Orthopedic surgery – Knee replacement to get pain relief

Knee replacement surgery is the most common joint replacement procedure to get rid of joint pain. Many people have knee arthritis, but it can be difficult to know when the right time to have a knee replacement surgery is.Knee replacement, also called arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap.

knee orthopedic surgery

This surgery may be considered for someone who has severe arthritis or a severe knee injury. It offers you relief from knee pain. Various types of arthritis may affect the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults, may cause the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the knees. Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the synovial membrane and results in excessive synovial fluid, can lead to pain and stiffness. Traumatic arthritis, arthritis due to injury, may cause damage to the cartilage of the knee.

Team of orthopedic surgeons with expertise in joint replacement of the hip, knee and shoulder called arthroplasty. In addition, there are physician’s assistants, nurses and physical therapists who are specially trained in the care of patients with joint replacements. They all work together to provide comprehensive management of arthritis in these joints, including total joint replacement.

German hospitals are offering to clear the entire NHS waiting list after the Department of Health opened the floodgates for Britons to seek treatment abroad.Health bosses in Germany yesterday urged Britain to send up to a million patients for surgery this year – which would clear almost every person waiting for an operation. Based on an average figure of £5,000, the NHS would face a total bill of around £5billion if all the operations were done in Europe. The announcement brought anger from British private hospitals which have signed a historic deal with Health Secretary Alan Milburn to help bail out the Health Service. Some private hospital managers fear that allowing NHS patients to seek treatment in Europe may be a way of forcing them to lower their prices. It also led to claims that the shambolic state of the NHS was allowing Europe to ‘meddle’ in British health care. To more about orthopedic surgery or knee replacement surgery explore here…

 

Symptoms of ebola virus in new york

Ebola virus

Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease that affects humans and some animals (monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees). It is caused by the Ebola virus. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 in Africa, near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Currently, there is a large Ebola outbreak in three West African countries: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. There is also limited transmission in Mali; Bamako, Kayes and Kourémalé are considered affected areas. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC’s) website for the most up-to-date information on the Ebola outbreak. The first-ever U.S. case of Ebola was diagnosed in late September, when a patient who had traveled from West Africa to Texas became sick.

According to ‘New York Times’ A man who recently traveled to West Africa was admitted to the emergency room in Manhattan’s Mount Sinai Hospital late Sunday with a high fever and gastrointestinal problems, symptoms that are consistent with the Ebola virus. The patient, whom The New York Times did not identify out of respect for his privacy, is currently being tested for the virus in isolation. The hospital would not elaborate on which country he had traveled to, what he was doing there, or if he was exposed to the virus while in the region. On October 23, 2014, a healthcare worker who returned from Guinea to New York City tested positive for Ebola. The patient was treated at Bellevue Medical Center in Manhattan and is now free of the virus. He was discharged on November 11, 2014 and poses no public health risk. Public health officials are actively monitoring the health of three of his contacts.

Even if the Mount Sinai patient ends up being diagnosed with Ebola, though, Americans shouldn’t panic about the potential spread of this dangerous disease. While Ebola isn’t exactly innocuous, it’s far less contagious than other diseases with serious epidemic potential, like bird flu or MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome). And since Ebola can only be transmitted through bodily fluids like blood, vomit, and feces — not through coughing or sneezing — it’s unlikely that anyone who isn’t a health-care worker would come into contact with the disease.

 

Brain cancer symptoms and diagnosis

Symptoms of a brain cancer tumor can be general or specific. A general symptom is caused by the pressure of the tumor on the brain or spinal cord. Specific symptoms are caused when a specific part of the brain is not working normally because of the tumor. For many people with a brain tumor, they were diagnosed when they went to the doctor after experiencing a problem, such as a headache or other changes.

Brain tumor signs

There are two main types of brain tumors:

Benign Brain Tumors – A benign brain tumor consists of cells that grow slowly and do not spread to other areas of the brain or body. They have distinct boundaries. Surgery alone may cure this type of tumor.
Malignant Brain Tumors – A malignant brain tumor is life-threatening. It may be malignant because it consists of cancer cells, or it may be called malignant because of its location. In other words, a brain tumor composed of benign cells—but located in a vital area—may behave in a malignant fashion. A malignant brain tumor made up of cancerous cells can invade and destroy healthy tissue so these areas cannot function properly.

