Colorectal Medicine in Guadalajara

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 Guadalajara?

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

About Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and lies at the heart of the Mexican state Jalisco. The City takes great pride in being the Silicon Valley of Mexico due to the phenomenal growth of its infrastructure, economics, technology, and software in the last three decades. The city is also rich in tradition, culture, and history. It is also home to the world’s famous tequila and mariachi festival

Mexico is also a popular destination for medical tourism. It has more than a dozen cities and border towns specializing in medical care. Guadalajara is one such city and is largely visited by medical tourists from across the world. In particular, a large number of Americans cross the border to seek medical assistance. Low medical cost is the main reason behind the City's immense popularity and makes Guadalajara an ideal destination for medical tourism. Bariatric surgery is 70% cheaper than in the USA and dental procedures are 60% less expensive.

The world-class hospitals in Guadalajara offer a wide range of medical services including general surgery, plastic surgery, infertility, stem cell therapy, pediatrics, oncology, and orthopedics. The highly qualified doctors and nurses provide the highest level of care, service, and hospitality and are also well versed in English. Guadalajara is not only a perfect choice for medical treatments and procedures but also the best spot for recuperation.

Salutaris Medical Center, San Javier Hospital, the fertility institutes, OLA Obesity & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Clinic, and the Mexico Americano are some of the better-known hospitals in Guadalajara. They have access to the latest medical procedures and cutting-edge technologies.

Popular areas in Guadalajara

The Metropolitan area of Guadalajara houses approximately 5 million people. The city has a handful of safe and trendy neighborhoods. You will find a large population of expatriates in areas like Providencia, Lake Chapala, Ajijic, Chapalita, Chapultepec, and Zapopan. The neighborhoods have many upmarket restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, and authentic Mexican food stalls. Lake Chapala is a picturesque lake, from where you can take a cruise to the beautiful island of Scorpio.

• Guadalajara Cathedral: The centuries-old Cathedral lies in the Plaza De Armas, Zona Centro, and although not a particularly big or extravagant Cathedral, it was built in 1541 in the old Spanish colonial style with its neo-gothic spires.
• Expiatory temple: This is the finest religious structure built in a neo-Gothic style. The church has a lavishly embellished exterior. The unique German clock and fine stained-glass windows never fail to fascinate its visitors.
• The Government Palace: Located at the Plaza De Armas, the splendid palace is an absolute visual treat. It took almost a century to construct this historical landmark. The old staircase and murals depicting the heroes of the war of independence are the highlights.
• The regional museum of Guadalajara: The museum is worth a quick visit. 14 dioramas, local fossils, and 800 kg meteorite are the major attractions.
• Avenida Chapultepec: You can experience the best nightlife here as there is a selection of bars with salsa dancing, hula hooping, and Mexican folk dance.

Weather and Climate in Guadalajara

Guadalajara has a warm and moderate climate. The City’s elevation ensures cooler evenings. The weather is spring-like for most of the year. Guadalajara's average temperature is 19.5°C. The average annual rainfall is 941 mm. During the month of August, the City receives a generous amount of rainfall.

March is the driest month of the year with little to no precipitation at all. The warmest months of the year are April, May, and June and the temperature can reach 35°C.

December and January are cooler with an average temperature of 25°C. The temperature may fall too even 5°C during the nights. If you are planning to visit the City during the winter, then pack suitable warm clothing to withstand the cold.

Getting around in Guadalajara

Located 16 km away from the city center, is Guadalajara International Airport. It is Mexico's third busiest airport. The airport handles cargo flights and domestic flights to other Mexican cities and the USA. Wider transport options are available to cater to the needs of the locals and the tourists. The city is well connected by various modes of transportation.

• By foot: As Guadalajara is quite compact, you can simply walk around the city. The city center houses most of the tourist spots. The streets are hassle-free and relaxed.
• By bus: Macro-buses, which are large in number, are the cheapest means of transport. It costs less than 50 cents for a one way to travel in a macro-bus. In case of TUR express buses, the cost is exactly 50 cents one way. If you are a regular commuter, you can buy a transit card and swipe every time you board the bus.
• On a Metro: Most office goers prefer the metro services. You just need to pay 40 cents for a minimum distance ride.
• Other Options: You can also rent bicycles, taxis, and cars to travel to nearby cities. A valid US driving license is more than enough to drive a car here.

Tourist Visa in Guadalajara

A valid tourist visa is essential to visit Mexico. Citizens from countries like India, Russia, and China should apply for a Mexican Tourist Visa, 28 days before the date of entry. You should also submit copies of your travel tickets. Visa fee may cost you approximately USD 22 but this is subject to change from time to time.

Mexico provides visa exemption to the citizens of 67 nations. Citizens of Canada, USA, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan can enter Mexico without a valid tourist visa and can stay for a period of 6 months.

You can even extend your stay by providing the required documents before your visa expires.

Additional Information

1. Mexican Peso is the official currency of Mexico. 1 USD equals 18.77 Mexican Peso.
2. Being the native language, people throughout Guadalajara speak Spanish. Yet, most of the locals can speak English.
3. You will find plenty of banks and ATMs across the city. Most restaurants and big shops accept payments by credit cards.
4. A large majority of the population residing in Guadalajara are Roman Catholics.
5. Public holidays in Guadalajara:

• New Year's Eve (January 1)
• Independence Day (September 16)
• Revolution Day (Third Monday of November)
• Three King's Day (January 6)
• Easter
• Mother's Day.