Dihan Aponso - QLD Spine

Thankyou to Anna, Juliett, Dr Aponso and the team of nurses, anaesthetist, physio and other professionals who were incredible.

After months of pain, my diagnosis, inital consultation, scans and treatment plan/surgery happened incredibly quickly. At all times I felt my voice was heard and staff advocated for my best interest.

I cannot speak highly enough of the professionalism, kindness and the way staff have the patients interest at heart.

Dr Aponso was referred to us by a friend when I was looking into options for my back surgery. After meeting Dr Aponso, I knew I'd found the right person for my procedure. He was thorough in details about the procedure, outlining benefits, risk and outcomes. All information was laid out on the table. I was extremely confident in Dr Aponso's skills, and went ahead with my surgery. The procedure was a great success, and recovery came along nicely. Dr Aponso was always available for any questions or concerns I had along the way, so I always felt taken care of. It's now 6 months into my recovery, and I've gained back most of my mobility/flexibility and strength minus the back issues I had before. Dr Aponso comes highly recommended by me and i can't thank him enough for helping me out.

Before I leave feedback about Dr. Aponso I just would like to also mention his Practice Personnel.
From the very first contact, through to our visit for the Initial Consultation; they were competent, professional. Furthermore in person they were warm, engaging, and very personable. I thank them.
As for my review of Dr. Aponso: Both my wife and I, ( The Patient. ) found Dr. Aponso to be very personable, professional, courteous, and humble enough to be easy to engage with regarding discussion of both the physical problem which I am experiencing, and the exploratory path forward, and the most likely treatment options available. I shall move forward as his patient with every confidence in his knowledge, experience, ability, and professional care to thoroughly and competently treat me as his patient.

Earlier this year I had the misfortune of herniating a disc in my lower back which crushed one of my spinal nerves and left me in horrendous pain and bed-ridden. I was referred to Dr Aponso after a trip to the Wesley Emergency Department and went to see him when the initial cortisone injection yielded zero results. My initial consultation with Dr Aponso took 2 hrs as he carefully reviewed my scans and discussed my options - leaving the decision to have surgery entirely in my hands. I decided on the surgery and was scheduled for the procedure only a couple of days later. I was incredibly impressed at the time, care and attention Dr Aponso spent explaining and reassuring me throughout the whole process. The follow up after-care was also very thorough and I continued to meet with Dr Aponso until he was satisfied I was fully recovered. Dr Aponso’s bedside manner is impeccable. He is caring, listens and leaves his patients in no doubt of his skill and professionalism. Thanks so much Dr Aponso - I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone I know!

I had spine surgery with Dr Aponso in the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane
I found his treatment to be of a high standard. He is a very caring and knowledgeable surgeon
He discussed my operation in detail in a way that I understood which made me less anxious .
He is a very caring doctor with a good bedside manner.
Thanks to Dr Aponso 1 year after my surgery I can do most things I did before my accident

A little over 12 months ago I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Dihan Aponso. I had the worst pain I had ever experienced in my life. And I assumed I had a problem with my leg. It turned out to be my spine. After in depth consultation, X-rays and scans Dr Aponso did everything he could to avoid surgery.
Dr Aponso then took the time to explain to me that I would need a spinal fusion.
I was absolutely terrified at the thought of needing to have this done. Dr Aponso explained everything in detail, and reassured me everything would be fine.
He was right. The surgery was a success. It took a little while for me to regain my confidence with different aspects of mobility, but with the help of physio's recommended by Dr Aponso everything is now going perfectly.
I have never met a surgeon who is more caring, his bedside manner is wonderful. He is patient, understanding and an excellent listener. These are all qualities I have never experienced with any of my previous surgeon's.
Dr Aponso set's the bar high . He surrounds himself with the best team possible to achieve the best outcome for you. Even after my surgery if I had any worries I could call Juliet (who is also amazing)at his rooms and she would have Dr Aponso call me when he was available.
I can't thank him enough for what he has done for me. But you can rest assured if you have spinal problems Dr Dihan Aponso is the surgeon you need.
Thank you Dihan for everything you have done for me. I have my life back, and it's all because of you.

Sending Dr Aponso a very big thank you for the care you recently provided me while in the Wesley Hospital. I arrived at the emergency department with severe back pain and was referred into the care of Dr Aponso, who was so very kind and understanding. Dr Aponso took the time explaining my back issues in a way that I fully understood all available options, he was very engaging with me and I felt the treatment decisions were jointly agreed. Although I did not have surgery at this time, I would have no hesitation in returning to his care or recommending anyone else to his care. Dr Aponso is very professional but also very friendly, which made me feel very relaxed, easing my fears and concerns regarding my back issues. I believe Dr Aponso to be a truely unique individual who became a specialist providing exceptional care in our community, thank you so very much Dr Aponso.