Brain Cancer Causes

• Primary brain tumors include any tumor that starts in the brain. Primary brain tumors can start from brain cells, the membranes around the brain (meninges), nerves, or glands.
• Tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They can also damage cells by producing inflammation, placing pressure on other parts of the brain, and increasing pressure within the skull.
• The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. There are many possible risk factors that could play a role.
• Radiation therapy to the brain, used to treat brain cancers, increases the risk for brain tumors up to 20 or 30 years afterwards.
  Exposure to radiation at work or to power lines, as well as head injuries, smoking, and hormone replacement therapy have NOT been proven to be risk factors.
• The risk of using cell phones is hotly debated. However, most recent studies have found that cell phones, cordless phones, and wireless devices are safe and do not increase the risk.
• Some inherited conditions increase the risk of brain tumors, including neurofibromatosis, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Turcot syndrome.
• Lymphomas that begin in the brain in people with a weakened immune system are sometimes linked to the Epstein-Barr virus.

Common Symptoms of Brain Cancer

The most common symptoms of brain tumours that people first go to the doctor with are headaches and fits (seizures). But do remember that brain tumours are rare and there are much more common reasons for both these symptoms. So if you have either of these, do go to the doctor as soon as possible. But remember that there is most likely another cause of the symptoms.As the skull is made of bone, there is a fixed amount of space for the brain to take up. The growing tumour increases the pressure inside this fixed space. This is called raised intracranial pressure or raised ICP. The increase in pressure causes the following effects.

The following are the most common symptoms of a brain tumor. However, each patient may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Any tumor, extra tissue or fluid can cause increased intracranial pressure (pressure on the brain) and result in the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Vomiting (usually in the morning)
• Nausea
• Personality changes
• Irritability
• Drowsiness
• Depression
• Decreased cardiac and respiratory function
• Altered mental status

Brain Cancer Treatments or Diagnosis

Early treatment often improves the chance of a good outcome. How you are treated depends on the size and type of tumor and your general health. The goals of treatment may be to cure the tumor, relieve symptoms, and improve brain function or comfort. Surgery is often needed for most primary brain tumors. Some tumors may be completely removed. Those that are deep inside the brain or that enter brain tissue may be debulked instead of removed. Debulking is a procedure to reduce the tumor’s size. Tumors can be hard to remove completely by surgery alone, because the tumor invades surrounding brain tissue much like roots from a plant spread through soil. When the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may still help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms.

 

Brittany Maynard Dead – Suffering Brain Cancer

Brittany Maynard Dead

Twenty-nine year-old Brittany Maynard’s public story of bravely enduring brain cancer touched the hearts of millions of Americans. She died peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 1 in her Portland home, surrounded by family and friends.

Brittany suffered increasingly frequent and longer seizures, severe head and neck pain, and stroke-like symptoms. As symptoms grew more severe she chose to abbreviate the dying process by taking the aid-in-dying medication she had received months ago. This choice is authorized under the Oregon Death With Dignity Act. She died as she intended – peacefully in her bedroom, in the arms of her loved ones.

Brittany’s family requests that the media respect their wish to mourn her loss privately. They have released an official obituary, cut and pasted below and available atwww.TheBrittanyFund.org.

“Brittany has died, but her love of life and nature, her passion and spirit endure,” said Compassion & Choices President Barbara Coombs Lee. “In Brittany’s memory, do what matters most. And tell those you love how much they matter to you. We will work to carry on her legacy of bringing end-of-life choice to all Americans.”

Source: http://fox2now.com/2014/11/02/terminally-ill-brittany-maynard-ends-her-life-according-to-report/

 

Overseas for orthopaedic surgery facility

Surgical treatment

Orthopedics is internationally recognized for excellence in orthopedic care, including spine surgery, joint replacement, and the minimally-invasive treatment of sports injuries. As health care costs in the United States rise, an increasing number of Americans are going overseas for elective procedures, or are at least considering that possibility. Because they looking for orthopedic surgery facility in overseas. In response to an article in The New York Times on Sunday about an American who went to Belgium to have his hip replaced because his insurer in the United States would not cover the procedure, hundreds of readers said they would be willing to follow that path.

One in every seven of us has an orthopedic impairment, and four out of every five experience significant back pain at some time. Orthopedic surgery services complaints are the most common reason why patients make appointments to see their doctors. In the US alone, more than 7 million people each year require hospitalization for an orthopedic condition. Millions more do not seek treatment, electing instead to live in chronic pain, most often for financial reasons. In recent years, orthopedic specialists have increased their ability to provide care and restorative treatment, especially in the arena of joint replacements. Since the first knee replacement was performed in 1968, the demand for artificial joints to replace natural ones lost to age and osteoarthritis has grown dramatically. in overseas orthopedic facilities are at the top level with the treatments.

