In a nutshell: ruptured a disc almost 3 years ago between L5 and S1 had emergency surgery then as my right leg stopped working and I had foot drop and could not walk. The surgery did not correct anything, it only was to remove the rupture around my nerves. Pain progressed worse and worse in my back for two years to the point I could not sleep, sneeze, sit or really do anything without a level 10 pain. I worked through it the best I could, managed how ever I could, I tried prp, Chiro, PT, cryo, medex, decompression, cbd yes, You name it... and although textbook doctors suggested a fusion I listened to my gut and opted for laser endoscopic minimally invasive surgery with Dr. Choll Kim. He changed my life and my relationship around pain.

I had sciatic pain level 9-10 to the point where I could barely walk. I had an L2-L4 laminectomy in 2000 and was on disability for 4 months. This time I wanted minimally invasive surgery. I researched various procedures and surgeons and took a chance with Dr. Kim. I sent his office my MRI to see if they might be able to help. To my surprise, I received a diagnosis letter from Dr. Kim himself stating that I was a candidate for LESS. The procedure went so well that I walked out of the hospital a few hours later and 3 months later there is only occasional minor pain (level 1 or 2). Throughout the entire process including post op, Dr. Kim and his office staff were totally professional, I would recommend to anyone that if they are contemplating back surgery; see Dr. Kim first.

I had lost the ability to walk normally, drive, sit and basically live my life. I had a herniated disc in my back that pressed on the nerves running down my leg and had to rely on others to do everything for me. I knew from Dr. Kim's videos that I wanted to do the surgery and I am so happy that I did. The surgery has changed my life so that I can finally do all of the things I have wanted. 3 weeks after surgery I was finally able to take my dream vacation to Hawaii with my family!

I consulted with Dr. Choll Kim after injuring myself on duty. I had extreme lower back pain and pain going down both my legs. After completing months of physical therapy, Dr. Kim suggested his Laser Endoscopic Spine Surgery. It has been 1 month since surgery and I feel amazing, my back pain is gone and the pain in my legs has significantly decreased. I am looking forward to being back to work as a Firefighter very soon. Dr. Kim was polite, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. I would strongly recommend that anyone with significant back pain visit him.

The best spine surgeon in San Diego, who uses cutting edge technology to provide the best care for his patients.

Dr. Kim is an outstanding physician and surgeon. His knowledge and expertise is exceptional. I would trust my family members and myself to Dr. Kim. His continued search for answers and medical techniques is why I refer my patients to him.

I have been a Dentist in San Diego for 46 years and Dr. Choll Kim did a minimally invasive procedure on my left side L4,5 S1 and seven days later I was back at work seeing patients. He is super and a real caring person. I would highly recommend him for any spinal surgery. My toe numbness went away and my back is significantly better.

I have had two spinal surgeries done by Dr. Choll Kim, one a spinal fusion and the latest a C5-6 minimally invasive disc replacement. Dr. Kim completely changed my life. He allowed me to start working out again lifting heavy weight...like 505lb deadlifts. With this his perfect surgery he got me back going quick. I don't recommend anyone else but Dr. Choll Kim!!!

I had 3 failed back surgeries before I went to Dr Kim, I'm in my 50s, he agreed to do my surgery. He spent 9 hours fixing my back and I knew I was fixed for good when I went with my granddaughter to Belmont park for 8 hours with no pain, that was the test because before, within an hour I'd be in bad pain, and the next day I'd be bed ridden, but not this time! I stopped taking my pain meds after 17 years!

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Trust him. I am grateful to have found Dr Kim for my surgery. 2020. In pain, and afraid, I stumbled into him. From my PT guy, "the only one I'd send Mom to", and one of only three California back surgeons recommended by a famous Arizona clinic. I am again free of pain, and move easily, with a couple of body mechanical awarenesses. He performed my micro surgery, "look incisions, no hands" .) Every step of the way, his operation and in clinic team were professional. I'm back with a zero point two million dollar back. Thanks Blue Cross, Thanks God.

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I had spinal fusion surgery two months ago. After years of putting up with low back pain, I decided it was time. I did my research and found Dr. Kim. I then happened to be talking with someone I met on the golf course who told me he was having the same surgery the following month … with Dr. Choll Kim! That cemented it for me. I knew I was making the right choice. And boy I could not be happier! Dr. Kim’s minimally invasive surgery has allowed me to recover quickly. I was driving after 2 weeks! I’m a golfer and I just started chipping and putting. I hope to take a full swing soon. Dr. Kim is both professional and personable. I could not recommend him more. He and his staff are the best.

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I can't say enough about my experience with Dr Kim and his staff. As a disabled Combat Veteran I have experienced many injuries, After my L3-5 totally collapsed I counted on Dr Kim to deliver on some pain relief and did he ever deliver. From start to finish and through physical therapy Dr Kim and his staff have been there in every sense of the way.I could barely walk going in but now I have a life again.Dr Kim and his staff even video tape there surgeries and Dr Kim personally sends your family video update , now that is what I call conference and professionalism. See my video on YouTube,the guy with the tattooed Back.See Dr Kim's videos and after Care on YouTube. Thank you Dr Kim and Staff.

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Highly, highly recommend the gifted Dr. Kim and his wonderful team. My L4/L5 surgery resulted in a remarkable, life changing difference in the quality of my life!!!! Pain before surgery was 9/10. Leg numbness & tingling was constant. 6 weeks post -op my pain level is 1/10 with zero leg numbness/tingling. And I'm in my mid 80's. Results far exceeded my expectations!

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I can not say or give enough words of gratitude to Dr Choll Kim, after a little more than three weeks after back surgery. I can honestly say, that the feeling in my left leg, has returned and can walk like did before my leg went numb. Amazing, I walked into the hospital in the AM and walked out in the PM I am presently attending Physical Therapy , which I started less than 2 weeks Post Op. Dr Choll did an unbelievable job of explaining what he was going to do in the operating room. This gave me a tremendous feeling of confidence . I will highly recommend Dr Kim , whenever the occasion presents itself. Thank-you again Dr.Kim

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Dr. Kim is truly a hero. He turned my 9 months of leg, hip, back pain with numbness into 98% pain free after two months post op. I simply cannot thank him enough for what he has done it has truly changed my life and paved my future goals. He has inspired me to look down this career path.

-Taken from Google