Patient Testimonials
HCB: is a college student who had to return home from school during her freshman year because of the problems that she was experiencing with her sinuses.
“I went to CSI in San Ramon because I had been suffering from chronic sinus polyps. I had been taking serious medications for about 2 months and had been through two prior surgeries. I was immediately assured by Dr. Vaughan, Adelene and Kathleen that they would try to take my sinuses from a “C” to an “A-” and so I signed on for surgery immediately. Not only did I receive the most warm, encouraging care (one of my previous doctors said to me: you are a “sinus cripple”) - CSI fought on and I felt that Dr. Vaughan was an amazingly talented surgeon! After a 90 minute surgery, I had new and improved sinus cavities and within that first week- I felt a dramatic improvement.
My symptoms prior to the CSI surgery were dizziness, lack of concentration, congestion, anxiety and reclusivity, excruciatingly sharp pains in my forehead, nose, cheeks and ears. Within the first two days, I immediately noticed how much less swollen I was compared with my prior two surgeries--it only got better! I felt almost no congestion and only minor aches (as opposed to sharp pains). I was sleeping better, and was noticeably less depressed and anxious in about two weeks or so.
We had the CSI staff emails and cell phone numbers also if we ever needed anything while I was healing. By a month, I was exercising vigorously and only feeling dizziness and pain for a few seconds each time up to 3 times per day. Now, about 6 months after surgery it’s almost as if I never had sinus problems ever. I still rinse my nose out with liquid steroids every other day, but beyond that my sinusitis has pretty much been cut out of my life.
I am so thankful … they have truly turned my life back around and made me feel like a teenager again. Also – I’m back in college!”
Dr. BP: is a pediatrician in central California with chronic sinus disease.
He had previous sinus surgery and came to CSI because:
“After 4 acute sinus infections and treatment with antibiotics in the winter of 2005-6 I consulted with a local ENT. A CT scan showed persistent chronic frontal sinus disease. I collected three local opinions and on their suggestion began to explore a surgical solution. I learned that there were few surgeons with the training and experience of Dr. Vaughan. After checking references, visiting the CSI website and doing some research on endoscopic frontal sinus surgery, I made an appointment and with my wife traveled to consult with the CSI team. We were impressed with the CSI staff, facilities and particularly appreciated Dr. Vaughan’s personal, direct and professional approach to my situation.
After reviewing my old CT scan, a new scan was repeated that day to plan for computer assisted navigation. This scan was reviewed with my wife and me in the office and we could understand the issues involved after the first visit at CSI. I scheduled my revision surgery the following day after reflecting on my options. Surgery was completed at Waverley Surgical Center. It lasted about 90 minutes and I returned home the same afternoon with no packing. I took only one prescribed pain pill and had a remarkably rapid and complication free recovery.
I delayed my return to work (doctor’s orders) for 10 days. I can say that I am essentially symptom free and feel great. Endoscopy at CSI recently confirmed widely open frontal sinuses…I saw them with the video goggles …and I am hoping for a sinus infection free future. PS: It’s great to be able to smell and taste my food again!”
KR - 2008
I cannot find enough words of praise to express how impressed I am with Dr. Vaughn and his staff at the California Sinus Institute.
Dr. Vaughn did endoscopic frontal sinus surgery on me in October 2008. I had several large growths inside my sinuses. They needed to be removed. I was told this by 3 different doctors, so I knew that it was true. The CT scan of my sinus was scary -- it was horribly abnormal and needed to be fixed.
Dr. Vaughn is considered "the MAN" when it comes to sinus surgery in the Bay Area (as well as the entire West, as far as I have heard). People fly in from across the country to see him. He corrects mistakes made by other doctors. I've read postings on the Web from other patients that after having several surgeries by other doctors, it was Dr. Vaughn's surgery that finally corrected their problem "once and for all." I'm writing to tell you that indeed this is true.
