Colorectal Medicine in Cancun

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 Cancun?

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

About Cancun

Occupying a coveted location on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula and bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Cancun stands as the country's top-tier coastal attraction. This city, best recognized for its sprawling 21 km stretch of pristine white sandy beaches, also presents exhilarating water-based recreational activities and a lively nocturnal scene.

Cancun is emerging as one of the most desirable destinations for medical tourism. It has world-class healthcare facilities and internationally accredited hospitals. The city hosts two of the five JCI accredited hospitals in Mexico. Furthermore, Multi-million dollar ‘Health City' project is underway and the aim of the project is to establish the largest medical complex of its kind in the country.

Annually, Cancun welcomes thousands of individuals from various global corners seeking to undergo an array of medical procedures. Affordability remains a key attraction, with patients managing to save approximately 60-80% in total healthcare costs, inclusive of travel and accommodation. As an illustration, a bariatric surgery that could set you back by $25,000 in the US could be feasibly done in Cancun for a mere $600.

The gamut of medical procedures offered in this beach-front city spans across dental treatments, alternative therapies, aesthetic surgery, cardiac surgery, cosmetic surgeries, as well as obstetrics and gynecology. The most sought-after treatments are typically dental and cosmetic surgeries, largely undertaken at acclaimed centers such as Perfection Makeover and Laser Center, Cancun Dental Specialists, and Hospital Galenia.

Popular parts in Cancun

Cancun, a prominent resort city, can be broadly classified into two distinctly different areas: the Zona Hotelera Cancun and Cancun Downtown.

• Zona Hotelera Cancun

The area encompasses several suburbs. The zone lies on the 15-mile long sandbar just off the mainland. Beachfront luxury resorts, shopping malls, multi-cuisine restaurants, and lovely Caribbean beaches are the highlights of the area. The nightlife is exhilarating with glitzy bars and salsa clubs. You can enjoy the rotating observation deck on the scenic tower Cancun to enjoy the breath-taking view of the ocean and the city.

Tourists can indulge in a number of water sport activities including snorkeling, windsurfing, paragliding, scuba diving, and water skiing. The natural water park Xel-Ha is ideal for snorkeling.

Your trip will be incomplete without a visit to the age-old Mayan Museum. Cancun is the starting point for discovering Maya Riveria, which houses the world's second largest coral reef.

The picturesque island, Isle Mujeres is just a few miles off the coastal line and has pristine beaches. The world-famous underwater Museum, MUSA is an absolute visual treat for the tourists. The museum has over 500 stunning sculptures. You can admire their beauty from inside the glass bottom boats.

• Cancun downtown

The downtown portion of Cancun is characterized as a bustling hive of lively shops, diverse eateries, and spirited pubs. Tulum Avenue stands out as the primary and most attractive boulevard in the area, boasting an impressive assortment of handicraft shops, theatre venues, departmental stores, and shopping centers.

The city’s expansive open-air market, Mercado 28, enjoys popularity for its vendors specializing in silver jewelry and unique souvenirs. Yaxchilan Avenue, a street forever brimming with animated bars and restaurants, virtually never sleeps.

The residential architecture within Cancun downtown predominantly comprises of apartment complexes and villas.

Weather and Climate in Cancun

Endowed with the quintessential sun-soaked holiday weather, Cancun boasts a tropical savanna climate characterized by two distinct cycles: the dry season and the rainy season. Average temperatures generally oscillate between 23°C and 28°C. Dips below 21°C are fairly rare, just as surges above 34°C.

The optimal time to plan a visit to this city spans from November to April. This timeframe offers moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it an appealing period for a holiday. However, it's noteworthy that accommodation costs tend to hike significantly during these months.

1. Wet season: May to October and the city receives 984 mm rainfall during this season. Yet, during the day, you can enjoy plenty of sunshine. Short episodes of thunderstorms are more common and due to the less favorable climatic conditions, the inflow of tourists reduces during this season.
2. Dry season: November to April. The temperature is warm and it is the perfect time to swim. Occasional showers are common with a few cool and windy days.

Getting around in Cancun

It is easy to get around and navigate in Cancun, as most of the tourist attractions lie in the Zona Hotelera. Taxis, public buses and other means of transportation are available to cater to the needs of the locals and the tourists.

• Bus: Is the easiest and the cheapest way to get around. The one-way ticket can cost you somewhere between 0.50 cents to $1. The existing bus routes connect Zona Hotelera and Cancun downtown. You can visit all the locations on your bucket list by bus. Regional buses are available to travel from Cancun to other tourist towns.
• Taxis: They are not metered, so it is good to agree on the fare before departing. You can expect to pay $40-$50 if you are taking a taxi from the airport to downtown. Normally, inside the city, you need to pay somewhere between $10 and $25 per journey.
• Ferry: Ferry services are available to travel to nearby islands like the Isle of Mujeres. Ferries run at a frequency of 30 minutes and will cost around $19 for adults and $14 for kids for a return ticket.
• Flight: The second busiest airport of Mexico, Cancun International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the Zona Hotelera. Several domestic flights and International flights heading to the US, UK, and Europe operates from here.

Tourist Visa in Cancun

Visa requirements for Mexico:

Citizens of 67 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, the USA, UK, Spain, Japan, and more, are exempt from visas when visiting Mexico for up to 180 days.

Citizens of India, China, and Russia need to apply for a tourist visa in advance before traveling to Mexico. The tourist visa is valid for six months from the date of entry and can be extended for up to six months. The tourist visa fee is around $22 USD.

How to apply for a Mexican tourist visa:

You can apply for a Mexican tourist visa online or at a Mexican embassy or consulate. The online application process is relatively straightforward and takes about 20 minutes to complete. You will need to provide your passport information, travel dates, and contact information. You will also need to upload a digital photo of yourself.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email confirmation. You should then receive your visa within 5 to 10 business days.

Additional Information

1. Mexico is ethnically diverse. Spanish is the main language widely spoken here. However, you will notice locals conversing in Mayan with each other. There are 68 indigenous languages in Mexico. Most People in Cancun will speak English.
2. The Mexican peso (MXN) is the official currency of Mexico. As of October 11, 2023, 1 USD is equivalent to approximately 19.6 Mexican pesos. The exchange rate fluctuates daily, so it is best to check the latest rate before traveling.
3. ATM machines lie inside the premises of the bank. Money exchange booths are there to convert currencies. Traders accept both credit and debit cards.
4. Almost 89% of the population in Cancun are Catholics.
5. Public holidays in Cancun:​​​​​​​

• ​​​​​​​New Year's Eve - January 1
• ​​​​​​​Christmas Day – December 25
• Revolution Day – Third Monday in November
• Independence Day – September 16
• Good Friday
• Constitution Day – First Monday of February