Colorectal Medicine in Germany

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 Germany?

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

About Germany

Germany, a titan in Central Europe and a vital constituent of the European Union, enjoys the reputation of having the finest healthcare system across the continent. Medical tourists often choose Germany due to its unrivaled service quality over cost, with Colorectal Medicine procedures being the most in-demand.

Prices here exhibit a significant hike when compared to the neighboring countries of Poland and Hungary. Germany, despite housing just two JCI accredited facilities, places considerable trust in its local accreditation bodies.

This includes institutions such as the German Institute for Standardisation, the Telemedicine for the Mobile Society (TEMOS), and the Cooperation for Quality and Transparency in Healthcare (KTQ-GmBH). The language barrier is virtually non-existent as the majority of the doctors and medical staff exhibit proficiency in English. Beyond the capital city of Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are popular delectations among medical tourists.

Popular Parts of Germany

Home to an approximate 83 million inhabitants, Germany stands tall as the second most populated nation in Europe. The country presents a fascinating blend of deep-rooted history and cutting-edge technology. Visitors can pay their respects at numerous WWII memorials and museums, bask in the allure of the country's picturesque natural landscapes, or surrender to the tantalizing array of culinary delights that Germany has to offer. Truly, Germany embraces diverse interests, ensuring every traveller finds something to cherish.

• Berlin is Germany’s capital city. It is a vibrant city with diverse sights to see. Visit the glass dome of The Reichstag, take a walk through Brandenburg Gate, be inspired by Berlin Cathedral, or wander around a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Museumsinsel (Museum Island).
• Munich is home to a beautiful historic city center, futuristic drives, and outdoor fun. For a historical tour, tourists can travel to the Church of St. Peter, the city’s oldest parish church dating back six centuries. For a car lover, visit the BMW Museum to learn more about the history of BMW cars and motorcycles. For outdoor activity, tourists can surf at the Eisbach wave on the Isar river.
• Hamburg provides refreshing sea air. The city was labeled as “the gateway to the world” because it is a center of international trade. As the city revolves around water, tourists should stroll around the harbor, lay around beside the Elbe, or sail on the Outer Alster lake.
• Frankfurt am Main is the financial and business hotspot of Germany. Although it is packed with skyscrapers, the city still offers amazing architecture, a piece of history, and even a large green space in the city forest.
• Hanover calls itself as the “EXPO City” because it hosts several of the biggest exhibition in the world. The city also boasts an astonishing blend of modern and ancient. There are a number of museums and galleries, a large zoo, and innovative street art for tourists to explore.

Weather and Climate in Germany

The four distinct seasons make Germany a year-round destination for tourists. The summer starts in June and ends in August. The average temperature is 24 °C, sometimes even as high as 30 °C. People tend to enjoy outdoor activities during this season. This is also the most popular time to visit and peak travel season, so prices can be higher than usual.

Autumn graces Germany in the months of September and October. During this time, the weather is comfortably warm, closely mirroring that of summer. However, by mid-November, a notable drop in temperatures can be expected. This period is particularly popular among tourists owing to the much-celebrated Oktoberfest.

Winter in Germany, which runs from December through February, can be chilling with temperatures dropping to as low as -10°C. Yet, the festive vibrancy brought on by the Christmas season often offsets the cold. Visitors planning a trip during winter must ensure to pack ample warm clothing for a comfortable experience.

Spring in Germany marks the delightful bloom of cherry blossoms and typically spans from March through May. The transition into this season often ushers in a rapid rise in temperatures, making it a beautiful and warm period to visit.

Getting around in Germany

Frankfurt Airport is the largest airport in Germany. The airport serves domestic flights as well as international flights. It connects the country with almost every country in the world. The airport is the hub for Condor and Lufthansa. It also serves budget airlines such as Ryanair, Euro wings, Wizz Air. Düsseldorf International Airport and Munich Airport also receive their shares of international flights.

Train, bus, and taxi are the best options to get to the city center from Frankfurt Airport. A trip by train usually costs 4.65 EUR and takes around 40 minutes. Train tickets need to be punched, otherwise, you can get a 50 EUR fine. The bus costs 4.35 EUR and takes around 30 minutes. Buses that take tourists to the city center are No. 61, 77, 72, 58, 62, N81 and N7. Taxis are not very cheap, it will cost around 25 EUR and will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to the city center.

As the creator of the first highway system, Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. The public transportation is integrated with one ticket that gives tourists access to buses, trams, U-Bahn trains, and S-Bahn trains. A one-way fare starts from 2.90 EUR. It is better to get a one-day unlimited pass for 7 EUR or three days for 17 EUR.

Train travel is very efficient and affordable. Germany rail system has both high-speed trains and regular trains. High-speed trains are very fast but much more expensive. It’s advised to book train tickets in advance. Buses are the most cost-effective way to get around Germany although it is not as efficient as the train. Buses here are comfortable with air-conditioning and rest stops.

Taxis in Germany are expensive. All taxis are metered and start with a base fare of around 3.70 EUR. There is no Uber in the country, but tourists can use the MyTaxi App. If you want to get around the city, the best way is to rent a bicycle. Most cities are equipped with well-marked bicycle lanes.

Tourist Visas in Germany

Germany extends a cordial welcome to citizens from numerous nations, offering them visa-free entry. This privilege applies to travelers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Israel, Japan, Poland, the United States, and Switzerland, who are invited to stay for up to 90 days without the need for a visa.

Moreover, as a member of the European Union (EU), Germany adheres to the policy of open borders with its fellow EU nations. Consequently, EU citizens can freely travel to and enter Germany without any requirement for a visa. This ease of movement provides an added advantage for those wishing to visit Germany, whether for business, leisure, or medical purposes.

Citizens of other countries need a Schengen Visa. The application for a Schengen Visa must be filed with the embassy of the country of your primary destination. It is best to always check the requirements for Germany Visa Application before applying.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the local currency is the euro (EUR). 1 USD converts to 0.94 EUR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easily available across the country. The easiest way to obtain cash is to use an ATM linked to international networks. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Germany, so always make sure to carry some cash. Some hotels, shops, and restaurants will accept credit cards. Tipping 1 EUR to room cleaners or porters is common. Most people add 5% or 10% tip in restaurants and bars. Tourists can tip about 10% to taxi drivers.
3. Local Language: The official language is German. It is nice to know a little German to show respect. Many Germans in major cities and tourist areas will know a little English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: 57% of Germany’s population follows Christianity, making it the largest religion in the country. Islam is the second largest religion. Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism are also practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Germany celebrates Christian religious holidays. The country hosts several festivals such as Maibaumaufstellung every 1st May and Oktoberfest in October.