difference between leading a full life post-trauma, and facing severe life-long limitations. Dr. Virella saved my husband's life in every sense of the word; and our family is truly grateful.

EXCELLENT DOCTOR

Excellent doctor and surgeon!! Highly skilled and caring to his patients. Highly recommended! If you have a complex spine or brain problem he is your man!!

BEST IN THIS AREA

My back was hurting for years, until I went to see Dr. Virella. I was scared to death of surgery. I put it off for as long as I could. It got to the point where I couldn't hardly walk anymore, therefore, I had no choice. Dr. V did my surgery at TOSH. This is an amazing hospital, more like a hotel. Dr. V made me feel at ease about my surgery. It's been 2 months, and I feel like a new person. I can't say enough about him. He's the best in this area. No competition!

FEELING GREAT

Reviewer: Daniel Brown

I was suffering from constant neck pain for 8 months. I went to 3 different doctors and 1 pain management doctor for epideral shots. They didn't help at all. The pain management doctor referred me to Dr Anthony Virella. I had a consultation with Dr Virella. I told hime what the problem was, and he sent me to get xrays. After reviewing the xrays, he told me what was wrong. I was given 3 options. I chose surgery because of how bad my neck was. Dr Virella explained to me what he would do during surgery. After surgery the pain was all gone. I like the way Dr Virella handled my whole situation, before, during, and after surgery. He's a really nice guy. I would highly recommend him to everyone. My life is so much better thanks to Dr. Virella.

BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE

I have been in pain for as long as I can remember. I have tried everything to get rid of my back pain...chiropractor, therapy, epidural, name it I' ve done it. But when Dr. corella told me that my best option would be surgery, I have to admit I was skeptical at first not because of his qualifications as a neurosurgeon but because of my age. I am 62 y/o and have other health issues besides my back problem. But he assured me that everything will be alright and he will do the best he can so I can live my life pain free...and thank God he did. After 25 years I am free from pain. A few months ago I couldn't even walk and was struggling to get up the stairs. Now I walk for an hour at the mall as my daily exercise, walk up and down the stairs with ease and most importantly play with my grand kids whom I love so dearly. Thank you for making it all possible.

NICE GUY

I've had so much pain for so long. I've been to many doctors, and nothing seems to help. I was sitting at church one day, and was introduced to Dr Virella. I felt like it was meant to be! He has saved me! He's a member of my parish, so it was easy to trust him. I highly recommend him.

WELL-MANNERED, UNDERSTANDING, AND SYMPATHETIC

Dr Virella was well-mannered, understanding, and sympathetic. He is the best in the area! I wouldn't even think of going anywhere else!

GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK

Reviewer: Love Virginia V.

I went to my family practitioner with severe back pain and numbing in my right leg, after an MRI he gave me a list of Doctors to see. But suggested that I See Dr. Virella, as he felt he was the best one on the list. The diagnosis from Dr. Virella wasn't good, he said I had a rupture the size of a golf ball in my L5 disc which was causing the problem in my leg and I also was suffering with a drop foot. He didn't mince words he said I needed to take immediate action to resolve the problem, which unfortunately was surgery. I was scared, but he explained the procedure in detail to my husband & myself. Also he explained that because of the severity, there was some extensive nerve damage in my leg, so it would take time after the surgery to improve, but with therapy and patience, it should improve. I went to see him originally hesitant about having any type of surgery & I new I was going to get a second opinion. But after speaking with him he put us at such ease, with his knowledge and demeanor, I scheduled the procedure for that following week! I've not looked back since. I am like a new person. A week after surgery the numbness in my leg was completely gone and I was walking with our dog on the block. Now eight weeks out I've just started riding a bike again, something I haven't done in probably 10 yrs. Thank you Dr. Virella for giving me my life back, it feels GREAT! You will always be apart of my extended family.

