Brandon Bentz MD

During an outpatient endoscopic Zenker diverticulectomy, Dr. Bentz noted in his Operative Report that the supplied surgical stapler was too large and blocked visualization of the surgical area. However, he elected to continue using the over-sized stapler anyhow. The next day I was readmitted through the ER to the ICU with a perforated esophagus. It took 19 days before my feeding tube and 24/7 antibiotic drip were removed. Dr. Bentz's treatment and bedside manners following the life-threatening incident were nearly as abhorrent as his mid-surgery decision making. I transferred my treatment to an out-of-state doctor at UCLA Medical Center, where I learned the source of my continuing problems was Dr. Bentz's failure to treat for reflux which should have been done preemptively because it is a common post-operative side effect of Zenker diverticulectomy surgery. I highly recommend to avoid using this surgeon.