Diagnostic Imaging in Vilnius

Diagnostic imaging, also known as medical imaging, describes a variety of techniques to look inside the body to diagnose the cause of an injury or illness, as well as to find any signs of a health condition. It is also used to see how well your body responds to treatment for an illness or fracture. 

Many diagnostic imaging tests are noninvasive and painless. Some tests use a small amount of radiation exposure. Some require you to remain still inside a machine for a long time, which may cause little discomfort. 

Other diagnostic tests involve the insertion of a small camera attached to a thin, long tube (often referred to as a “scope”) into your body. These types of diagnostic tests are invasive and require anesthesia.

Some of the most common types of diagnostic imaging tests are as follows:

• X-ray is among the most well-known diagnostic imaging tests. It generates images that allow your doctor to see if there is any damage or injury to the bones.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan, also known as “cat scan,” is a test that combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles. It is often used to quickly examine people who could have internal injuries. It can help doctors evaluate the brain, spine, abdomen, chest, and neck.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet to obtain an image of the body instead of radiation. It is most commonly used to examine spinal cord and brain anomalies, joint abnormalities, and tumors.
• Ultrasound, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is most commonly used to examine a fetus during pregnancy. However, it can also be used to examine a wide range of body parts, including the heart, joints, and bladder.
• Mammography is a type of x-ray image of the breast. It can be used to check for early breast cancer signs that cannot be felt through the use of a low-dose x-ray.
• A diagnostic biopsy is the main method doctors use to diagnose most types of cancer. It involves the removal of a piece of tissue or cell sample to be analyzed in a laboratory.

• Endoscopy, laparoscopy, and colposcopy involve the insertion of a thin, flexible scope with a video camera attached to its end through a passageway or bodily opening to look at the inside of a particular organ, such as the colon or the lungs.

How Long Should I Stay in Vilnius?

You can usually leave the hospital straight away after diagnostic imaging tests. However, it is advisable that you stay in Vilnius for 5 to 7 days to wait for the results. Once the results are ready, you will have to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor explains the results and discuss the treatment plan, if needed.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Most diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound and CT scan, do not require any recovery time. However, you may need to take one or two days off work and avoid strenuous activities for several days after some types of diagnostic biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, and colposcopy.

What Aftercare is Required?

There is usually no special aftercare or restrictions after diagnostic imaging tests. You may be advised to drink plenty of water immediately after, especially if contrast was used. If the procedure is invasive, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to care for the wounds. 

What's the Success Rate?

Diagnostic imaging tests have high success and accuracy rates. The continuous improvement and advancement of diagnostic imaging technology have transformed healthcare, allowing for earlier diagnosis of many medical conditions, reduces the need for invasive processes. The side effects of diagnostic imaging tests are very minimal, such as slight discomfort, pain, swelling, and bruising.

Are there Alternatives?

There are no alternatives to diagnostic imaging. It is vital for the diagnosis of medical conditions, allowing your doctor to decide the best treatment or management plan.

Diagnostic Imaging in and around Vilnius

About Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and is also the largest city in the country, with a population of around 564,147. Vilnius was once referred to as the ‘Jerusalem of the north’ but the Jewish community was largely wiped out in WWII. The city does not hide its battle relics. Tourists will find museums dedicated to the Holocaust and preserved the KGB torture chamber. Other than its fascinating history, Vilnius also offers spectacular architecture, trendy bars, and hot-air balloons.

Vilnius is emerging as a medical tourism destination. Every year, medical tourism in Vilnius continues to expand and evolve. Medical treatments in Vilnius are gaining a powerful reputation among medical tourists. The vast majority of the medical tourists coming to Vilnius are from the Middle East, the United States, and Western Europe. Many tourists travel for Breast Augmentation or other cosmetic surgery. Kardiolita Hospital is one of the most popular medical facilities in the city. There are many reasons why local and international medical tourists come to Vilnius, including:

• Medical facilities with international standards such as JCI accreditation.
• Highly educated doctors and medical practitioners.
• Comprehensive diagnosis in just a single day.
• Foreign language speaking doctors and health care staff.
• Modern and secure equipment.
• Affordable prices for a wide range of medical treatment.

