Cost is the most significant factor that determines a person’s decision to travel abroad for health care, according to a recent study published by a renowned medical tourism consultant. The international survey, conducted by a UAE-based expert, revealed that affordability was deemed to be the key driver for those seeking medical treatment outside of their own countries, with 88% of respondents marking this as the prime reason.
By now, since Vertebris International Spine Hospital started in 2010, we have attracted numerous patients from all over the world, with most of them, understandingly, from Europe. This article will include some of their stories, to enable a personal connection between You (a possible patient interested in treatment at our hospital) and our previous patients that were already treated here.
M.M. from Egypt A vital 55-year-old male with severe spinal stenosis at the L3-L4 level and herniated disc at L4-L5. Treated in Croatia in January 2011 with 100% success. As mentioned, the diagnosis was spinal stenosis, and the treatment was Coflex surgery and microdecompression for spinal stenosis as well as PLDD (laser disc decompression) for the herniated disc. The patient was walking without assistance immediately after surgery. Now, 4 months later, the patient is pain-free and back to his life and daily activities.
M.B. from Romania A 50-year-old male from Romania first contacted us over a year ago. Along with us, he has contacted a number of other clinics and directors to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. For several reasons, he was unhappy with the others’ responses and decided to come to Croatia for treatment by the end of April 2011. The diagnosis was disc protrusion (contained) at L5-LS1, and the treatment was endoscopic discectomy via the interlaminar approach. Despite some discomfort and pain post-surgery, the patient is now almost pain-free and will soon be back to his normal life and daily activities.
G.A. from Spain Our first international patient, treated in mid-2010. The patient’s diagnosis was disc extrusion at L4-L5 and the treatment was selective endoscopic discectomy. The patient was feeling better immediately after surgery. We did regular follow-ups and now, a year later, the patient is back to his pain-free life.
A.H. from the United Kingdom Unfortunate guy! He came to us with disc protrusion at L5-S1 which was successfully treated nine months ago. The patient was doing OK, back to work and daily activities. Unfortunately, he had a skiing accident, and his disc has re-protruded. After a follow-up MRI, we concluded that the patient needs endoscopic surgery as a permanent solution. Now, after a few months, the patient has informed us that he is as good as new, back to his life, job, and daily activities.
D.G. from Germany A 30-year-old soccer player from Munich came to us 6 months ago. His diagnosis was an annular tear at L4-L5 and primary back pain caused by disc degeneration. The treatment was selective endoscopic discectomy with thermal annuloplasty. Six months later, the patient is pain-free and back to the most important of the less important things in the world – football.
There are more success stories, especially from local patients from Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information or any questions.
All surgeries are performed by Dr. Robert Saftić, MD, neurosurgeon and a pioneer of minimally invasive spinal surgery in Croatia and Southeastern Europe. Special interests include minimally invasive spinal surgery with the philosophy of choosing the least invasive and most effective methods of treating spinal disorders and diagnosing pain in the lower back, neck, legs, and arms. He is an internationally recognized and well-known expert in the field of laser, METRx, and endoscopic spine surgery, which is proven by regular invitations to all leading spinal congresses publications in medical journals.