Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in Warsaw

Ear, nose, and throat, ENT for short or Otolaryngology, is a medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the ears, nose, and throat. Physicians who specialized in ENT are called otolaryngologists or ENT doctors and are qualified and trained in both the medical and surgical management of the following conditions:

• Conditions of the ear – ENT doctors can help with ear disorders or other issues, such as ear infections, hearing impairment, ear noise (tinnitus), balance disorders, nerve pain, as well as facial and cranial nerve disorders. They can also manage congenital disorders (disorders that are present since birth) of the inner and outer ear. 
• Conditions of the nose – one of the primary skills of ENT doctors in the care of the nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses. They can diagnose, treat, and manage allergies, deviated septum, smell disorders, sinusitis, polyps, and nasal obstruction because of a deviated septum. They can also perform rhinoplasty surgery to correct the appearance of the nose.
• Conditions of the throat – disorders, and conditions that affect the throat, larynx (voice box), and the esophagus or upper aero-digestive tract can be diagnosed and treated by ENT doctors, including voice and swallowing disorders. 
• ENT-related conditions of the head and neck – ENT doctors are trained to treat infectious diseases, tumors, trauma, and deformities of the head, face, and neck. They can also manage problems with the nerves in these areas that control smelling, sight, hearing, and facial movements. In addition, they can perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to the head and neck area.

The procedures that ENT doctors perform include, but are not limited to:

• Tympanostomy
• Myringoplasty
• Tympanoplasty
• Stapedectomy
• Tympanomastoidectomy
• Laryngoplasty
• Esophagoscopy
• Laryngoscopy
• Microlaryngoscopy
• Septoplasty
• Nasal valve reconstruction
• Nasal fracture reduction
• Rhinoplasty
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
• Parotidectomy
• Neck mass biopsy
• Submandibular gland removal
• Airway reconstruction
• Tonsillectomy
• Adenoidectomy
• Thyroidectomy
• Parathyroidectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Warsaw?

Your length of stay depends on your condition and the type of treatment you underwent. For surgical procedures, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or you can leave the hospital immediately. However, it is advisable that you stay in Warsaw for at least 2 weeks or until your ENT doctor says it is safe to travel home. This is because the change in the aircraft’s cabin pressure can cause problems with the surgical site. During your stay, you also need to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor will remove the stitches (if necessary) and monitor your healing progress.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your ENT doctor will give you a specific recovery timeline, including when you can resume your normal activity and return to work. In general, you need to avoid all activities that may increase blood pressure in your head area for at least 3 weeks. You also need to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your ENT doctor will give you instructions on how to protect the health of your ear, nose, and throat, as well as how to prevent your disease from reoccurring or complications. Make sure to follow all the instructions closely. Depending on your specific condition, you may be required to attend regular checkups. In most cases, you have the choice to have regular checkups with your local doctor at home or with your ENT doctor in Warsaw.

What's the Success Rate?

The continuous advancement of ENT has increased the success rate of ENT procedures. While there are no general statistics for all ENT procedures, most procedures are proven to be safe and highly successful. For example, the success rate of tympanoplasty is around 90%. Risks and side effects of ENT procedures depend on the specific procedure and the health status of the patient. All surgical procedures generally carry the risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to the anesthetic.

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, there is no alternative to ENT when you have problems with your ear, nose, and throat. However, depending on your condition, your ENT doctor may work with or refer you to a relevant specialist.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in and around Warsaw

About Warsaw

As the capital and largest city of Poland, Warsaw continues to charm its visitors with diverse architecture, cultural treasures, stunning outdoor spaces, and superb dining spots. With Poland’s recent emerging popularity in medical tourism, the city has seen an influx of foreign patients coming for its world-class healthcare. The city’s very high standard of living and universal healthcare system are seen as an attractive choice for international medical tourists, particularly those from the surrounding countries. Both the public and private medical centers in this city are equipped with the latest medical technology and are offering a wide range of medical procedures at significantly lower prices than other countries in Europe. The most sought-after procedures in the city are cosmetic surgery, orthopedic, bariatric, and dental treatments. 

Popular Parts of Warsaw

Warsaw offers a beautiful blend of old and new. Visitors are welcomed with restored Gothic buildings and modern glass structures standing side by side. One of the most popular attractions is the Palace of Culture & Science, which is a ‘gift of friendship’ from the Soviet Union and is the second tallest building in Poland. As a vast recreation and educational facility, this building is filled with theatres, cinemas, and museums. Most people also come to wander around the streets of the city’s Old Town, the oldest part of the city, to see medieval architecture and visit the Old Town Market Place. Warsaw is also known as the former home of Frédéric François Chopin and visitors are welcome to retrace his steps by strolling around Saxon Garden.

Transport in Warsaw

The main airport is Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport and it is the largest and busiest airport in Poland that connects with many cities around the world. To get around Warsaw, local buses are available and they’re reasonably priced. Taxis are the most convenient way to get around and are relatively cheap. However, ensure to avoid unlicensed taxi drivers as they will charge more. The safest way to get a taxi is by asking your hotel staff for the number of the taxi company they use. Cycling is also a good way to explore the city.

Visas in Warsaw

Since Poland is a part of the Schengen area, citizens of several countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can stay in Warsaw without a visa for up to 90 days. EU citizens do not need a visa and are allowed to stay indefinitely. Citizens of other countries are required to obtain a visa in advance. A passport valid for at least 6 months is required.

Weather in Warsaw

Summer (June – August) has unpredictable weather with warm temperatures, sometimes reaching 30°C. Autumn (September – November) brings cooler temperatures and more pleasant weather. Winter (December – early March) can be freezing, with the temperatures dropping to -20°C on the coldest days. Spring (late March-May) is characterized by warmer temperatures and less rain.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN) is the official currency and 1 USD converts to approx. 3.8 PLN.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available in Warsaw. Credit cards can be used in most restaurants and hotels. Tipping is optional.
3. Local Language: Polish is the official language. Most people in tourist areas can speak decent English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Warsaw is a multi-cultural city. Christianity is the largest religion, but other religions are also present in the city.
5. Public Holidays: Warsaw celebrates major Christian holidays, such as Christmas Day and Easter. There are also some national holidays celebrated in the city, including Constitution Day and Independence Day.