With theorthopedic facility in overseas, the total price of medical healthcare travel tour package for orthopedic- joint replacement surgery procedures inclusive of orthopedic procedure cost. Prices for hospital treatment in Europe are highly competitive. For example, the cost of a hip replacement operation in a private hospital in the UK might be around £7,000 to £8,000. By opting to go for treatment in another European country, you could save £3,000 to £4,000. Compare prices for surgical tourism.

There are three distinct reasons that make India the most favored and preferred destination for Orthopedic surgery operative treatment procedures, India’s medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology at par with the best in the world, and the incredible cost-effective health care. As health care costs are increasing, the patients in the countries like U.S.A., Europe, Middle East, Canada, Japan, Europe, UK and Australia etc. are looking overseas for bone and joints medical / surgical operation treatments and with India’s top-end, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities providing world-class healthcare for orthopedic procedures at just a small fraction (between one-fifth to one tenth) of the cost else where, India is emerging as being the most economical health Medicare destination with enormous medical healthcare cost savings on bone and joints treatments and orthopedic surgery procedures like hip joint replacement, total knee joint replacement (TKR), hip resurfacing, joint revision replacement procedures, Arthroplasty, arthroscopic procedures, shaving of cartilage, ligament reconstruction, ACL- Anterior cruciate ligament, limb lengthening, fusion procedures etc.

Orthopaedic Surgeons Abroad: Lithuania

Juozas Belickas: is a physician orthopaedic traumatologist with the experience of 20 years. The surgeon works in the area of knee joint surgeries and performs over 600 surgeries each year. Dr. Belickas is the president of Arthroscopy Surgeons Association in Lithuania. The surgeon is awarded with UK General Medical Council certificate.

Orthopaedic knee surgeon Juozas Belickas Lithuania: Gintautas Pocius is a physician orthopaedic traumatologist, specialising in the field of foot and ankle joint surgeries. Dr. Pocius has more than 10 years of experience and performs around 500-600 surgeries per year. The surgeon was issued with UK General Medical Council certificate.

Orthopaedic  surgery abroad in spain and facilities

Spain provides a full range of orthopaedic surgery services and treatments with an emphasis on personal care and excellent service. The prices are highly competitive with surgery and recovery holiday packages available on all procedures.

 

Spa and full body massage therapy

Full body massage

Spa treatments and body massage are the amazing things to get soul and body relaxation. A full-body massage is just a way of saying that the therapist will massage your whole body during a therapeutic massage. This includes your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet and hands (and for men, pecs). Most massages at spas will be full-body massages. There are two exceptions — one is if it’s an express service, just 30 minutes instead of the usual 50 minutes or an hour. In that case the massage therapist might concentrate on one area, usually back, neck and shoulders, so you get more benefit. Body Sage Massage Therapies is tailored to meet your specific physical and emotional needs. A combination of techniques may be used to help you achieve health and harmony and provide you with the best massage you will ever experience. The massage therapies we offer includes Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Thai and Relaxation Modalities, and Hot Stone Massage. We offer a sanctuary to reflect and reconnect with yourself – a peaceful escape from the stress and chaos of everyday life.

Spa treatments are right way to get body relaxation. When life’s stress takes over, you need to let go with a handful of tender loving care. Reverse the effects of time on your mind, body and soul with our spa treatments . And while you are on it, don’t be surprised if it is going to add to the glow in your skin, the shine in your hair and twinkle the in your eye. Choose from a range of treatments, either that borrowed from the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda or from the modernist European and Oriental techniques.

Fusion: A Swedish-based massage therapy combining the best-known therapeutic massage practices to provide an unparalleled hour of relaxation. Rhythmic massage movements are coupled with the use of powerful aromatherapy oils. Customize your massage with your choice of an uplifting, detoxifying, or relaxing herbal blend. Available as a couples massage in select locations.

Deep Tissue: Focus on those overworked muscles living well below the surface with this intensely therapeutic massage. Designed to relieve pain associated with muscle knots, heavy physical activity, and everyday stress, this deep tissue therapy is deliberate and customized, targeting specific areas in need of relief. Available as a couples massage in select locations.

