Minnie, Thanks for the information and perspective. I was told that endoscopic technology was not used at the facility I am scheduled to have surgery at- also something about physicians being pressured to author many papers about the technique in order to justify cost associated with it. I can understand and appreciate that, but I have noticed more than a few surgeons and centers employ this technology now- so it gets you thinking. I am having hard time finding cure rates for the new endoscopic vs traditional transseptal. Perhaps it is not an issue given the position of my tumor- not certain how I feel aout that so I plan to take your advice and forward my information to other surgeons as well. That being siad I am anxious to have it out and the surgeon and hospital have availability next Thursday. Yes, this is nerve wracking, thank goodness for this forum, I cannot imagine going this "alone". I am heartened by the e-mails of how much better people feel after surgery. I never felt "that" sick, but I think I compensated a lot, because I am now forced to realize how tired I can get, high BP, the swelling, etc... so this is good news. thanks again M | 