Dr Aponso diagnosed my spinal condition and operated to produce a fantastic outcome. He is very professional and knowledgeable and above all else is a very caring and personable specialist surgeon. He had no limits to the amount of time and patience in answering any questions, and I found he and his team to be exceptional in all regards.

I saw Dr Aponso in relation to a 3.5 year ongoing issue with lower back pain, and sciatica and numbness in my left leg, aggravated by endurance sport.

My first impressions of Dr Aponso was he was very compassionate, thorough and provided clear explanations (cause, effect and solution, as well as all potential risks and complications).

I underwent an L5/S1 Anterior Lumbar Fusion approximately 8 weeks ago. I had almost immediate relief in relation to my back pain and found Dr Aponso to be progressive in how he allowed me to 'get moving' shortly after my procedure. His post-op approach is patient specific rather than a 'one size fits all' which I found to be comforting as I am a very active person and felt I was able to approach light exercise quite quickly.

Post-op, I did experience some unusual leg pain. Rather than waiting it out, Dr Aponso acted quickly and approached the issue in a strategic and thorough way, establishing a solution that has been effective.

Dr Aponso has incredible bedside manner (the other reviews are correct) and has an excellent reputation amongst other medical staff at the hospital I attended (I made it my mission in hospital to ask staff!).

I would highly recommend Dr Aponso if you are seeking surgical advice or a second opinion. He is technically excellent, knowledgable and just a really decent person. Regardless of how nervous I became during the process, I always felt completely comfortable and assured.

I will also add that his medical secretary, Juliet, is incredible. Not only is she just lovely and easy to deal with, but she stays on top of things. I have never once had to follow something up or manage my appointments.

Dr. Aponso was recommended to me by a former work colleague when it was evident that I had a major issue with my lower spine. From the initial consultation and how Dr. Aponso explained the procedure I required relating to Spinal Fusion, I felt confident that I had made the correct decision to have him has my surgeon. His patient care and skill before, during and post surgery were exemplary, and at all times I felt completely at ease and in safe hands. Post surgery and during the subsequent reviews of my condition, he took the time to go through how things were progressing and always ensured I had a complete understanding of the ongoing situation. I have recently had my 12 month post operative review (18/08/2020) and was extremely pleased to hear that everything had gone well and as such discharged. The results of my condition since the surgery have been life changing from just over a year ago and this is all down to having a fantastic surgeon. I would like to take this time publicly to thank Dr. Aponso, Juliett his fantastic receptionist and the team at the Wesley Hospital for the care they provided and wouldn't hesitate to recommended Dr Aponso to anyone who has any spinal or lower limb issues. Five stars is not enough.

My Surgical experience under the care of Dr Dihan Aponso has been a most positive one from time of recent diagnosis of my Spinal disorder through to the excellent follow-up care following the successful surgical procedure.
QLD Spine responded immediately to my GP Referral for a timely first appointment with Dr Aponso at the Sunshine Coast Clinic closest to my home. Dr Aponso is a genuinely warm & knowledgeable professional person & I knew I was in good hands from our first meeting. He fully explained the MRI results & diagnosis in a manner that I understood & he welcomed my questions & concerns.
The surgery at Brisbane Wesley Hospital was scheduled at the earliest opportunity & QLD Spine followed-up by phone calls & emails with all
Pre-Op requirements; including information needed for my Private Health provider and any other expenses.
Dr Aponso spoke with me immediately prior to my anaesthetic and visited with me daily while recovering in hospital. His care throughout was exceptional.
Upon my discharge he remained available to address any concerns I had, especially during my initial days of recovery & he was able to convince me that I was progressing as expected.
Due to my Degenerative Spinal Disease I may require a further surgery in future years. Dr Aponso is the Surgeon who will be monitoring my progress throughout on a regular basis meanwhile and that gives me peace of mind indeed!

From my first appointment I found DR Aponso to be caring and Informative regarding what options I could take to alleviate my back problem. In discussing with me following his viewing of my x rays and scans he offered me scenarios to consider and left the choice to me with which I felt comfortable with. Following surgery his manner in supporting me through rehab and following consultations was without fault. The operation was a huge success and I would not hesitate to consult him further and recommend him to others

On the 13th May 2021 Dr Aponso performed a multi level spinal decompression and fusion on me in the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane and I am super impressed. He is a lovely person and is genuinely interested in helping you out. His manner is superb and I felt safe and informed throughout the entire experience. In follow up visits he has been totally professional and informative. A true gentleman and a very competent doctor. My pre surgery symptoms are gone and I am getting a decent quality of life back after surgery. His reception staff are great and nothing is too much bother. I was really anxious about spinal surgery but Dr Aponso made the entire experience a positive one. Thanks Doctor Aponso, I really appreciate what you have done for me.