Sports Massage: Customize this massage to fit your active lifestyle. A Pre-Event sports massage kicks overused and stressed muscles into gear using quick, stimulating strokes and dynamic stretching. For Post-Event, expect a restful yet thorough massage that repairs your fatigued muscles. Whatever your needs, this massage is built to improve flexibility, help prevent injuries, and prepare your mind and body for optimal performance.

Swedish Massage: A traditional full body massage using firm pressure to promote relaxation and ease muscle tension. Explore spa.

 

Orthopedic Surgery Abroad – Germany and Spain

The aim of orthopedic surgery also known as orthopaedic surgery, is to treat musculoskeletal ailments ranging from arthritis and congenital deformities to more acute injuries. Most patients undergo orthopaedic surgery to correct problems with their knees, shoulders and hips or to treat fractured bones. The rising costs and the amount of waiting time for surgery has created the need for orthopedic surgery abroa Have you considered going overseas for orthopaedic surgery such as knee replacement surgery, hip replacement surgery, shoulder surgery, spine surgery, back surgery and hand and foot surgery? Many countries in Europe and beyond have excellent medical and surgical facilities and offer an attractive alternative which you may wish to consider if you are looking for orthopaedic surgery abroad.

German Orthopedic Surgeons

How To Choose the Best Orthopedics Services?

1. Search for accredited institutions and certified orthopedic doctors with years of experience behind, who are skilled in the latest diagnostics and prefer less non-invasive or minimally-invasive methods.
2. Try to opt for orthopedic surgeons who view their trade with an interdisciplinary approach.
3. If you have problems with your hip, look for a hip specialist! Always turn to a corresponding specialist at home or abroad alike.
4. Try to gain first-hand experience from ex-patients; they can be a reliable source of information if you wish to go beyond the doctor’s certificate and official recommendations. It is essential that your specialist have a compassionate and humane attitude towards his patients.
5. If you are a medical tourist in need of and orthopedic surgery abroad, make sure to have a specialist who is multilingual and you can have a common channel of efficient communication. There is nothing more frustrating when you cannot put your expectations or uncertainties through.
6. If you travel abroad make your expectations concerning accommodations, follow-up treatments crystal clear.

Orthopedic surgery in Germany – Joint Surgeons

Germany is the best medical tourism destination for orthopedic surgery treatments. In recent years, the myth that German physicians tend to leave their country hoping for a better life abroad has become an irrevocable reality. The new terminology “physician brain drain” has recently flooded German newspapers. In Berlin alone, >1000 experienced physicians are reported to have left the country—an impressive number that represents 5% of all Berlin physicians. As emigrated graduates from foreign medical schools who have trained and worked at major German academic medical centers —including the world-renowned Charité,

Gelenk Klinik orthopaedic hospital. With a desirable and accessible location, the Gelenk Klinik offers you the latest in modern orthopaedic medicine. We perform in excess of 2400 surgical procedures per year (including knee, hip and ankle replacement) and offer the latest techniques for ligament reconstruction, arthroplasty, spinal surgery, as well as arthroscopic foot, knee and ankle surgery. The Gelenk Klinik welcomes more than 250 international patients each year. All our orthopaedic surgeons speak English. Orthopaedic treatment in the German Gelenk-Klinik has a unique set of advantages for international patients.

Orthopaedic surgery in Spain

Have you considered going overseas for orthopaedic surgery such as knee replacement surgery, hip replacement surgery, shoulder surgery, spine surgery, back surgery and hand and foot surgery? Hospitals in Spain have excellent medical and surgical facilities and offer an attractive alternative which you may wish to consider if you are looking for orthopaedic surgery abroad. have a look…

 

Hair salons in hong kong for hairdressing

Visit one of our exclusive salons in Hong Kong and be treated to a luxurious experience! Hong Kong is a city filled with left, right and center with hair salons, so how does one go about choosing where to have a cut or color? Prettybooked, Hong Kong’s Beauty Finder, urges readers to venture beyond the streets of Central to to get the best deals on some of Hong Kong’s most in demand hair services and treatments.

IL COLPO PACIFIC PLACE, HONG KONG Established in 1987, IL COLPO has since become a household name of deluxe salons, along with numerous celebrities and socialite followers. Having over 25 years of beauty experience, our services take a head-to-toe approach with innovative best hairstye, individualized beauty service and nail care.

