Colorectal Medicine in Budapest

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 Budapest?

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

About Budapest

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and with A population of over 1.7 million, it is the most populous city in the country. Budapest is made up of three unified cities, Buda and Óbuda on the west bank of Danube and Pest on the east bank. The city is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its historic monuments, charming architecture, healing thermal waters, wonderful food, and lively nightlife draw millions of people each year.

Nowadays, an increasing number of people have chosen Budapest as their medical tourism destination thanks to its well-known excellent healthcare. Dental treatments along with cosmetic and plastic surgery are the most popular treatment that attracts medical tourists to Budapest. Premium Plastic Surgery Clinic and Dr. Molnar Clinic are two of the highest ranked medical facilities in Budapest. Medical tourists come to Budapest for the following reason:

• Experienced, highly qualified doctors and surgeons.
• The best and most modern medical facilities.
• A friendly environment with English speaking staff.
• Medical treatment at significantly lower prices.
• Beautiful city to enjoy while recovering.

Popular Areas in Budapest

There are many places to explore in Budapest. The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Danube Panorama and Castle district is the most beautiful and romantic parts of Budapest with countless historical monuments; Andrássy Avenue and Heroes Square are home to the most impressive buildings such as the State Opera House; The banks of the Danube river is a great place to see many of Budapest’s best sights.

The Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the largest building in Hungary, was designed in the Gothic Revival style. The building gives an enchanting view from every angle, especially from the other side of Danube when tourists can see the whole building. Tourists can also go to Castle Hill, one of the most visited places in Budapest with beautiful buildings that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

To escape the city, visit City Park where you will find a zoo, a replica of Transylvanian Vajdahunyad Castle, and the Széchenyi Bath. For visitors who wish to shop, try Ecseri Flea Marker, a fantastic flea market to find a bargain.

Weather and Climate in Budapest

Budapest has four distinct seasons.

• Summer in Budapest tends to be nice and warm with an average temperature ranging between 23 to 28 °C (73 – 82 °F). Summer lasts from May until mid-September. Heavy showers usually occur in May and June. Many tourists choose the summer to visit the city.
• The autumn in Budapest has moderate temperature with little rains and long sunny days, autumn starts from mid-September to late October.
• Winter can be really cold with only a little sunshine; the average temperature is 3 to -7 °C (27 to 19 °F). Winter lasts from November to March.
• Spring in Budapest is said to be one of the most beautiful times in the city when the green spaces are in full bloom. Spring starts from March to April and sees a rapid increase in the temperature.

Getting Around in Budapest

Ferenc Liszt International Airport (commonly referred to as “Ferihegy”) is the main airport in Budapest and in Hungary. The airport connects Budapest with many cities around the globe, mainly Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North America. There are several budget airlines that operate flights in this airport such as Wizz Air, EasyJet, and Ryanair.

To get to the city center, tourists can take a taxi or a bus. Taxis are relatively cheap, always make sure to use regulated taxis to ensure your safety. The fare for taxis is 300 HUF/Km (1.03 USD). A ride to Budapest from Ferenc Liszt International Airport usually cost around 7200 HUF (24.8 USD).

The bus is the cheapest option to get to the city center. Budapest’s airport shuttle bus (100E) connects Ferenc Liszt Airport with the city center (Deák Ferenc Square). The trip takes about half an hour. Purchase a ticket at the airport post office, BKK customer points in arrivals halls, the newsagents, and from the ticket machine at the bus stops. Bus drivers also sell tickets for 450 HUF (1.60 USD). It is better and simpler to purchase daily or multi-day passes which are valid for an unlimited number of trips within their validity periods. The multi-day pass costs 1650 HUF (6.15 USD).

The best way to explore Budapest is by walking because most tourist sites are within walking distance. An alternative to walking is cycling. Budapest offers a bicycle sharing system called BuBi. Metro, trams, trolleybuses, buses, and the HÉV suburban train line are also available to get around Budapest.

Tourist Visas in Budapest

Citizens of the European Union, the United States, and Canada can enter and stay in Hungary without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens of EU/EEA members and 33 countries are granted visa-free entry for a maximum period of 90 days. The only condition is to have a passport valid for at least three months. Other foreign citizens need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country.

As a part of the Schengen Agreement, holders of the Schengen Visa do not need to apply for a new visa. The Schengen Visa is only issued to citizens of countries who are required to obtain a visa before entering Europe.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).  1 USD is equivalent to 290 HUF.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists can withdraw money from ATMs. Credit cards (mainly Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are accepted in restaurants, hotels, and even most taxis. There are several hotels and guesthouses that will accept euros. Tipping is always appreciated but not necessary.
3. Local Language: The official language is Hungarian and is spoken by most of the population. Most people, especially in tourist areas, will know sufficient English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Budapest is home to one of the most populous Christian communities in Central Europe. Judaism is also a significant religion.
5. Public Holidays: Budapest celebrates Christian holy days as in the rest of Hungary. The city hosts many festivals around the year such as Budapest Spring Festival, Budapest Easter Festival, Music Festival in Spring, as well as Food and Frink Festivals. The date for these festivals may differ from year to year.