Dr. Udaya Kakarla, MD

In late 2023 I underwent emergency surgery to relieve a compressed vertebra in my lower spine. Dr. Karkarla's surgical expertise, compassionate but professional patient interaction, and follow-ups encouraged my rehab and recovery. I now can walk a couple of miles a day without the 'electric' shooting pains to my back and legs that were so debilitating. As a retired medical professional, I appreciate his directness, candor and prognosis for lifestyle options. We are blessed to have this superb quality of neurosurgeon in the Phoenix area.

Dr Kakarla treated me with respect, was through in explaining the procedure, and clear about the recovery. I had seen another neurosurgeon at the facility and that doctor kept changing his mind, one time he'd say I should get the surgery, and the next he would tell me I didn't need it. It was confusing, to say the least. When I asked for Dr Kakarla, he advised me to have the surgery. I had not been able to walk right and had severe symptoms in my arms, legs, and felt that my body was disconnected between top and bottom. After the surgery, it was like night and day. The checkups and aftercare made a big difference in how I healed. As I understand it, the spinal cord was compromised and the surgery relieved that. I am very grateful for his care and skill. I will have a smaller fusion in the lumbar soon, and I go into that with confidence that he will correct that too.

We had a consultation with Dr. Karkala for a second opinion for a spinal fusion in April 2022 and his bedside manner was poor. He came across as arrogant and disrespectful. He didn't seem warm, empathetic, or compassionate. Perhaps he was having a bad day. In the operating room he may be outstanding--however, we didn't pursue working with him further, and didn't build trust with him. His recommended surgery approach also seemed out of date.

Dr. Kakarla saved my life! I was in dire pain. He did a back multilevel fusion with a 6 inch incision and three weeks later I’m in no pain. His team worked very hard to make my surgery and hospital stay as pleasant as it could be. Thank you for giving me my life back!

my husbands lower back laminectomy was a complete success thanks to the knowledge and skill of Dr. Kakarla. My husband who has been extremely active his entire life was in debilitating pain mostly due to increasing spinal cord compression. Surgery was our last stop we tried everything else. He was able to walk out of the hospital. 3 weeks post surgery his pain is 2/10 level after activity. prior to surgery his pain was 8/10 scale and it was limiting his quality of life.

I had a cervical spinal cord fusion and was left with a partially paralyzed left arm. I was so disappointed because I was led to believe he was one of the best. The office staff were not on top of Medicare pre-authorizations. My surgery was postponed twice. Not all off office staff is friendly. Dr. Kakarla does not answer questions on the portal. He expects surgeons in training to do that. Do your HW with Dr Kakarla.

This man performed surgery on my spine in July 2018 and left me partially crippled in both legs. He is a menace and should NOT be licensed as a doctor, let alone a spinal surgeon in any state.

Dr. Kakarla is extremely knowledgeable, trustworthy and practical. We are very grateful to have known him. Dr. Kakarla pinpointed the issue before it was too late whereas other physicians couldn’t. We will have highest regards for him for the rest of our life’s.

I would gladly recommend Dr. Kakarla to friends and family. He is a professional that is highly competent.

Inept office. Made appt for tests, but didn’t inform me, got attitude. Finally went for tests, was told office would contact me. I waited, I finally called, they told me I was to call, attitude again. Received no reminder of appt, called my husband instead, I had given his number for emergency contact. All that, and Kakarla’s attitude...condescending, placating.

Supremely talented, patient, and wise surgeon. Highly recommend!

Not impressed with the office management and response of doctor. My mother had surgery 5 years ago by surgeon and is having issues again in the same area. She is having severe pain and unable to walk. 2 ER visits and still can't get the doctor to see my mom. Hoping the schedulers will work some magic and get her in sooner, so she can get surgery sooner than later. Being doped up on medications and not being able to move from bed is not ok.

Not only has he always been warm and friendly he helped me walk without pain again and got me my life back. I hope someone can do for him what he's done for me.

Dr. Kakarla is absolutely outstanding. My mom is 81 years old and has undergone several very serious, complicated surgeries at Barrow Neurological Institute. Dr. Kakarla has been her surgeon through all of them and he is absolutely incredible. The reason she is mobile and healthy is thanks to him and the incredible care at Barrow!

This practice has changed. When I had my surgery at the end of 2014 apparently they were a more caring group of people

Did a fabulous job on my back and neck. No longer in pain and has given us our life back. Highly recommended for serious issues

He seems to be a good surgeon but is lacking good bedside manners.