Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Mixing surgery with politics can be bad medicine

Friday, Sept. 27, 2002 | 3:18 a.m.

State Sen. Joe Neal is running for governor against incumbent Kenny Guinn. Both men have proven they are good public servants, but political campaigns go beyond basic issues.

This week Gov. Guinn went to UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles for the removal of his diseased prostate. This radical surgery isn't uncommon but it certainly can't be treated like an appendectomy or a cold. The governor and his family determined that the surgery should take place in one of our nation's finest medical schools. All reports are that he is doing well and the surgery performed by the chairman of the Urology Department, Dr. Jean B. deKernion, was successful.

This surgery and choice of doctors was a private medical decision made by the Guinns with their Nevada doctors. What happened after the surgery was almost unbelievable when Neal, his opponent, dragged it into the political arena. He told reporters that he has concerns that Guinn is not "able to trust the doctors here" and that going out of town "speaks to his lack of trust." It's a real shame that Neal didn't hold his tongue on this matter. Knowing Neal, I have to believe he now regrets making these comments.

Few people, including Neal and Guinn combined, have spent as much time on the operating table as me. I have had successful surgery in Korea, Japan, California and Nevada and none of it was a piece of cake. Over the years, I have learned that surgery is best done by the doctor who has the most continuing successful experience in the operating room with the problem affecting the patient. This was certainly true in the MASH unit that did surgery on me. If that doctor is in UCLA or the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., then, if possible, go there. This is exactly what Guinn did for his own reasons.

As recently as December 2000, I had some heavy-duty cancer surgery at UCLA. With only 4,000 similar cases annually in our country, I discussed it with my oncologist, who steered me to UCLA, for a second opinion, where he had experience as a physician. Without hesitation, I headed for Los Angeles with my film and medical report. My wife, Carolyn, at the same time had successful cancer surgery and treatment on a different type of cancer right here in Clark County.

My surgery took place more then 20 years after leaving public office, so few people knew about it or had the opportunity to criticize my decision. My decision was made because I want to live a few more years, continue working and complete some unfinished projects while watching my grandchildren grow up.

Just last week, a former student and good friend living in Henderson told me about a possible serious problem. Without hesitation, I suggested he talk to his doctor about UCLA where his mother had her life extended several years by its medical specialists.

None of this had anything to do with my lack of trust in local doctors. We have some of the finest doctors who have helped keep me alive several years, but not long ago one of them, when facing a special medical problem, went to UCLA Medical Center for treatment.

Neal did have a good idea when stressing the need for more funding for our Nevada School of Medicine. Continuing as a state senator or as the governor, he will have the opportunity to obtain additional dollars for the school.

The morning daily newspaper had a story about some doctors and residents who are unhappy with Guinn's decision. One lady is quoted as saying "I'm very disappointed in Governor Guinn. He has spoiled my day and I will not vote for him again." Guinn didn't make a decision to spoil her day or for political reasons. It was a private medical decision, which he has the right to make and so do his few critics. Furthermore, if his decision to have surgery at UCLA spoiled her day, she must have little else to worry about.

A friend called me to complain about the governor going out of state for surgery. "We are no longer a small town and have great hospitals, doctors and schools," he told me. Because he is a friend, I told him that it's about time we start acting like a large urban area and not attempt to make issues out of where residents seek medical help or attend schools.

Enough of this small town talk over the backyard fence.