Colorectal Medicine in Morocco

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 Morocco?

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

About Morocco

Morocco is a popular destination, attracting culture lovers, backpackers, adventure travelers, couples, families, foodies, and more to its four imperial cities: Marrakesh, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat. Rabat is the current capital city. Although a modern city at first glance, it has several interesting historical attractions, such as the Kasbah of the Oudaias, the old medina, and the Hassan Tower. The gleaming Royal Mausoleum is also well worth a visit. Known as the Red City, Marrakesh is famous for its old medina, numerous souks, ancient palaces like Badi Palace and Bahia Palace, the striking Koutoubia Mosque, the energetic Djemaa el-Fna, and the Saadian Tombs. The former capital of Fes boasts plenty of stunning architecture, though it is perhaps most known for its large tanneries and for being home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Meknes has one of the most impressive monumental gates in all of Morocco, Bab el-Mansour. Horse-drawn carriages are a great way to explore the charming and relaxed imperial city. Morocco has beaches along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Popular holiday spots with foreign visitors include Tangier and Agadir, while Asilah attracts mainly locals and Spanish visitors. The vast Sahara Desert is the world’s largest hot desert. There are several places in Morocco from where you can begin expeditions into the desert, and there are plenty of experienced operators offering trips to remember.

The country welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Colorectal Medicine procedures. Medical Tourists travel from all across the globe, particularly from neighboring African countries with an inferior healthcare system. Casablanca and Marrakesh are the popular cities and they mostly cater to dentistry and plastic surgery requirements

Popular Parts of Morocco

Morocco, with a population of over 35 million people, is known to be magical and chaotic. The country is very diverse, from Saharan Dunes, High Atlas, ancient medinas, friendly locals to traditional life; Morocco has everything for every tourist.

• Marrakesh is also known as the red city because of its famous red walls, plazas, and alleys. It has a beautiful medina (old town) where tourists can wander around, be amazed by the historical city, and explore and shop in the souks. Visit Djamaa el-Fina and find street performers, musicians, and tattoo artists.
• Fez is considered as Morocco’s cultural and spiritual center. The city is filled with museums, mosques, palaces, and fountains. The most popular attraction is the medina, tourists can explore the tiny streets and find an array of street vendors. Remember to try the amazing local cuisine and stay away from wandering down empty streets.
• Tangier is located in northwestern Morocco on the Maghreb coast. It offers a breathtaking waterfront where you can see the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city is known to be Europe’s gateway to Africa. It has a fascinating cultural landscape as well as an inviting literary and artistic past.
• Casablanca is the biggest city and the least popular tourist’ destination in Morocco. But the city is actually full of hidden gems. From Art Deco architecture, beaches, markets, to history and culture, tourists will find many amazing things to see here.
• Rabat is often overlooked by tourists. It is the political and administrative capital of Morocco that offers plenty of charm. Tourists are free to roam around the Tower of Hassan, enjoy a day at the calm beach, or admire the big medina.

Weather and Climate in Morocco

Morocco’s climate is generally moderate and subtropical with cool breezes from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. Temperature varies greatly depending on region and altitude. Summer lasts from June to August and is often really hot. Winter comes in November and ends in January. It is the wettest and coldest season in the country. The best time to visit is in Spring and Autumn where the weather is warm and pleasant.

The coastal regions have nice weather throughout the year, the Winter has mild temperature and although the temperature will rise in the Summer, it’s not too hot. The High Atlas Mountains can be visited all year round but the winter can get really cold. There will be snow on the peaks during Winter. The summer can be a little too hot for any long-distance hike.

Getting Around in Morocco

Morocco’s main gateway is Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport. The airport is located in Nouaceur Province and is the busiest airport in the country. It is the hub for Air Arabia Maroc, Royal Air Maroc. It serves domestic and international flights to and from many cities in the Middle East, Europe, and America. Major and budget airlines operate flights from this airport. Other important airports include Menara airport in Marrakesh, Fes–Saïss in Fez, Ibn Batouta International in Tangier.

There are several options for tourists to travel to downtown Casablanca. Buses are affordable, a single ticket costs 20.00 MAD. It will take around 45 minutes to get to the city center. There’s also a bus line that will take tourists to Rabat.

Casablanca Airport has an underground train station that connects to Mers Sultan, Casa Port, Casa-Voyageurs or L’Oasis. The total trip time to downtown Casablanca is 45 minutes. The trains operate from 06.00 am to 10.00 pm.

Taxis are the most convenient mean of transportation, but they’re also more expensive than trains and buses. The base fare is around 250.00 MAD to 300.00 MAD (25 to 30 USD). Always avoid non-authorized taxis because they are known to overcharge. Refuse to board a taxi with broken or turned off meters. Remember that Casablanca official taxis are painted in white.

The most efficient and affordable way to get around Morocco is by the intercity buses. The most popular operators are Supratours, CTM, SATAS, and Ghazala. A ride from Marrakesh to Casablanca is around 4 hours and should cost 90 MAD (9 USD).

Morocco’s national rail network is operated by ONCF and connects major cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fez, and Rabat. The trains are usually on-time and comfortable. First-class tickets cost about 45 MAD (5 USD) per hour and the second class tickets cost around 30 MAD (3 USD).

Tourist Visas in Morocco

Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, the European Union, Britain, Japan, and South Africa do not need a visa to enter the country. Citizens of 66 countries can enter and stay in Morocco for up to 90 days. Citizens of the Republic of the Congo, Guinea, and Mali do not require a visa but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization in advance.

It is recommended to check the current regulations with the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate in your country. All visitors must hold a passport valid for over 6 months at the entry date.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency if Moroccan Dirham (MAD). The exchange rate from 1 USD is 9.70 MAD.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists can find many ATMs spread around the country and they are the easiest way to access money. Credit cards are accepted in top-end hotels and restaurants. Always carry some cash with you. Many Moroccan riads will accept euros. Tipping can sometimes be mandatory. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers, but it is polite to do so.
3. Local Language: There are two official languages in Morocco; Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). French is widely understood and spoken in the country. Many people in the northern and southern parts of the country can speak Spanish. English is not widely spoken but some people in tourist and urban areas can speak English. Most street signs are written in Arabic and French.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The majority of Morocco’s population follows Islam. Christianity, Judaism, and Baha’i Faith are freely practiced. The country has a conservative dress code. Avoid wearing revealing clothes regardless of the season.
5. Public Holidays: Islam religious holidays are celebrated in Morocco. The country hosts several annual festivals such as Marathon des Sables, Kelaa-des-Mgouna Rose Festival, and Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival.