General Surgery in Czech Republic

General surgery is a surgical specialty that deals with a wide range of common ailments on almost any part of the body but typically focuses on treating diseases and injuries of the abdomen, including the esophagus, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver, appendix, gallbladder, and bile ducts. It also deals with diseases that involve the breasts, skin, soft tissue, digestive system, and endocrine system glands. 

Despite the term “general,” general surgeons are highly skilled surgeons. They can be found practicing many types of surgery, but they may also specialize in a type of surgery, such as treating cancer, which requires the skill to perform procedures on multiple areas of the body. 

Some common surgeries that are performed by general surgeons are as follows:

• Appendectomy.
• Breast surgery for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, including breast biopsy, lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery or partial mastectomy), and mastectomy. 
• Colon and rectal surgery, including colectomy, colostomy, and hemorrhoidectomy.
• Esophageal surgery, including esophagectomy, acid reflux surgery, and excision of an esophageal lesion.
• Gastroenterology procedures, such as gastric bypass surgery, upper GI endoscopy, and liver biopsy.
• Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy).
• Hernia repair.
• Varicose vein removal.
• Thyroid removal.
• Transplant, such as kidney and liver transplantations.
• Spleen removal.
• Wound repair.

How Long Should I Stay in Czech Republic?

Your length of stay depends on the type of surgery you underwent. In general, you should wait for at least seven to ten days before you travel home, sometimes extending to 14 days. During your stay, you will need to rest as much as possible and let your body recover. In some cases, your surgeon may schedule a follow-up visit to evaluate your healing and, if needed, remove any stitches.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time can be different from one person to another, depending on the type of surgery you have and your general health. Anytime you have some sort of incision, you will have to wait until that incision has healed completely until you can go back to your full normal routine. Your surgeon will give you an idea of how long your recovery time can take. It can take a few weeks until you are allowed to return to work, and you may need to gradually increase your activity level until you can resume all of your normal activity.

What Aftercare is Required?

To speed your recovery time and avoid complications, it is important to follow the instructions you are given. Even a simple instruction, such as no baths after your surgery, may not seem meaningful, but your surgeon would not instruct it without good reason. You will need to have regular checkups after your surgery, but you can typically choose to have the checkups with your local doctor at home if you cannot make multiple travels to Czech Republic. 

What's the Success Rate?

With new techniques, advanced technology, and extensive experience of general surgeons, the success and safety rate for general surgery continues to increase. For example, general surgeons can now use laparoscopic techniques or perform robot-assisted surgery to minimize the risk and increase the success rate of surgery. These new techniques are possible thanks to continuous research and advancement in general surgery. Still, no surgical procedure is risk-free. All types of surgery generally carry the risk of bleeding, infection, and damage to other organs. 

Are there Alternatives?

There is typically no alternative to general surgery. However, if your doctor suspects that you need a specific specialist for your disease or injury, they will refer you to the relevant specialist. 

General Surgery in and around Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe and it has a rich and eventful history, as well as amazing attractions. From medieval towns and magnificent castles to picturesque national parks and relaxing spa resorts, it has a lot to offer. The country also boasts top-quality healthcare and is emerging as a popular medical tourism destination. Medical procedures in the country are performed with the latest technology and techniques. The medical professionals are highly qualified, well trained, and internationally recognized. Besides, the cost of medical procedures in the country is extremely competitive. Medical tourists can make significant savings compared to most other countries in Europe. Cosmetic surgery is particularly popular among international medical tourists.

Popular Parts of Czech Republic

Prague is the capital and is popular for its fine dining, eccentric nightlife, and wonderfully preserved medieval buildings with Gothic architecture, such as Prague Castle, the 14th-century Charles Bridge, and the Astronomical Clock. Along with Prague, Ceský Krumlov and Brno are frequently visited by tourists as well.

Weather and Climate in the Czech Republic

Due to its location, the Czech Republic has a mostly temperate climate. Extreme weather is rare, but the summers can get hot and the winters cold. Summer starts in June and the days can be scorching hot. The average temperature is around 26°C, but in recent years, it tends to rise to 37°C. Winter, from November to March, can get rather cold. The average temperatures drop to around 2°C during the day and -2°C at night, with some snowfall and rain. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September – October) have beautiful weather.

Getting around in the Czech Republic

Václav Havel Airport Prague is the main airport where international visitors fly into and out of the Czech Republic. It serves numerous flights to many cities around Europe and Asia, including London, Moscow, Dubai, and Seoul. The Czech Republic has an affordable and reliable public transport system. Domestic flights are available, but rarely necessary. The rail network is affordable and very comprehensive, covering almost every city and town in the county. The bus also has extensive coverage throughout the country. Public transport within cities is also excellent. In major cities, you can opt for the metro, tram, bus, or trolleybuses. Taxis are widely available and are metered, but the fares are higher at night.

Tourist Visas in the Czech Republic

Nationals of all EU countries do not need a visa to visit and stay in the Czech Republic. The country is a part of the Schengen area, which means citizens of around 62 countries can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. These visa-exempt countries include Australia, Canada, the US, and South Korea. Citizens of other countries are required to apply for a visa before visiting the country. Those who want to receive medical care should obtain a Czech Republic Visa for Medical Purposes.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Czech Koruna/Czech Crown (CZK) is the currency of the Czech Republic. 1 USD is equivalent to 22.98 CZK. Note that the euro is not widely accepted in the country.​​​​​​
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widespread around the Czech Republic. Major credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, are accepted for many types of transactions, but you may need to pay in cash for smaller amounts. Tipping is expected, especially in restaurants. Tip at least 10% of the bill.
3. Local Language: The official and most commonly spoken language is Czech, but Slovak is widely spoken as well. Many people, particularly in major cities, can speak English and German.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population is religiously unaffiliated and does not believe in God. However, Christianity is the largest religion. Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Paganism are also practiced by a small percentage of the population.
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Liberation Day, Sts Cyril & Methodius Day, Jan Hus Day, Republic Day, and Czech Statehood Day are some of the most important public holidays in the Czech Republic.