Procedure Volume Patient Data Patient Conditions Reviews General Payments Back to Top

Home > AK Providers

Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD

(1 Rating)

Specializes in: General Surgery

Professional interests include: fistula, gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), feeding tube insertion, and more.

3851 Piper Street Suite U462
Anchorage, AK 99508

(907) 562-6262

Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD is a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK specializing in general surgery. Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD is affiliated with Providence, Providence Alaska Medical Center and Alaska Regional Hospital.

Office Locations

3851 Piper Street Suite U462
Anchorage, AK 99508

open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD can help you with:

Breast Biopsy

Breast biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is collected from the breast for testing. A physician may prescribe a breast biopsy for a variety of reasons, but they are most frequently prescribed for a lump found in the breast. Biopsy samples extracted are examined by pathologists in a laboratory setting and are tested to determine if they are cancerous or benign, or indicative of some other condition. Depending on the lab results, physicians may prescribe additional treatment. Other circumstances which may prompt a breast biopsy include:

Mammograms that detect other unusual features in the chest, such as a cyst or calcium deposit
Breast scans or ultrasounds that display abnormalities
Nipple changes, such as scaling, crusting, or bloody discharge

Breast biopsies are collected through several different procedures and the specific type of biopsy that a patient receives depends on the size, location, and features of a breast lump or irregularity. The three main methods of collecting a breast biopsy include:

Fine needle aspiration (FNA biopsy), where a thin needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting a small sample of tissue or liquid
Core needle biopsy (CNB biopsy), where a hollow needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting cylinders of tissue called "cores"
Open (surgical) biopsy, where a breast lump is removed through an incision in the breast

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are sometimes image-guided, where a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI helps direct the physician performing the needle extraction.

Fine needle aspiration, the most common biopsy method, generally requires few patient preparations. It is recommended patients avoid using lotion, deodorant, and perfume prior to their biopsy procedure. FNA biopsy is performed with local anesthesia (topical numbing cream) and typically has a quick recovery, but patients may experience soreness for a few days. Core needle biopsy extracts slightly more tissue than an FNA biopsy.

Open (surgical) biopsy is more invasive and requires general anesthesia, where patients are put to sleep during the procedure. Patients must fast prior to the surgery. After the biopsy is performed, patients are monitored in a recovery room for a time before being discharged, when they will need someone else to provide transportation.

Although some may consider breast biopsy to be a simple procedure, it can catch critical issues - particularly breast cancer - that impact wellness. If a breast biopsy reveals an underlying condition like life-threatening cancer, patients can receive the diagnosis and medical treatment that is necessary for their long-term health.

Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the upper abdomen, underneath the liver. Its purpose is to store bile, which is used to digest fat. Occasionally, the gallbladder can develop mineral stones, called gallstones. If they are large enough, gallstones can block the ducts in the gallbladder and cause swelling and infection. Gallstones can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication, but sometimes this is not enough. In these cases, it is best to remove the gallbladder before it can cause more serious problems. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.

Today, most gallbladder surgeries are done laparoscopically. Four tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and small tools are inserted through these tiny incisions to perform the surgery. Because the incisions are much smaller, recovery time is much faster with this type of surgery. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the same day. Sometimes, open surgery is used to remove a gallbladder. In this type of surgery, a cut about six inches long is made in the upper right abdomen. After the gallbladder is removed, it is sutured or stapled closed. With open surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for two to three days to recover before they are discharged.

Gallbladder removal, like any surgery, carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, or the development of blood clots. Doctors will tell patients how to minimize their risk for complications. After surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for several days. They should not soak in a bath until their sutures or staples have been removed. Patients should wash hands before touching the area around the incision. It will take a couple of days until patients feel like themselves again and a few weeks until their scar has healed and faded.

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where the sweat glands become overactive, leading to excessive sweating. It can occur in just one area, such as the armpits, feet, or hands; or it can be general sweating over the entire body. Hyperhidrosis can happen to people of all ages and genders. It is estimated that the condition affects as many as 3% of all people, but many are never diagnosed because they are too embarrassed to talk about their symptoms with their doctor.

