Colorectal Medicine in Jordan

Colorectal medicine is a field of medicine that focuses on the disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus. Physicians specializing in this field of medicine are called colorectal doctor or colon and rectal doctor. They are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of diseases, including Hemorrhoids, Anal itching, Fistulas, Anal fissures, Anal cancer, Colon cancer, Rectal cancer, Chron’s disease, Diverticulitis, Ulcerative colitis, Pilonidal cysts, Rectal prolapse, Fecal incontinence, Anal condyloma, Chronic constipation, Problems with bowel movements and urination.

Colorectal doctors are highly experienced and qualified to use numerous medical procedures to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. These procedures include, but are not limited to Physical exams, including evaluation of vital signs and blood pressure, Colonoscopy, Barium enema, Digital rectal examination, Capsule Endoscopy, Proctoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy, Defecating proctography, Bowel surveillance.

Some colorectal doctors are also trained to perform surgery, such as bowel obstruction repair, pelvic laparoscopy, colectomy, colostomy, hemorrhoidectomy, polypectomy, strictureplasty, and more depending on the patient’s particular condition. They can also prescribe medications, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

How Long Should I Stay in Jordan?

The length of stay depends on the type of procedure you underwent. For most diagnostic procedures, you should be able to leave Jordan within 2 to 3 days or until the results are ready. Once the result is ready, you will have to see your colorectal doctor. They will explain the results and discuss the treatment plan with you, if necessary. For surgical procedures, it is wise to stay for 3 to 7 days to let your body recover. You may also need to attend a follow-up checkup where your doctor removes the surgical stitches and monitor your healing progress.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

For many procedures, such as colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, you should be able to resume normal activities within 24 hours or after the sedation wears off. With surgical procedures, it may take around six to twelve weeks until you can go back to your normal activity, with the exception of strenuous activities. Your doctor will give you a recovery timeline, which includes when you can return to work and your full daily activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your medical team will give you aftercare instructions. It may include recommended diet, exercises, activity restrictions, and wound care (if any incision were made). For cancer patients, you may need to attend regular checkups. You do have the option to have the checkups with your local doctor at home if you cannot travel to Jordan multiple times. For non-cancer patients, your doctor will decide whether you need a follow-up checkup or not.

What's the Success Rate?

Thanks to the continuous advancement of colorectal medicine, the diagnostic procedures are now more accurate and the treatments are more successful than they were previously. More and more procedures are performed using new techniques and technology as well. For example, your doctor can now explore the entire colon without creating any incision or causing significant discomfort to you by using colon capsule endoscopy. However, this does not mean that there are no risks to colorectal procedures. Although uncommon, you still need to be aware of the risks, such as bleeding and infection.

Are there Alternatives?

In some cases, your general physician may be able to diagnose and treat your condition. However, if they think you need specialist treatment, they will still refer you to a colorectal doctor. 

Colorectal Medicine in and around Jordan

Jordan is a country on the northern Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia. Steeped in history, this country is famous for being the home of the 2,000-year-old “lost city” of Petra, Roman remains, and Hellenic ruins. In addition, Jordan’s natural charms are just as alluring as its historical relics – from the Red Sea and the Dead Sea to the desert, the famous Wadi Rum, and hills with olive trees. According to the World Bank, Jordan is one of the top medical tourism providers in the Middle East and North Africa. Medical centers in the country, many of which are accredited by international and domestic organizations, offers world-class medical care with extremely attractive costs. Apart from the cutting-edge medical technology and first-class services, medical tourists are also drawn to the country for its skilled medical professionals.  

Popular Parts of Jordan

Amman, the capital and largest city of Jordan, offers a great introduction to the Middle East. It has a balance between the traditional Jordanian culture and modern atmosphere, with century-old ruins and Western-like nightlife. Those who love history can visit the Citadel, the Roman Theater, the Temple of Hercules, and Ummayad Palace. Amman’s museum, including the Royal Automobile Museum and Jordan Museum, is also worth a visit. For more Roman ruins, Jerash, a city in northern Jordan, is a must-visit. Anyone who wants to enjoy Jordan’s beach resort should visit Aqaba, which sits on the idyllic shores of the Red Sea. 

Weather and Climate in Jordan

There are generally four seasons in the country. The summer, from June to August, has dry weather, with warm winds, hot days, and pleasant nights. The average daytime temperatures hover around 32°C to 36°C, but in the hottest days, it can soar up to 40°C. Although summer is scorching hot, winter is cold, with temperatures dipping below 10°C. Spring and autumn are both pleasant. Jordan is a very sunny country with more than 310 days of sunshine each year. There is, however, a rainy season, which lasts from November to March.

Getting around in Jordan

Queen Alia International Airport is the main and largest airport in Jordan. It serves international flights to numerous major cities around the globe, including Dubai, Moscow, London, New York, and Hong Kong. Public transport in Jordan is limited, there is only one domestic air route in the country, to and from Amman and Aqaba. Intercity buses are the main public transport option, but timetables are rarely in operation. Fortunately, they are quite comfortable and affordable. The best way to travel from one city to another is by hiring a car. Inside cities, taxis are available and operate on a meter.

Tourist Visas in Jordan

Jordan allows citizens of 12 countries, including Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE, to visit without a visa for up to 3 months. Visa on arrival is available for citizens of several countries, including Australia, Canada, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from countries not eligible for visa on arrival or whose countries are not listed in the visa exemption program need to apply for a visa beforehand. 

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). 1 USD is equivalent to 0.709 JOD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available in larger cities and towns. Jordan is a cash society, so credit cards are rarely accepted as a method of payment. Tipping is expected in some places, usually around 10% to 15% of the bill.
3. Local Language: The official and most widely spoken language in Jordan is Arabic. English is the main foreign language adopted in the country and is spoken by many people in larger cities.
4. Local Culture and Religion: More than 90% of the population identifies as Muslim. However, the constitution provides freedom of religion. Therefore, other religions, including Christianity, are practiced by a small percentage of the population.
5. Public holidays: Some of the more important public holidays in Jordan are New Year’s Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Independence Day, Christmas Day, Islamic New Year, and Prophet’s Birthday.