Gastroenterology in Krakow

Gastroenterology is the field of medicine focused on the normal function and diseases of the digestive system or the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, as well as colon and rectum. Doctors who specialize in gastroenterology are called gastroenterologists. They are trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system. Some of the conditions that these specialists can treat include:

• Ulcers
• Acid reflux
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Polyps or growth that can occur in the large intestine (colon)
• Hepatitis C
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
• Bloody stool
• Hemorrhoids
• Colon and bowel cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Colitis
• Pancreatitis 

While gastroenterologists can treat diseases of the digestive system, they do not perform surgery. If surgery is required they will work with or refer patients to a gastrointestinal surgeon. The following are a range of nonsurgical procedures that gastroenterologists perform:

• Colonoscopy to detect colon polyps and colon cancer
• Endoscopic ultrasound to examine the upper and lower GI tract
• Sigmoidoscopy to assess blood loss or pain in the bowel
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to identify tumors, gallstones, or scar tissue in the bile duct
• Capsule endoscopy to examine the small intestine
• Liver biopsy to examine fibrosis and inflammation
• Polypectomy to remove a polyp.

How Long Should I Stay in Krakow?

The type of procedure that you undergo determines your length of stay in Krakow. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can leave the hospital or clinic on the same day. However, you generally need to stay in Krakow for around a week for follow up appointments and to let your body recover before you can travel. If you undergo a diagnostic procedure, your doctor will discuss the results and create a treatment plan during the follow-up appointment.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time for gastroenterology procedures range from a day to 2 weeks, or sometimes longer, depending on the type of procedure. During the recovery period, it is important to avoid any strenuous activities. Your gastroenterologist will let you know the specific time you can resume your normal activities, go back to work, and perform vigorous exercises.

What Aftercare is Required?

It is crucial that you follow all of the instructions closely, to prevent the problem from getting worse or from reoccurring, you may need to make some dietary and lifestyle changes. You may also need to attend follow-up checkups to monitor your condition. You can have the checkups at home with your local doctor, or with your gastroenterologist in Krakow.

What's the Success Rate?

Advances in gastroenterology have increased the safety and success rate of treatments. The diagnostic procedures offer high accuracy in finding problems within the gastrointestinal tract, and the treatments are found to be highly successful to treat conditions in the digestive system. For example, a colonoscopy now has a 94% success rate in capturing all colorectal cancer. Still, there are some risks to the procedures that you will need to be aware of, such as a tear in the intestine’s lining, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to the equipment or medication used during the procedure, organ perforation, infection, and incomplete removal (for removal of polyps).

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, there is no alternative to seeing a gastroenterologist if you experience problems in your digestive system and it is found to be caused by something else that is outside the gastroenterologists’ scope of practice, they will refer you to the relevant specialist.

Gastroenterology in and around Krakow

About Kraków

Kraków is the second-largest and also one of the oldest cities in Poland. It was the official capital of the country until 1596 and has been one of the leading centers of Polish economic, academic, cultural, and artistic life. Named as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Kraków is brimming with stunning architecture, enthralling history, and riveting culture. Today, the city is at the forefront of Europe’s medical tourism. The most sought-after treatments are dentistry and cosmetic surgery. International medical tourists, particularly from neighboring countries, come to this city for its affordable procedures, fully organized healthcare system, and skilled specialists. 

Popular Parts of Kraków

Kraków is full of charm; from its cobbled streets and beautiful squares to stunning churches and a castle. The most popular part of the city is the Old Town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors who come to the Old Town can admire the Wawel Royal Castle, which is an architectural wonder in a medieval, renaissance, and baroque style. This castle is now a museum containing five separate sections. Another popular part of the Old town is the Main Market Square, which is the biggest medieval town square in Europe with a 15th century Town Hall Tower, a 16th-century Cloth Hall at the center, and a bronze statue of Polish 19th-century poet Adam Mickiewicz. Other popular parts of the city are Schindler’s Factory, the Underground Museum, and Auschwitz. 

Transport in Kraków

Kraków John Paul II International Airport is where most international tourists will arrive. It serves flights to numerous cities around Europe and the Middle East. The most affordable way to get around the city is by public buses and trams. Taxis are reasonably priced and comfortable, but make sure to use official taxis that use a meter as there are illegal taxis that will try to overcharge you. Uber is available and it is the cheapest option if you don’t want to take public transit. Bicycles are also popular in the city and bike rentals are widely available. 

Visas in Kraków

Poland is a part of the Schengen area. Therefore, citizens of 62 countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia, can stay in Kraków for up to 90 days without a visa. EU citizens do not need a visa and can stay indefinitely. Citizens of other countries need to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. 

Weather in Kraków

Summer, from June to August, is generally warm with an average temperature of about 25°C. The spring (April – May) and autumn (September – October) have great weather with milder temperatures. Note that spring is usually a bit rainier than other seasons. Winter can get pretty cold, with the temperatures dropping below 0.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Polish Zlotych (PLN). 1 USD is equivalent to approx. 3.8 PLN.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easy to find in Kraków. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Tipping is optional and not mandatory.
3. Local Language: Polish is the native language and English is widely spoken by younger people.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population adheres to Christianity. However, other religions, such as Judaism, are also present.
5. Public Holidays: Kraków celebrates various public holidays, including the New Year’s Day, Three King’s Day, Easter, Constitution Day, Corpus Christi, All Saints’ Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.