Antonio Disclafani's Online Review Report Card

I have had 2 back surgeries by Dr D on my lumbar region. Second surgery was about 4 years after the first surgery. They both resolved the pain. Years later more pain has started because I have arthritis in my spine. Pain is from the last section of lumbar region that needs to be operated on. I wouldn't want anyone but Dr D to perform my surgery if I decide to have it. I have no complaints at all about him.

This doctor was in a rush to perform surgery on my mom. Claiming he would fix her back and pain. After the surgery, her pain is MUCH worse. She is incapacitated. Crying and in severe pain nonstop. She can’t walk. Has no life now. She was a vibrant woman who, at 80 years old, was at the gym 5 days a week and drove everywhere doing activities. Do NOT GO TO THIS DOCTOR. They continue to claim many different things causing her issues. A new doctor reviewed her MRI post surgery and she STILL has the same issues. I’ve been to several appts with her and to the hospital after the surgery and have NEVER seen or met the doctor. He’s incognito. I think he just retired. But, that won’t save him from a malpractice lawsuit!!!!

Dr. DiSclafani is a man of few words however, I wouldn’t have it any other way. He stated what I needed and my surgery was scheduled. Amanda his Assistant and awesome nurse practitioner answered any questions I had. My surgery was as expected with no complications. Still in the healing phase as surgery was on 02/14/19. I would recommend this doctor any time.

He has worked on my spine three times and sure we may need future ones. My problem is degenerative and he continues to give me my life back. Right now it is two years since last surgery, the first one being 1996, and I am on an upswing. Doing great and doing my part; staying active and going to gym to keep muscles supporting my spine strong since I have degenerative disc disease. He will be only one I use.

First off I have to say the two stars is only for the handling of my case. I would and already have recommended Dr Disclafani for treatment/surgery. Dr. D was certainly focused on his part of my treatment. I had stenosis in my cervical and lumbar spine along with other diagnoses. I had been having some arm and hand pain for years but thought that was just arthritis. (Later I found out it was from my cervical spine.) I was told he only visits with a patient for only one diagnosis, neck or back I had to choose which was to be diagnosed. Since I thought my leg pain was surely back related that's what I had him look at first. After he examined me he said it was a question of 'when and not if' I needed surgery, so surgery it was. I was all set for the lumbar procedure but presented to Dr D two days prior in excruciating pain in nearly all of my joints. He looked at the x-rays of my neck for the first time and decided that had to be done first, so two days later I had the ACDF. Two levels were identified prior to surgery, but only one was manipulated/fused due to surgeon's decision. A round of steroids and I was feeling great... two days after they were gone the head to toe pain was back with a vengeance. I asked for and received another round of steroids. However, when that round was finished the pain returned and I moved up my post op appointment to DOS+21. I asked to have my lumbar work done ASAP to get on with my life, and he consented. A few days later I had the surgery, was on heavy pain meds with did not take away all of the joint pain but worked on the back. I was discharged the next day to get yet another round of steroids. As those wore off my joint pain returned worse than ever. I called for more pharmaceutical intervention, (but not narcotics) and was denied by the nurse practitioner. In fact, she said I should see a pain specialist. I called my family doc for an appointment and was unable to get in for two weeks. I asked to see another doctor and was given an appointment three days later on a Monday. The Sunday prior I was in so much pain with no relief I called Dr D for some relief; his partner was on call and word got back to me to see my own doctor. (Thanks a lot.) I went to an Ocala Hospital ER in Summerfield -- they wouldn't do anything and I left in tears from the pain. That Monday I met a new Family Medicine guy who actually listened to me and my entire story. He asked questions, he examined me, he asked for details on the pain. He suspected something and actually ordered nearly 45 blood tests; it took over 30 tubes of blood and four blood culture bottles (10cc each) for the testing, then he immediately referred me to a Rheumatologist. Turns out I have what a Johns Hopkins paper describes as "Occasionally, patients experience an explosive polyarticular onset occurring over 24 to 48 hours" in an article about rheumatoid arthritis. In other words, Dr. D and his nurse practitioner are very focused on their portion... and ONLY their portion of a patient's treatment. I'm sure I didn't express my true thanks for alleviating my leg pain and eventually arm/hand symptoms. I guess I was in too much pain otherwise. I am currently under treatment for the RA for three weeks and I'm nearly 100%. Here's hoping those symptoms don't reappear! By the way, I would most definitely recommend Dr Disclafani for surgery, and special kudos to the folks at the front desk and scheduling who went above and beyond to get me help!

I came in thinking I needed spinal surgery, and Dr. Disclafani quickly and accurately assessed that my problems were not based on my spinal condition. Very concise and accurate. Thank you.

Failed surgery and no help afterward! Told me to see a foot Dr. For leg and foot pain I didn't have prior too surgery!

In 2013 Disclafani performed three operations on my wife, all in same spot of lumbar 4 and 5. The first he put in a clasp to separate the two, the second to free a pinched nerve caused by first operation, the third to remove clasp. Following third operation while still in Ocala Regional Hospital she developed osteomyelitis, a spinal infection requiring 7 weeks of antibiotics administered through a port. Six months after first operation she was released with a wheel chair, which later was replaced with a walker, then a cane and a right leg brace. Now four years later the pain emanating from the surgical site and down both legs necessitates four to five oxycodone daily to help relieve pain. She cannot stand for more than a minute without a weakness and pain and has to sit. At another time I will discuss the doctor's manner while dealing with my wife, the first point being he kept mispronouncing her name (being corrected each time), and at the final meeting with her, seven months after the first operation, he did not show up, leaving the disposition of the entire matter to his assistant Steve. Following the first operation my wife asked through the fog of the anesthesia the day before "will my back ever be flexible?" Disclafani responded: "We won't know for awhile but I do know you'll never have a flexible mind." She asked him what he meant by that statement. He did not respond and to this date has not.

Horrible doctor Dr Disclafani did a spinal fusion for a herniated disc One year later I was still in terrible pain. I had an MRI done to find out that he left most of the herniated disc in my back. When I called and told them they didn't care. Since then I have heard that many people had botched surgeries with dr. Disclafani Avoid him at all costs I have to have a second surgery now

Seems nice when you first meet him but after he does the surgery dosnt care at all. I had same symptoms after surgery ,less severe ,but same. Lots of pain and swelling which they continued to say is normal cleared me for work and therapy as I seemed to be getting worse! Referred me to another dr after two months after surgery where they ran tests of my foot and leg..did tests for weeks found nothing. I saw another dr on my own who did an mri of my back and found still a herniated disc that he did not get all of! And now I need another surgery! Dr.d. and his staff said to walk as much as I can handle...when I was not supposed to be walking much at all....he has no clue what he is doing and if I could go back DO NOT LET HIM OPERATE ON YOU!!!!!!!!!! MY surgery was feb. 2017...and now I need a second surgery two months later bc they brushed off all my symptoms. P.a. is rude as well. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I DID! I am 32 and now have to undergo my second back surgery bc of incompetence! I want my life back!