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My Son was admitted with a very rare autoimmune illness in April this year. The care he was given was superb Prof Dheda, Prof Louw and their team of specialists covered every possibility , diagnosed efficiently and treated effectively. There was time taken to explain everything. The Hospital Matron made allowances for me to spend as much as possible time with my son and also allowed for frequent visits from close family. Mr Daniel Mathew the Hospital General manager is very approachable and interested . The staff was friendly and helpful. Basically every one from reception through admin to ICU was friendly and helpful. I Highly recommend this hospital
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An Endoscopy is a nonsurgical or minimally invasive procedure to observe inside a person’s body using an instrument called an endoscope. An endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it. It allows your doctor to view pictures of the insides of your body on a television screen. Endoscopes can be inserted through a natural opening, such as the mouth down the throat or through the bottom. It can also be inserted through small incisions during keyhole surgery. There are three main reasons an endoscopy is carried out: investigation, confirmation of a diagnosis, and treatment.
This procedure can be used to investigate unusual symptoms and help perform certain types of surgery. It can also be used to remove a small tissue sample for further analysis, which is known as a biopsy. Additionally, the procedure can also be used to treat a digestive problem. For instance, it might not only detect active bleeding from an ulcer, but it can also have devices attached to it to stop the bleeding. Your doctor may suggest you undergo endoscopy if you experience persistent abdominal pain, persistent nausea and vomiting, vomiting blood, persistent diarrhea, blood in your stools, gallstones, blockage of the esophagus, unusual vaginal bleeding, chest pains that are not caused by heart conditions, and difficulty swallowing. Endoscopy is quick, relatively safe, and delivers a detailed image. Therefore, tens of millions of endoscopies are performed every year.
Before endoscopy, your doctor will do a physical examination and review your medical history. It is important to mention if you have any allergies and all current medications you are taking. You may need to stop taking certain medications, including anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. Your doctor will ask you to fast for around 12 hours. For some types of endoscopy, procedures to investigate the gut, you may need to take laxatives or enemas the night before to clear your system. The procedure is not painful, and some people only experience mild discomfort. Typically, the procedure is performed when the patient is unconscious. However, you may be given a local anesthetic to numb a certain area of your body. The anesthetic can be in the form of a spray or tablet to numb your throat. You also have the option to take a sedative to help you relax.
During the surgery, the endoscope will be inserted into your body. The exact place it is inserted depends on which part of your body is being examined. There are various types of endoscopy, and each type is designed to look at a certain part of your body. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there are eight common types of endoscopy, including:
Depending on what it is being used for, the procedure usually takes between 15 to 60 minutes to complete. There is also a new type of endoscopy known as the wireless capsule endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a capsule with a tiny camera inside. It will transmit images of the inside of your digestive tract and will not give you any discomfort and the pill will leave your body naturally when you go to the toilet.
An endoscopy is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure, which means you do not have to stay in the hospital overnight. You usually need to rest in the hospital for around an hour until the effects of the local anesthetic and sedative have worn off. However, you may need to stay in Cape Town for around 3 to 7 days or until your doctor says it is okay for you to go home and do long-distance travel. The result usually will take several days, and you will need to discuss the results with your doctor.
The recovery period depends on the type of procedure you underwent. You may feel slightly uncomfortable, and you should allow 1-2 days of rest before you feel well enough to get back to your normal routine. For upper endoscopy, you may experience a sore throat. After a cystoscopy, you may have blood in your urine for 24 hours. If it lasts longer than 24 hours, you will need to contact your doctor immediately. You may also feel some soreness, bloating, and gas, as well as cramping, which usually resolves quickly.
After endoscopy, you need to take it easy at least for a couple of days. When you get to your hotel, it is advisable to relax and take a nap. You may eat if you do not feel sick. It is recommended to eat something light and avoid fried foods, fatty food, and a large quantity of food. The aftercare will vary depending on the type of endoscopy you underwent. Your doctor will usually suggest you eat soft food and consume warm liquids or throat medicines after upper endoscopy. You may need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for several days. You should avoid blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and arthritis medication. Your doctor will tell you the number of days you need to avoid those medicines. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe pain medications, including Tylenol. If you have any swelling at the IV site, you can relieve the swelling with warm soaks. However, if the swelling persists, notify your doctor.
Endoscopy has a high success rate as it is almost always successful and helps doctors investigate, confirm a diagnosis, and treat many patients. It is known to be a very safe procedure. However, you should be aware that it also comes with possible risks and complications. Rare complications that may happen include infection, bleeding, tearing of the gastrointestinal tract, and reaction to sedation. You need to call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
There are several alternatives to an endoscopy. For diagnostic procedures, you can opt for X-rays. For treatment procedures, your doctor may suggest you have open surgery. Open surgery will use a larger incision and increase your risk of complications and it also will need a longer hospital stay and a longer recovery period.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa and is also known as the Mother City. It is the oldest city in the country and home to the Parliament of South Africa and is a major destination for immigrants and expatriates, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Located on the shore of Table Bay, the city is known for its harbor, natural setting, as well as famous attractions and many tourists, visit to enjoy Table Mountain and Cape Point.
Recently, tourists also come to the city for its medical tourism. Many groundbreaking procedures and medical research in South Africa, such as the world’s first penile transplant, have put Cape Town under the radar of medical tourists from all around the globe. Thanks to its world-class healthcare and world-renowned medical practitioners, more and more people now prefer Cape Town as their medical destination. The healthcare in the city is among the best on the African continent. Other reasons such as shorter waiting times for surgeries, state-of-the-art equipment, and affordable healthcare compared to Europe and the United States, and English-speaking doctors.
Cape Town is a natural beauty that offers a wide range of things to do and see. From culture, food, art, to nature. Listed below are some of the more popular places in the city:
Cape Town enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. The summer is dry and warm, lasting from early December to March. The average maximum temperature during this season is around 26 °C, and the minimum is 16 °C. The Berg Wind that arrives from February to early March can make the city uncomfortably hot for a couple of weeks.
The winter starts in June and ends in August and the season is characterized by mild and wet weather. The city also experiences strong north-westerly winds during this season. The average temperature ranges between 8.5 °C at the lowest and 18 °C at the highest.
The primary airport that serves Cape Town is the Cape Town International Airport and it is the second busiest airport in South Africa and the fifth busiest in Africa. The airport serves direct domestic flights to major cities and several small centers in the country. It also connects the country with major cities in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It is the hub for South African Express as well as budget airlines such as Mango and FlySafair.
There are several types of taxis: the metered taxis, Rikkis Taxis, and minibus taxis. The metered taxis can be a little expensive but are usually comfortable. Tourists can order one via a phone call or from one of the city’s official taxi stands. Tourists should always choose reputable taxi companies such as Marine Taxi, Unicab, Excite, and SA Cab.
Rikkis Taxis are painted yellow and very popular and these taxis run on a fixed fare rather than metered, so they are a little more affordable than metered taxis and a good option if you are traveling on longer journeys. Other than the Rikkis Taxis, tourists can choose the minibus taxis which are perfect for adventurous foreign travelers. The minibus taxis can be found practically everywhere and are very cheap, however, you will need to know exactly where your destination is and tell the driver when to stop. Another travel option is the MyCiTi bus, a modernized and effective bus system.
There are more than 60 countries listed in the visa exemption agreements, which means the citizens of these countries can stay in South Africa for up to 90 days. Other countries not listed must obtain a valid visa to enter the country. A Medical Treatment Visa is available for medical tourists. Note that all visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 30 days after the expiration of their intended visit.