In addition to being an extremely competent and skilled surgeon, Dr. Vaughn is extremely compassionate and caring. His bedside manner is beyond comparison -- other doctors should take lessons from him. He has a great personality and really puts you at ease. He also appreciates a good joke -- and anyone who can put me in a good mood when they're sticking a lighted thing up my nose all the way to my eyeballs gets a gold star in my book!
When you are his patient, it is very easy to get hold of him, either via his cell phone or his email. He has a blackberry device and answers questions from patients throughout the day, so you get an answer quickly. He really CARES about his patients and doesn't put them off or shoo them over to others in his staff instead. It's a rare thing in medicine today.
I also want to say that Waverley Surgery Center is a fine facility with a very caring and skilled staff. Surgery can be scary, and they do a lot to ease your mind as well.
So in conclusion, if you need sinus surgery, or just a really good consultation or second opinion, do not hesitate to see Dr. Vaughn or his staff. I'd give them 10 stars if I could!
MP 11/7/2009
I was referred to Dr. Vaughn by my allergy/asthma doctor for chronic sinusitis. His office was immaculate and his staff were all very nice.
My sinuses were 90% blocked up and my other doctor thought I was going to need to have surgery. Before Dr. Vaughn even brought surgery up, he wanted to put me on a course of long term antibiotics and oral steroids to see if I would improve.
A month later, there was a 99% improvement and I had averted surgery. Both my primary care doctor and allergy/asthma doctor recommended Dr. Vaughn as the best in the business as far as sinuses go. Even after just the first visit to his office, I felt 100% confident that I was in the best hands and if I had to go into surgery, I knew everything would be fine. He is very nice and very confident which made me feel much better.
Dr. Vaughn is the best of the best. TOP NOTCH.
Sacramento Patient - 2010
I have to saw that when my family doctor sent me to Calsinus to see if you would help me with my sinus problems, infections and loss of smell - I was not sure you would be able to help.
After 4 weeks, I now can smell !!! As I told you, I was able to smell roses , perfume, my cooking and the chocolate over Valentine's Day weekend. Thank you for not giving up on me and my bad nose.
My family doctor was right when he said you are the 'sinus guru'.
Atherton Patient - 2010
...you have the best office staff - they are so kind, caring and efficient !! They sent me all the paperwork by email before my visit and the CT tech was pleasant, smart and on-time.
Once I met Kathleen (the nurse practitioner), she answered so many of my questions and explained to me what the endoscopie was.
Dr. Vaughan showed me inside my nose with video glasses that day ! He showed me where the problem was and how he planned to fix it. After less than an hour in this office, I knew more about my sinusitis than three other doctors in San Jose were trying to tell me over years.
Also, after my surgery at Stanford surgery center using the computer , no packing and sinusplasty balloon - I am now infection free for over 6 months.
Thanks for making my life better - I sent some of my co-workers to see you also. Also I am very happy I can fly to see my family without that sinus pain.
Fresno Area Patient - 2010
My wife and kids drove with me from Visalia to see the sinus doctor. We came several week ago, to see if your team could help me. My other doctors said they did not know how to help except with more antibiotics and prednisone.
My wife's hairdresser said: He knows what he is doing and has fixed so many of my friends and family.
She was right - your team including the staff at Stanford worked so hard to make me better and I am.
All the driving was well worth it. See you next month for my check up.
San Diego patient - 2009
For years I have flown up to see the sinus team in Palo Alto. I remember when you were at Stanford and were so busy, every time I came up, I felt like I was your only special patient.
My family would come on the flights with me (Southwest / San Jose) and we would go shopping after. You would spend the time and draw up maps of where to eat in San Francisco and how to avoid traffic. You even checked me in once on my Southwest flight so we could get in line fast when we got to the airport !
I am now cured- no more headaches , infections and have been promoted at work twice. I sometimes wish I had an excuse to come see Winston, Kathleen and the girls more than once a year.
Happy New Year and congrats on the beautiful new office in Atherton.
Walnut Creek Patient - 2009
Every time I come in to get my sinuses checked, I feel so confident in the doctor and the nursing staff.
My allergy and lung doctors in Walnut Creek say you guys are the best - and it shows - keep up the good work.