When excessive sweating is the main complaint and is not related to any other condition, it is called primary hyperhidrosis. There is no known cause, but it does tend to run in families. Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating that is caused by another medical condition, such as anxiety, cancer, hyperthyroidism, or menopause. Sometimes treating the underlying condition can improve this type of sweating.

There are tests doctors can use to diagnose hyperhidrosis. One involves simply soaking up the perspiration with paper and then weighing the paper to measure how much extra sweat is being produced. Another test, called the starch-iodine test, involves covering the body with powder. This powder turns blue in any areas where sweat is produced.

Treatment depends on the severity of the hyperhidrosis and the areas affected. Some options are:

Prescription antiperspirants, which contain aluminum chloride and work by plugging the sweat ducts. This signals the sweat glands to decrease sweat production. They work for moderate cases of hyperhidrosis and are relatively affordable.
Lontophoresis, a procedure that uses small amounts of electricity and a tray of tap water to decrease production of sweat glands in the hands or feet.
Botox, which can be injected into the nerves that control sweat glands in the underarms.
Sympathectomy, a surgery for severe cases that can be performed to cut the nerves that stimulate sweat production. Sympathectomy is most effective for hyperhidrosis of the hands. It may cause new symptoms of sweating elsewhere on the body.
Surgery to remove sweat glands, most often in the underarms.

Hyperhidrosis is a serious medical condition that causes both physical and emotional distress. Treatments are available, and support groups exist to help patients cope.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Volume:

breast cancer surgery

partial mastectomy

In 2023, Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD performed more breast cancer surgery, and partial mastectomy procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of providers in related specialties within Alaska.

Top 25%

By Volume:

breast procedures

excision

lymph node procedures

open lymph node biopsy

In 2012, Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD performed more breast procedures, excision, lymph node procedures, and open lymph node biopsy procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of providers in related specialties within Alaska.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2012 were breast procedures, ultrasound (sonogram), women's imaging and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	30
cancer surgery	13
doctor visit	110
excision	13
ultrasound (sonogram)	17
women's imaging	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2013 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	29
cancer surgery	29
diagnostic procedures	15
doctor visit	76
excision	44
lymph node procedures	30
open surgery	15

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	73
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	44
From 75 to 84	20
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2013

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	35
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	18
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	21
Dementia	0
Cancer	66

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2014 were breast procedures, cancer surgery and excision.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	14
cancer surgery	14
doctor visit	72
excision	14

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	62
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	54
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	15

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2014

Hypertension	51
High Cholesterol	34
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	15
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	15
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	25
Dementia	0
Cancer	55

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2015 were breast procedures, cancer surgery, excision and lymph node procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	14
cancer surgery	14
doctor visit	59
excision	14
lymph node procedures	11

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	96
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	76
From 75 to 84	30
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2015

Hypertension	55
High Cholesterol	42
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	16
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	28
Dementia	0
Cancer	63

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2016 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	23
cancer surgery	23
diagnostic procedures	16
doctor visit	101
excision	39
lymph node procedures	35
open surgery	16

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	63
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	53
From 75 to 84	17
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2016

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	40
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	15
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	18
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	34
Dementia	0
Cancer	60

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2017 were breast procedures, ultrasound (sonogram), women's imaging and excision.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	60
cancer surgery	20
diagnostic procedures	17
doctor visit	79
excision	37
lymph node procedures	35
open surgery	17
ultrasound (sonogram)	40
women's imaging	40

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	47
Black	0
Hispanic	11
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	50
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	12

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2017

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	38
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	18
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	33
Dementia	0
Cancer	59

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2018 were breast procedures, excision, lymph node procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	50
cancer surgery	26
diagnostic procedures	22
doctor visit	98
excision	48
lymph node procedures	46
open surgery	22
ultrasound (sonogram)	24
women's imaging	24

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	72
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	66
From 75 to 84	21
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2018

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	32
Dementia	0
Cancer	64

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2019 were breast procedures, excision, ultrasound (sonogram) and women's imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	57
cancer surgery	23
diagnostic procedures	14
doctor visit	113
excision	37
lymph node procedures	33
open surgery	14
ultrasound (sonogram)	34
women's imaging	34