Popular Areas in Vilnius

Vilnius is a driving force behind Lithuania’s tourism sector. The city has affordable attractions, accommodations, and restaurants, Historical landmarks, extraordinary architecture, green spaces, and an array of cafes making the city a special place to visit.

• Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is located in the heart of Vilnius. The building has a Renaissance, Gothic, and early Baroque architectural styles. The reconstructed palace is now transformed into a museum with 4 exhibition tour routes related to the historical functions. A guided tour is in English, Russian, and German is available for tourists.
• Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (KGB Museum) is a museum with the darkest history in Vilnius. It is located in the former KGB building and preserved exactly how the KGB officers left the building. A museum is an excellent place for tourists who want to learn more about history.
• Antakalnis Cemetery in Vilnius is arguably one of the most interesting graveyards in Europe. The cemetery is the final resting place of Lithuanian leaders and locals lost to war. The most notable monuments are the Memorial of Red Army Soldiers and the monument of the victims of January 13, 1991.
• Gediminas’ Tower of the Upper Castle is the remnant of a brick castle built by the Duke of Lithuania, Vytautas Magnum. Tourists can get onto the top of the Gediminas Hill by foot or by the provided modern lift. While in the modern lift, tourists can see panoramic views of Vilnius along with the River Neris.

Weather and Climate in Vilnius

Summers in Vilnius is warm and dry, with occasional showers and chilly days. Summers are short, lasting for around two months from June to August. The average temperature in the summer is around 11 °C to 22 °C. Summers are usually the busiest time for the city’s tourism.

Although autumn is exceptionally beautiful and has many sunny days, the temperature will cool down rapidly during this season. It can get as low as -1°C in mid-November.

The winters are freezing when the average temperature plummets to -9°C. The temperature will remain below zero until March. Winters in the city can be an amazing time. However, it can be difficult in rural areas.

Spring usually arrives late in April and does not last very long. The temperature in Spring is cool and the green spaces are blossoming.  

Getting Around in Vilnius

Vilnius International Airport is the largest airport in Lithuania that connects the country with European cities. It is the hub for air Baltic and Get Jet Airlines. The airport serves many major airlines, as well as budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Tourists can take the airport taxis to the city center. The taxis can be found in front of the arrivals terminal. A ride to the city center should cost around 10 EUR to 18 EUR. The city bus is another option to travel to Vilnius city center. It is more affordable than taxis, with a single ticket costs around 1EUR.

Walking is the best mode of transportation for exploring the Old Town. A good portion of Vilnius’s attractions is located within walking distance. Buses and trolleybuses are also available, tickets cost 1 EUR which can be paid directly to the driver. Taxis are not very recommended because many taxi drivers are known to cheat foreigners. Uber is available.

Tourist Visas in Vilnius

European Union citizens, American, Canadian, Australian, and British can stay in Vilnius for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries must apply and obtain a visa before entering Lithuania

The country is part of the Schengen Area, tourists who already hold a Schengen visa does not have to apply for a new visa to enter Lithuania. A passport valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay is required.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Since Lithuania adopted the euro in 2015, the official currency is the euro. 1 USD is equivalent to 0.88 EUR.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists can withdraw money from ATMs. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are mostly accepted in hotels and restaurants. Tourists can tip 10% in restaurants if the service is good. Always tip in cash even when you’re paying with credit or debit cards.
3. Local Language: The official language is Lithuanian. Most people in the tourism area and the younger generation can speak English fluently. A large number of the population also speaks Russian and Polish.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Christianity (specifically Catholic) is the major religion in Vilnius. Small groups of the population follow Judaism, Islam, and other religions.
5. Public Holidays: Vilnius celebrates major Christian religious holidays. The city also hosts many annual festivals such as Capital Days in September, Culture Night and Trakai Medieval Festival in June, Street Musician’s Day in May, and Independence Day of the Republic of Uzupis in April.