Hairdressing center

Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa Upstairs on Wellington St this is a great location and an upmarket salon. The receptionist struggles with English but the stylists themselves can understand exactly what you want. We can recommend Jo when it comes to a cut and blowdry. Jo is very competent with western hair and getting an appointment is relatively easy. A great blowdry will set you back $290 and a cut and blowdry is $480. When it comes to foils we are not as confident. Three visits by one of our ladies resulted in blue stripes the first time, a great colour the second and a very average application on the third. They also just do the roots and not the whole section of hair which can leave you looking patchy and at $1,750 for a half head it’s not worth the risk. This is best destinations for spa massage.

KIM ROBINSON, HONG KONG

Kim Robinson came to Asia more than 30 years ago. It is atthat time that Kim Robinsin’s all consuming love affair with Asian beauty was born. Three decades later, this passion and vision made Kim Robinson one of the world’s most sought after stylists, with his service-oriented studied being the most luxurious, exquisite and tranquil in the business. Kim Robinson’s quest for perfection is evident in this innovative approach to hair. From Kim Robinson’s classic signature dry cut and blending of nature with Kim Robinson’s science in the choice of products, to employing only the most qualified and creative expertise, Kim Robinson’s studios bring the very best in hairdressing to Asia’s most discerning clients. From top catwalk models and celebrities to sophisticated intelligent women, Kim Robinson has helped them make the very best of their natural assets, and remain at the cutting edge of the global hairdressing industry.

Paul Gerrard

Paul Gerrard is the big daddy of western Salons in Hong Kong. One of our reviewers swears by this Salon and started seeing Paul himself years ago. Eight out of ten of the stylists are western so it feels just like home. We can confidently recommend everything from cut to colour and don’t worry if you can’t get into see Paul himself, Sharon is also marvelous. Naturally, service this good comes with a price. A blowdry will set you back $450 and a cut between $550 to $1,500. They have a comprehensive price list on their website and you can find them at the Hollywood Rd end of Pottinger St. Oh, and they are experts at covering those cheeky grey hairs! Mina dev’ wil The ‘Just Cuts’ budget hair franchise for Hong Kong locals. Roll up your sleeves and brace yourself as you enter the mayhem of Mina’s. English is pretty scarce so best to bring along a picture. The receptionist is snappy and the queues long – even if you have an appointment. But for a $108 decent blowdry with senior stylist ‘Poison’ we can handle it. We have not ventured beyond a blowdry and a fringe trim here so let us know if you are feeling brave enough for a cut or colour one day and how you came out the other end. You can find Poison and her team by the escalator next door to Just Salads. Don’t expect a latte or a head massage.

 

Canadian Cancer Treatment Options and New Trend

Cancer incidence and treatment-related costs are rising in Canada. The cancer medical centers use and costs in the first year after diagnosis for patients with 7 common types of cancer in Ontario to examine temporal trends in patterns of care and costs. Methods We selected patients aged 19–44 years who had received a diagnosis of melanoma, breast cancer (female only), testicular cancer or thyroid cancer, in addition to patients aged 45 years and older who had received a diagnosis of breast (female only), prostate, lung or colorectal cancer, between 1997 and 2007. Patients were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry. Using linked administrative databases, centers determined use and costs of chemotherapy, cancer radiotherapy, cancer-related surgery, other admissions to hospital and home care.

New reports about Canadian cancer treatment

A new report says Canadian cancer patients need to have fair and equal access to the newest forms of “targeted therapy” when it comes to cancer drugs and testing, so that patients across the county can get the best care and treatment. In its annual Report Card on Cancer in Canada, the Cancer Advocacy Coalition of Canada highlights that there have been great strides in developing better, more efficient and cost-effective cancer treatments in recent years. Cost of cancer treatment depends on conditions.

Canadian cancer treatments

Cure For Cancer Found In Canada

This is one of the most ground breaking things imaginable with a certain impact if it came to fruition. The cure for cancer.One of the most feared things a doctor could tell you, is that you have cancer. For most this means you completely tune out every other word the doctor says and your mind goes racing into another dimension. You probably think about your life, the things you have and have not done. The road ahead of you to attempt to combat this horrible disease. Maybe even the costs and potential debt you or your family may accrue from the dreaded C word.