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	103

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	78
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	65
From 75 to 84	23
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2019

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	38
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	14
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	27
Dementia	0
Cancer	65

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2020 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	32
cancer surgery	32
diagnostic procedures	16
doctor visit	151
excision	48
lymph node procedures	36
open surgery	16

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	110

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	87
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	73
From 75 to 84	22
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2020

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	36
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	17
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	29
Dementia	0
Cancer	69

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2021 were breast procedures, excision, cancer surgery and lymph node procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	87
cancer surgery	57
catheterization	11
diagnostic procedures	20
doctor visit	263
excision	77
lymph node procedures	40
open surgery	20
ultrasound (sonogram)	30
women's imaging	30

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	168
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	19
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	132
From 75 to 84	63
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2021

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	15
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	22
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	6
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	19
Dementia	0
Cancer	75

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2022 were breast procedures, ultrasound (sonogram), women's imaging and excision.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	123
cancer surgery	45
diagnostic procedures	30
doctor visit	317
excision	63
image guided procedures	12
lymph node procedures	38
minimally invasive procedures	12
minor procedures	12
open surgery	18
ultrasound (sonogram)	66
women's imaging	66

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	205
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	21
Other	11
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	153
From 75 to 84	74
85 and over	11
Less than 65	19

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2022

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	9
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	12
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	8
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	24
Dementia	0
Cancer	75

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2023 were breast procedures, excision, cancer surgery and lymph node procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures	72
cancer surgery	40
diagnostic procedures	20
doctor visit	558
excision	60
lymph node procedures	40
open surgery	20
ultrasound (sonogram)	32
women's imaging	32

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	319
Black	14
Hispanic	0
Asian	28
Other	20
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	224
From 75 to 84	125
85 and over	24
Less than 65	26

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD in 2023

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	11
Depression	15
Chronic Kidney Disease	10
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	24
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	7
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	22
Dementia	0
Cancer	75

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK were breast procedures, excision, ultrasound (sonogram) and women's imaging.

breast procedures	49
cancer surgery	28
catheterization	11
diagnostic procedures	18
doctor visit	166
excision	41
image guided procedures	12
lymph node procedures	34
minimally invasive procedures	12
minor procedures	12
open surgery	17
ultrasound (sonogram)	34
women's imaging	34

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD.

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	17

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	1
Asian / Pacific Islander	5
Non-Hispanic White	105
Hispanic	0
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	2

**Age**
75 to 84	32
85 and over	2
Less than 65	6
65 to 74	82

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD From 2012 - 2023

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD treated were cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Hypertension	54
High Cholesterol	37
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	14
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	17
Asthma	4
Osteoporosis	10
Heart Failure	3
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	4
Diabetes	24
Atrial Fibrillation	2
Cancer	60
Dementia	0

Education & Training

She completed residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery, Surgery (General Surgery) and has a state license in Alaska.

Residency: Virginia Mason Medical Center (1996)

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery, Surgery (General Surgery)

Licensed In: Alaska

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Providence

Providence Alaska Medical Center

Alaska Regional Hospital

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD has an average of 1.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Anchorage, AK.

Overall Rating

(1 Rating)

