Dr. Wayel Kaakaji, MD

I've undergone 9 surgeries on my lumbar spine by a few different doctors. Dr. Kaakaji performed a spinal fusion on my L3,L4,L5,S1 back in late September. I had this same surgery performed in December at IU Methodist in Indy. All the hardware came loose and had to be replaced. Which is harder than just doing a fusion. Dr. Kaakaji spent 7 hours doing this surgery also while removing a ton of scars tissue left from previous surgeries. Although not fully recovered I have to say that my back has not felt this good in the last 17 years. I would highly recommend him.

Hed explained very deeply with me my choice of pain management or surgery and the dangers. surgery was very good and the after care. His follow up after surgery was excellent. would recommend if you have back problems.

Great service, efficient, in and out of hospital within five hours.

Dr Kaakaji is extremely knowledgeable and took plenty of time answering all my questions . Wonderful person and Doctor...I received an excellent and thorough Neuro Evaluation!

My husband had 2 different surgeries done by this physician. He has a great bedside manner , informs patient of what needs to be done ! Dr. K and his team are amazing

Our experience happened in early 2013. Dr. Kaakaji performed 4 surgeries in a 2 week span. Our lives are forever changed because of the chain of events during this time. My wife is in constant pain and unable to enjoy most activities that she used to take for granted. A medicine chest full of prescriptions, don’t help much. After the forth surgery I had her transferred to Rush hospital in Chicago. We spent two months there. Although I believe that much of the damage was the result of the hospital staff, the ultimate responsibility falls on the surgeon. Other than the ultimate bad outcome I would have given him very high marks. Unfortunately mistakes made cost my wife dearly and changed our lives in ways we could have never imagined. I wish now that we would have gone to Rush to start with. If I can give one piece of advice, it would be, if it is a complex problem seek help at one of the teaching hospitals in Chicago.

This wonderful man operated on my husband's back and got of his sciatica pain. I was with my husband at his consultation and was very impressed with the way he answered all of our questions. I plan to see him soon myself for my own health issue.

He does zero follow up. He did nothing to suggest alternative treatments.

His bedside manner was good although I would suggest going to another provider if you have a complex problem. Life was changed forever and although in part because of the hospital staff, the ultimate responsibility falls on the surgeon.

No follow up

Everyone said, "Don't have back surgery"! Well, my pain doctor suggested I see Dr. Kaakaji , and I am so glad he did. Dr. Kaakaji operated on my back and gave me my life back. He is a caring, confident doctor who wants you to understand the proposed surgery and outcomes and takes the time it takes to answer questions.

We went to Dr. Kaakaji for a second opinion. He was very straight forward and explained all of our options for my husband's back very well. He is not jumping to do surgery, which my husband appreciated. I appreciated the fact that he was looking at his future potential for needing extensive surgery as well.

Dr. Kaakaji saved my life and continues to fix my many spinal and back problems. He never recommends surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. He listens and explains bluntly what is happening. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything and explains in detail. I highly recommend that if you are looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable and caring neurosurgeon, Dr. Kaakaji is the doctor to see.

Dr Kaakaji has helped me. I came in the hospits from the emergency room, and could not walk and in great pain. I was sent to take an mri and found my problem was in my neck. After talking with Dr Kaakaji he operated 1 day later, he had to change something he had to do, so that he had the time to operate on me. I am very grateful, if it wasn't for him I think I would not be able to walk at all. I do have to use a walker, but I think I would not be able to walk at all if it wasn't for Dr Kaakaji.

Dr Kaakaji was recommended after an MRI showed severe stenosis to my lower back. He performed a very thorough exam and was very upfront and honest. He explained my options well and ordered more testing to see if there was anything else going on. During my second visit he confirmed what what found during the first visit and even recommended I get a second opinion to feel better about my future with surgery. He was very easy to talk to and took his time with me. I will definitely be returning.

I went to see Dr. Kaakaji for a back problem I was having. It was a long wait in the waiting area 2 hours after my appointment time. When I finally got to the room he didn't even spend 5 minutes with me. It seemed he was in a hurry. He also didn't give me many options to try and fix my back problem. I had to suggest physical therapy because his suggestions were to live with my pain or get surgery. I would never go back to see him. And I would not recommend him to anyone!

He shoots straight from the hip....straight shot no chaser. . . He doesn't mind explaining how he sees you case individually not just lumped in a category. .... He want the best possible outcome for his patients regardless of whether he operates or not...

had first appointment and waited over thirty min. asked what was wrong and was told computer problems docfor was not aware of it. i think he was late and he told me thats way it is.

Dr. Kaakaji has the most excellent bed side manner and is very pleasant physician that have ever meet, has given my mother so much peace of mind and confidence. I Thank him for taking very care of my mother, God bless him,and continue helping others that are in need.

Wonderful person and Doctor. Had both cervical and lumbar surgery performed by Dr. Kaakaji with great results. I would highly recommend him.