This probably has a factual answer, and therefore qualifies for GQ, but I thought it might be better suited here. If not, my apologies.
Last summer I had an operation for a severe hiatal hernia. Complications required an emergency second surgery and it was touch and go for a while. Unfortunately, it made my problems worse, not better.
After many experts I found one who would perform an experimental procedure on me to try and fix my problem. Half way through he found reasons to abort and now tells me that my only recourse is a second invasive surgery. The prospect is unpleasant in the extreme for me. If I must, then I want to be sure that I have someone who specializes in this type of surgery, and more importantly has performed several “second” operations. I want someone sure of himself.
How do I find such an expert? My Dr has suggested I contact one of the major hospitals in the area, but that seems hit or miss. I want someone known for this, I want someone respected by his peers. I don’t want to just call around.
All suggestions are welcome.
Johns Hopkins Hospital isn’t too far from you, in Baltimore. They have a pretty good reputation in general (Top rated hospital in the world per US News and World report for over 10 years running) and their GI disease team is also quite reknown.
Here’s a link. The material here is certainly basic stuff compared to what you probably need, but as a tertiary center, the Hop has probably had a fair amount of experience with your type of situation.
http://pathology2.jhu.edu/beweb/Surgery.cfm
http://pathology2.jhu.edu/beweb/faculty_surg.cfm
Here’s some guys to call at the Hop.
No, I don’t know either of them personally. 
Thanks Qadgop! And thanks for the effort that went into the research!
You probably would want a very skilled surgeon and anesthetist given the very likely possibility of adhesion from the prior surgery. IANADR nor do I play one on TV.
Yes, exactly! That is why I am asking. The one surgeon I spoke with did his best to sell me on not having another surgery. He was careful not to refuse, but he sure went into detail about the worst case scenario (I could end up being fed with a paste through a tube directly into my intestine.) I don’t want someone who is trying that hard to scare me away.