ALL AROUND GREAT DOCTOR & EXPERIENCE

Dr. Virella took the time to listen to me, did a thorough examination of me and my films. Explained to me what my situation was and how we would address the problem. He also explained the procedure, where the procedure would be performed and why. I feel better that I have in the last 6 yrs. Thank You Dr. Virella

GOOD EXPERIENCE

I was referred by my family Dr to go see Dr Virella after I was at my wits end trying to understand why both my hands were going numb. After some exrays and MRI, Dr Virella diagnosed my problem which included having surgery on C3 and C4. The surgery took longer than normal but in my view so far very much a success. I'm on my 7th week post surgery and will start up with Physical Therapy in another 3 weeks or so. Dr Virella knows his stuff even though I gave him a hard time about how young he was. My family Dr who I've been seeing for 24 years said he's dealt with a lot of Neurosurgeons in his time but Dr V "shoots straight" and knows what he's doing.....I'm looking forward to my ongoing recovery process but today I feel so much better than I did when I originally went in for a diagnosis.

COMPASSIONATE

Reviewer: Sue Wright

Dr. Virella had seen me this past April for an ongoing back issue, related to a ruptured disc and sever pain radiating down my leg. The consultation was very informative and Dr. Virella was very honest in what he anticipated my outcome to be. I chose to have my procedure 2 weeks later. The results have been amazing! I can't say enough about this wonderful surgeon. He is very honest, intelligent and forthright about his abilities and what he promises. He is not arrogant but very confident in what he can do for his patients. I tell everyone that asks what a wonderful surgeon he is. I offered to be his poster child, so this is my testimonial. You will not find a better surgeon of his caliber with such a modest demeanor.He is a genuine person and most compassionate. Love this Dr.

PAIN-FREE

Reviewer: Chris Lee

Dr. Virella and his staff (Renee and Mina) took excellent care of me. I was reluctant because of Insurance concerns. Renee assured me that there would be no suprises and they have delvired. My surgery took place this March and I have been pain free from the moment I recovered from neck surgery. I was referred by a local back surgeon and will not hesitate to endorse Dr. Virella and his staff. Thank you for everything.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I had 3 back surgeries done by Dr. Virella. If I need them in the future, he is the only doctor that will perform them. I trust this man fully. I highly recommend. Just to mention I am an ER nurse and we are pretty hard to please :)

COURTEOUS AND HELPFUL

Office staff is very courteous and helpful. Always available to answer questions and respond in excellent time.Dr Virella has an excellent bedside manner, answers all questions. I'm still in recovery mode, but feels like he has resloved my back issues. I would highly recommend him.

VERY KNOWLEDGIBLE AND EFFICIENT

Reviewer: Joel S.

Dr. Virella (or as I refer to him as "Sir Anthony")is very knowledgible and efficient. His detailed explanation of the fusion procedure provided not just in one family meeting but twice, He even described possible problems. The day after the op I was out of the hospital bed and walking, even up & down a flight of stairs. Post-op, spent time explaining the the x-rays. The terrible pain and my inablity to walk that I experienced since 1996 remains only in my memory. Now I have to understand what I can do or movements that I must avoid. I have recommended, and will continue to reccommend his expertise to members of my family and several friends.

EASY DECISION

Easiest decision I ever made was allowing Dr Virella to do my surgery.

CARING AND COMPASSIONATE

Dr Virella was the most caring and compassionate doctor I've ever seen! He took his time with me and explained things slowly, so that I could understand. There is absolutely no other Neurosurgeon in this area that I would even consider going to after meeting Dr Virella. He's the doctor you've been looking for....

HE SAVED ME!

I went to see 2 other doctors in the area prior to seeing Dr Virella. The other 2 wanted to do surgery, but Dr Virella wanted me to try pain management first. I avoided unnecessary surgery! He saved me! He was so kind and caring. He is a special person, the kind you want and expect your doctor to be.

AMAZING DOCTOR

This is the most amazing Doctor I've ever been to. He took his time and made me feel like his priority. He made me feel calm and at ease about my surgery. Go see him!