Colorectal Medicine in Barcelona

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 Barcelona?

The length of stay depends on the type of procedure you underwent. For most diagnostic procedures, you should be able to leave Barcelona 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona

About Barcelona

Barcelona is a city located on the coast of northeastern Spain. It is the second-largest city in the country. This enchanting seaside city charms its visitors with fascinating history and culture, legendary architecture, unique food, beautiful beaches, and upbeat nightlife. Barcelona is also known as the medical capital of Spain. Healthcare in the city is well equipped with technology and human resources. Various hospitals and clinics have their own specialties and are staffed with highly-trained specialists who truly care about their patients. Most people come from cancer treatment, heart and circulation diagnosis, bone treatment, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, as well as full-body diagnostic. 

Popular Parts of Barcelona

Barcelona offers a plethora of things to do and see. Here, visitors can explore Gaudi’s architecture. Gaudi is the city’s most famous architect and his work can be seen everywhere in the city. His method of blending Art Nouveau and Gothic styles is awe-inspiring and made him legendary. In Barcelona, you can also learn more about one of the most influential artists in the 20th century, Picasso. The Picasso Museum in the city is one of the biggest in the world, housing over 3,000 pieces of art, allowing you to learn more about Picasso’s life and craft. The beaches in the city, particularly Barceloneta Beach, is a must-visit. The wide and long stretch of sand is perfect for sunbathing, the water is warm, and there are a lot of excellent restaurants on the boardwalk.

Transport in Barcelona

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport is the international airport serving Barcelona. It is the second-busiest airport in Spain that connects international flights to numerous cities around the world, such as Beijing, Toronto, and London. Barcelona has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. The metro and tram are fast, cheap, and well-connected. There are many metro stations and it is easy to navigate. The local buses are also great, well-connected, and leave very frequently. Taxis are widely available and are quite affordable.

Visas in Barcelona

Since Spain is a member of the Schengen Agreement, nationals from 62 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, are allowed to visit without a visa and can stay for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries need to apply for a visa prior to their arrival. 

Weather in Barcelona

Winter (December – February) is mild, but different types of weather can occur. The average temperature hovers around 15°C and it is rainier than other seasons. Summer (mid-June – August) is hot, humid, and sunny, with the temperatures reaching 30°C on the hottest days. However, the sea breezes make it more bearable. Spring and autumn are relatively pleasant, but both seasons can be rainy.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Euro. 1 EUR converts to around 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available in many areas. Credit cards can be used in most businesses. Tipping can be obligatory in some places.
3. Local Language: Spanish is the official language and many people will be able to speak good English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Christianity is the biggest religion. However, other religions, such as Islam and Judaism, are freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Barcelona celebrates numerous holidays, including New Year's Day, Day of Murcia, and Christmas Day.