Canadians worried about cancer treatment costs

A new poll says 85% of Canadians feel if they were diagnosed with cancer, the cost of drugs would have a negative impact on their personal finances.Andrew Goodridge, a Fredericton, N.B., resident with colorectal cancer, said he would’ve gone bankrupt without the support of his family and friends.Many new cancer drugs need to be taken at home and aren’t covered by the publicly funded health system.According to the Canadian Cancer Society, about three-quarters of the take-home drugs cost over $20,000 for a single course of treatment, and the average cost for a newer drug is $65,000.

Treatment for Breast Cancer in Canada

There are several ways to treat breast cancer, depending on the type and stage of the cancer as well as other factors. Usually, two or more methods are used in combination. Local treatment methods take effect only in the area of the body where they are applied. Surgery and radiation therapy are examples of local treatments. Systemic treatment methods take effect in the entire body. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy and HER-2 therapy are systemic treatments.

Kidney cancer treatment

For the first time, a consensus meeting of Canadian experts in kidney cancer was held in January, 2008 in Mont Tremblant Québec. A report was developed outlining guidelines in the treatment of kidney cancer. Kidney cancer experts met again in 2009, 2011 and 2013 and updated these guidelines.

Canadian Cancer hospitals, clinics and centres

Ottawa Integrative Cancer Clinic and Centre

The clinic and staff members are the first integrative cancer care and research centre in central and eastern Canada, established to improve quality of life for those touched by cancer. Through clinical practice, research and education, we strive to assess and reduce possible causes of cancer while exploring innovative integrative treatments. Many people living with cancer seek complementary support alongside their conventional treatments. Why? Complementary therapies can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life by decreasing toxicity and side effects, strengthening the immune system, and supporting the body’s healing ability. We work with our patients and where possible collaborate with their oncologists, surgeons, and family doctors to develop therapeutic programs that help sustain wellness during and after treatment.

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Producing advances in the scientific understanding of cancer in order to deliver more effective therapies and practices requires enormous investment, ingenuity and expertise. Being referred to (cited) frequently by subsequent research papers is a means to communicate these advances. It is also an important indicator of research influence and impact.

 

Risks of Medical Tourism Abroad

Medical treatment abroad, also called ‘medical tourism’, is a booming international industry where patients seek healthcare from sources outside their country. Usually every type of medical treatment is available abroad with over 50 countries identifying as destinations in medical tourism. Increased familiarity with destination country protocols is necessary, and all potential risks should be taken into account before making a final decision to travel abroad.

Medical tourism guide

Suppose you need surgery and cannot afford it. Or maybe you want to try an experimental treatment that is not available in the United States. You could be seeking cosmetic surgery, but find that the costs are too high. What are your options? A growing number of people in the United States are seeking medical treatment in unlikely places—overseas hospitals. Traveling internationally for medical care is often referred to as medical tourism. But, it may not be as carefree as your average vacation. If your vacation destination is a hospital rather than a hotel, you have a lot more to consider than your fellow vacationers do.

India, Thailand, and Malaysia are among the nations driving the medical tourism revolution. Medical tourism in India, which is considered the leading country promoting medical tourism, is growing nearly 30% annually. Indian medical corporations aggressively court American and western patients with package deals that include flights, hotels, treatments and postoperative recovery vacations. A low-cost gastric bypass in sunny Mexico, a tummy tuck in Brazil or fertility and cancer treatment in India—it’s all part of medical tourism, the umbrella term for traveling abroad to obtain inexpensive health care, for both medically necessary and cosmetic treatment. While the concept has been around for years, recent stories in the media have pointed out the risks involved, but medical tourism is an estimated $24-40 billon-dollar industry, says Patients Without Borders.

Medical risks

Medical tourism increases the risk of nosocomial infections, also referred to as healthcare or hospital acquired infections. For example, if needles are reused between patients or other unsafe injection practices are occurring, serious infections such as hepatitis and HIV can be transmitted. Patient autonomy and informed consent both represent a cornerstone of bioethics, which can sometimes mean a concerning issue for medical tourists. In the context of medical tourism, informed consent can be influenced by ambiguous or incomplete information on websites, problems in obtaining veracious information about success rates and the quality of care in destination facilities.

A British National Health Research Institute study published in February found many consumers who traveled for medical treatment were not informed about potentially serious risks. The study found most people rely on the Internet or friends rather than hard clinical findings. They had no idea about the risks, such as a lack of legal recourse and the costs of non-emergency care back home to fix problems that arose overseas. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventionexpress similar concerns and cautions about other potential problems. These include language barriers, unsafe needle reuse, substandard medication, greater bacteria presence and increased risk of post-surgical blood clots after a long flight.