Just a quick update from me.
Yesterday (3/2/2022) Dr Aponso did a second procedure on me in the Brisbane Private Hospital. As per the first time I found Dr Aponso to be a total professional. He has two great attributes in that he is an expert, skilled surgeon and secondly he is a decent human being who genuinely cares for his patient. I see Dr Aponso as a friend and not just a medical specialist. Thanks again Dr Aponso, I appreciate what you have done for me. Also Dr Fung your anaesthetist is great as well. Regards Brian Beitz

I am now 3 months post surgery and cannot recommend Dr Aponso more enthusiastically for his calm, considered and sympathetic approach through out the whole process. Dr Aponso was the 4th surgeon that I went to for an analysis of my condition. It wasn't until I meet Dihan that I was confident that I was in great hands. Since the operation I have been pain free except for a 4 day period one week after the operation. In the middle of that period, Dr Aponso replied to my desperate 3am email with a follow up email reply at 6am and a call at 7am. At all times I felt that he was by my side, ready to provide whatever assistance and direction I required. Dr Aponso is a great and skilled surgeon, but of equal importance, he genuinely cares about his patients.

Dr Aponso is an amazing surgeon who takes the time to explain in great detail treatment & management options. He is a genuine, gentleman who is compassionate, understanding and listens to your concerns. I am 12 months post spinal surgery and can not be happier with the result; pain free and able to walk freely. I highly recommend Dr Aponso as a competent surgeon who provides a high level of care and great outcomes for all his patients.

Dr Aponso was not the only surgeon I met with when I needed surgery. He was however the only surgeon that took the time with me as a patient developing a strong sense of trust at a time of great vulnerability. I have found no fault with this doctors process and am happy to recommend him and his staff.

For years I have suffered mobility problems from peripheral neuropathy. My condition continues to worsen, and now I use a wheelie walker for getting around.

In the latter part of last year I began to experience severe headaches, nausea and imbalance resulting in falls. Suspecting these experiences were not part of peripheral neuropathy my GP referred me to Dr Dihan Aponso for investigations. He ordered a full nuclear bone scan. On the films there was considerable degeneration at all cervical spine levels and the levels C6-C7 lit up like a lighthouse. Dr Aponso discussed in detail with my wife and I that I could benefit from a cervical spinal fusion at that level. My wife and I have never experienced a medical specialist surgeon who has spent so much time explaining in detail what he could do, and the possible outcomes. He is a very good listener, and respectfully answered our concerns about the operation. Dr Aponso is very kind and caring. I felt very safe in his hands.

We made the decision to go ahead and I had the surgery. Three months on and I have had remarkable relief from the above symptoms. Not only that, but freeing up compression on the spinal cord has let constantly tight muscles to relax. As a result my mobility is considerably improved.

I thoroughly recommend Dr Dihan Aponso to anyone in need of spinal surgery.
Thank you Dihan. You are a rare gem !!!

Dr Aponso is an incredible surgeon he takes the time to explain in great detail treatment & management options. He made me feel comfortable and gave me great confidences in the surgery option route that I chose, the outcome is beyond my expectations, I am pain free and feel human again. Thank You so much Doctor You Are a surgical Superstar and a wonderful man.

I had constant back pain when a specialist in another field suggested I see Dr. Dihan Aponso to discuss my severe back pain. Dr. Aponso listened and questioned me about my pain and after examining X-rays carefully explain what he could do to help me. The pros and cons of the operation were explained in detail, there wasn’t any pressure on me to go ahead with the operation even asked me to invite my wife in so she also understood what was involved if I went ahead. The final decision was left up to me. Dr. Aponso and his team have changed my life for the better and I can now do many things I could not do before the operation with no back pain.( drive a car, stand up straight, mow the lawn, walk, and pickup my grandchildren)
About eight months after I lost feeling in my hands after a fall I spoke to Dr. Aponso about this and after a MRI scan he found that disc was impinging on the spinal column in my neck, within a week I had been operated on, I now have no numbness in hands another great success due to Dr. Aponso skill as a surgeon.
I can highly recommend Dr. Apono and his very professional team (including his very helpful receptionist) after two very successful operations. Robert Morris

Writing on behalf of Joanne Lawes.
Dr Aponso was absolutely amazing through out my whole experience with my procedure. I spent over a year with him, he was there with me every step of the way and whenever I needed him. His professionalism is just extraordinary, he went above and beyond for me. I would highly recommend Dr Aponso to anyone needing back surgery to go and see him. He introduced me to the rehab specialist and physician and everyone went through what was going to happen step by step and very thoroughly. The surgery was a complete success and I would like to thank Dr Aponso and his team for everything they have done to help me.