Patient Experience
My 82-year-old mother needed gallbladder surgery, and we were terrified given her age and diabetes. Dr. Chhabra didn't just explain the minimally invasive procedure - he drew diagrams showing exactly how he'd work around her health conditions. The surgery lasted only 45 minutes, and she was walking the same evening. His team even taught me how to change her dressings properly. We've found not just a surgeon but a guardian for life.
When my 8-year-old daughter needed an appendectomy at midnight, Dr. Chhabra arrived within 20 minutes wearing a superhero tie that made her smile. He knelt to her eye level, calling the operation 'removing the tummy troublemaker.' The three tiny incisions are barely visible now, and he still remembers her favorite cartoon characters during follow-ups. How many surgeons make emergency surgery feel like a playdate?
After my complex hernia repair failed twice elsewhere, I came to Dr. Chhabra as a last resort. He spent two hours reviewing my previous surgical videos, pointing out exactly where the repairs had weakened. His revision used some advanced mesh technique I'd never heard of - six months later, I'm finally lifting weights again without pain. This man operates with the precision of a watchmaker.
Routine gallbladder consultation turned into emergency surgery when Dr. Chhabra noticed signs of imminent rupture during ultrasound. His decisiveness saved me from serious complications. What impressed me more was how he personally called my wife three times during the procedure to update her. In an era of impersonal healthcare, he practices medicine like family.
Follow-up for my laparoscopic surgery became a masterclass in anatomy when Dr. Chhabra used the surgical photos to show me exactly what he'd fixed. He explained why he chose certain stitch techniques over others, turning my post-op visit into the most fascinating biology lesson. I left understanding my body better than ever before.
My teenage son's emergency appendectomy happened during his final exams. Dr. Chhabra coordinated with the hospital school teacher, arranged for notes from classmates, and even spoke to his principal about rescheduling tests. The medical care was flawless, but it was this holistic concern for his life beyond the hospital that truly touched us.
As a hypochondriac, I'd avoided surgery for years until my sister dragged me to Dr. Chhabra. Instead of dismissing my fears, he scheduled three pre-op counseling sessions where we practiced breathing techniques and toured the operating room. On surgery day, he played my chosen meditation music throughout the procedure. He didn't just remove my gallbladder - he removed my medical anxiety.
Watching Dr. Chhabra explain my father's complex abdominal surgery using fruit analogies (bananas for intestines, grapes for adhesions) was both hilarious and brilliant. My 75-year-old dad actually understood everything and consented without fear. The man could teach communication at Harvard Medical School.
Post-surgery infection had me readmitted at 2 AM. Dr. Chhabra arrived in casual clothes, clearly woken from sleep, but immediately took charge with calm authority. He personally cleaned and re-dressed my wounds, showing my wife exactly what signs to watch for. His midnight dedication reminded me of old-fashioned country doctors.
My daughter's pediatric surgery went perfectly, but it's Dr. Chhabra's billing transparency that stunned me. He personally explained why certain expensive disposables were medically necessary and helped find alternatives for non-essential items. In a world of surprise medical bills, his financial ethics are as strong as his surgical skills.
Four months post-surgery, I emailed Dr. Chhabra about minor discomfort. He responded within an hour, then invited me for a free Sunday clinic checkup. Found nothing wrong but spent 30 minutes reassuring me. When does a senior surgeon give up his weekend for a recovered patient's peace of mind? Only when they're extraordinary.
My emergency intestinal obstruction surgery became a teaching moment when Dr. Chhabra invited a medical student to observe, explaining each step in simple terms despite my semi-conscious state. Waking to hear 'your anatomy presented an interesting challenge' made me feel like a partner in my own care rather than just a patient.
Dr. Chhabra noticed my nervous tapping during pre-op and revealed he was a former tabla player. He actually demonstrated rhythmic breathing using drum patterns that kept me calm through anesthesia induction. Where else would you find a surgeon-musician who improvises comfort techniques?
Following my weight loss surgery, Dr. Chhabra became my nutritional coach for six months, checking in weekly about my protein intake and exercise routine. His surgical follow-up extended far beyond wound healing to lifestyle transformation. He doesn't just close incisions - he opens new chapters in people's lives.