Leave a Review

Reviews Left On DocSpot

Overall Rating: 1.0 2022-01-18

Dr. Sandford's communication with her patients is about the worst I have seen in a doctor. When I learned that I had breast cancer, I was scared and shocked. I had no idea what to ask her - I read about margins and the surgery on line. That is the only source of information I got. The margins recommended for DCIS, which was my diagnosis, are 2 mm. I assumed that was what Sandford would take. I understood that since the cells (DCIS) were 3 mm in size (less than 1/10 inch) they would not be visible when the surgery was done, so I assumed the amount taken would be 3 cubic mm (the DCIS) + 2 mm margins on all sides + safety factor of 2 or 3 times for a maximum of approximately 10 to 20 cubic mm - or for we Americans about .06 to .12 inches. She removed tissue that was 2 1/2 X 2 1/2 X 1 3/4 inches. I discovered this when looking through the pathology report from the hospital where I had surgery. There was never a discussion prior to surgery.
When I asked her following surgery why so much was taken out, she said she had felt a "subtle fullness" in my breast that was 1.5 to 2 cm in size. She did not mention this to me at any time prior to surgery. When she palpated my breast, it was approximately 10 days after my biopsy and what she felt was probably bleeding or swelling caused by the biopsy because there was nothing in my post-surgery pathology report except the 3 mm DCIS.
Had she discussed this with me before surgery, I would have advocated for less being taken, or selected another surgeon. At any rate, whatever she "felt" was not cancer and did not show up on any of the several mammograms I had, nor was it felt by any of the other 4 people who had palpated my breast before she did, nor did it appear on the post-surgery pathology report. She removed perfectly healthy breast tissue.
During the discussion with Dr. Sandford about the amount of breast tissue removed she told me that she wanted 13 mm margins with a minimum of 3 mm. The pathology report from surgery indicated that one of my margins was only 2 mm, another was 5 mm and the other was 60 mm, so on two sides, she did even get the margins she said she was aiming for. When I asked if I should worry that she did not get the margins she said she wanted, her office manager emailed to say "your margins are fine." Dr. Sandford also told me that my "questions [about the amount of tissue removed] were becoming unreasonable" and that "she had done nothing wrong."
I have a friend who recommended Dr. Sandford as a surgeon because she had a benign mass removed by Sandford about 7 years ago. In 2020 my friend had a mammogram ordered by Dr. Sandford and the radiologist indicated that the results were abnormal and he recommended that the friend get an MRI. Dr. Sandford did not relay this information to my friend, nor did she order an MRI and now this friend is in Texas being treated for metastatic breast cancer because the cancer was not detected until a year later because of Sandford failing to pass this information along or order an MRI.
Sandford's staff, although friendly, are also incompetent. Her nurse practitioner, Nancy Nigge told me at my pre-op visit that I had an abnormal EKG, but did not offer any options to understand this. Ms. Nigge's response when I asked her about this was "I don't know, I am not a cardiologist." She did not send a referral down to the institute that had done the EKG (it was the institute that they sent me to for the EKG). When I called the institute, they told me that "I was not assigned to a cardiologist" and when I left a message asking to speak to someone, they never called me back and Sandford's office, who sent me there, did not help. In addition to the stress of having breast cancer, I then thought I would be going into surgery with an abnormal heart rhythm.
At the post-op appointment with Ms. Nigge, she noted that I had developed a seroma, which I had been warned is a common occurrence. This is build-up of fluid in the breast. Her suggestion for this was "if it gets uncomfortable, come in and we can insert a needle and drain it." Apparently, she is not aware that you can control seromas by wearing a tight sports bra or a compression bra, a solution that seems much more pleasant than having yet another needle inserted into your breast after just having surgery. Luckily a family member suggested this, and it resolved itself in a couple of weeks.
I will say that Dr. Sandford did a good job stitching me up. The scar is healing well and looks good, but that is the only positive experience I have had with this office.

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Marilyn B. Sandford, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.	$2,322 Intrabeam $2,233	IORT $90
Endomagnetics Ltd	$1,543 Magtrace $1,543
Foundation Medicine, Inc.	$125 FOUNDATIONONE LIQUID CDX $125
Cianna Medical Inc	$100 SAVI/SAVI SCOUT $100
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP	$94 FASLODEX $94
Other	$116 Nerlynx $82	ForceTriad $15	DERMABOND Portfolio $12	ReliaTack $7

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$2,096
Travel and Lodging	$1,954
Education	$250

Biography

Dr. Marilyn Sandford sees patients in Anchorage, AK. Her medical specialty is general surgery. Dr. Sandford is a graduate of the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine. She trained at Virginia Mason Medical Center for her residency. Areas of expertise for Dr. Sandford include prosthetics, feeding tube insertion, and inguinal hernia. She speaks French. Dr. Sandford is professionally affiliated with Alaska Regional Hospital and Providence Alaska Medical Center.