General Surgery in Cambodia

General surgery is a surgical specialty that deals with a wide range of common ailments on almost any part of the body but typically focuses on treating diseases and injuries of the abdomen, including the esophagus, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver, appendix, gallbladder, and bile ducts. It also deals with diseases that involve the breasts, skin, soft tissue, digestive system, and endocrine system glands. 

Despite the term “general,” general surgeons are highly skilled surgeons. They can be found practicing many types of surgery, but they may also specialize in a type of surgery, such as treating cancer, which requires the skill to perform procedures on multiple areas of the body. 

Some common surgeries that are performed by general surgeons are as follows:

• Appendectomy.
• Breast surgery for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, including breast biopsy, lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery or partial mastectomy), and mastectomy. 
• Colon and rectal surgery, including colectomy, colostomy, and hemorrhoidectomy.
• Esophageal surgery, including esophagectomy, acid reflux surgery, and excision of an esophageal lesion.
• Gastroenterology procedures, such as gastric bypass surgery, upper GI endoscopy, and liver biopsy.
• Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy).
• Hernia repair.
• Varicose vein removal.
• Thyroid removal.
• Transplant, such as kidney and liver transplantations.
• Spleen removal.
• Wound repair.

How Long Should I Stay in Cambodia?

Your length of stay depends on the type of surgery you underwent. In general, you should wait for at least seven to ten days before you travel home, sometimes extending to 14 days. During your stay, you will need to rest as much as possible and let your body recover. In some cases, your surgeon may schedule a follow-up visit to evaluate your healing and, if needed, remove any stitches.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time can be different from one person to another, depending on the type of surgery you have and your general health. Anytime you have some sort of incision, you will have to wait until that incision has healed completely until you can go back to your full normal routine. Your surgeon will give you an idea of how long your recovery time can take. It can take a few weeks until you are allowed to return to work, and you may need to gradually increase your activity level until you can resume all of your normal activity.

What Aftercare is Required?

To speed your recovery time and avoid complications, it is important to follow the instructions you are given. Even a simple instruction, such as no baths after your surgery, may not seem meaningful, but your surgeon would not instruct it without good reason. You will need to have regular checkups after your surgery, but you can typically choose to have the checkups with your local doctor at home if you cannot make multiple travels to Cambodia. 

What's the Success Rate?

With new techniques, advanced technology, and extensive experience of general surgeons, the success and safety rate for general surgery continues to increase. For example, general surgeons can now use laparoscopic techniques or perform robot-assisted surgery to minimize the risk and increase the success rate of surgery. These new techniques are possible thanks to continuous research and advancement in general surgery. Still, no surgical procedure is risk-free. All types of surgery generally carry the risk of bleeding, infection, and damage to other organs. 

Are there Alternatives?

There is typically no alternative to general surgery. However, if your doctor suspects that you need a specific specialist for your disease or injury, they will refer you to the relevant specialist. 

General Surgery in and around Cambodia

Introduction

Perched in the heart of Southeast Asia, nestled between Thailand and Vietnam, lies Cambodia — a dynamic blend of ancient and contemporary worlds that makes for an intriguing adventure. Dominating its list of attractions is the globally-renowned Angkor Wat, embroidered by lush jungles. 

It is the soul of Cambodia — its vibrant culture, warm inhabitants, profound historical heritage, stunning coastlines, delightful cuisine, and spirited nightlife — that gives this nation its unique charm. Each element, individually fascinating and collectively harmonious, weaves a magical tapestry that is Cambodia.

Over recent years, Cambodia has strategically bolstered its healthcare infrastructure, aiming to appeal to a global patient community. In this endeavor, the country has witnessed several of its hospitals forging partnerships with institutions from close-by countries, with Thailand being a significant partner.

These strategic alliances have been key in establishing state-of-the-art healthcare facilities across Cambodia. These healthcare establishments strive to cater to a diverse array of medical needs, ensuring the delivery of world-class, professional care that meets, if not surpasses, internationally accepted standards.

Cambodia is relentlessly driving efforts to enhance its healthcare sector, with one main goal - to give patients access to top-notch medical care at costs significantly lower than those in other Southeast Asian nations, Singapore being a prime example.

This strategic approach is geared towards attracting patients from regions like Laos, Taiwan, and China. The essence of this approach is to establish Cambodia as a major healthcare destination that offers high-quality medical services, all within a budget-friendly framework that doesn’t strain patients' finances.

Popular Cities and Regions in Cambodia

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia, as well as the main medical tourism destination in the country. Once the ‘Pearl of Asia,’ this bustling city is now filled with bustling bars, historical architecture, vibrant café culture, a world-class food scene, and a glimmering Royal Palace.

Tourists venturing into Cambodia are invited to traverse the myriad attractions this enchanting nation has to offer. A must-visit is the National Museum of Cambodia which houses the country's extensive cultural history and art. For those who seek a deeper insight into Cambodia's past, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum provides a poignant yet important glimpse into the darker chapters of its history. In addition, the Royal Palace stands as a testament to Cambodia's architectural grandeur, drawing admiration from visitors across the globe. Another gem to explore in Phnom Penh is the Silver Pagoda, a unique blend of tranquility and exquisite craftsmanship, making for an unforgettable experience.

Moving beyond the capital city of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap emerges as another popular destination in the Cambodian travel circuit. This city, bustling with energy and soaked in history, captures the diverse ethos of Cambodia in its vibrant art, architecture, and local life. Inclusion of Siem Reap in any Cambodian itinerary lends an additional layer of cultural depth, making the exploration of this intriguing nation an even more enticing proposition. As such, whether it's diving into the past or experiencing the dynamic present, Cambodia offers a varied palette of experiences to delve into.

It’s where the fascinating, UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat is located. Aside from Angkor Wat, Siem Reap also offers other attractions, such as the Angkor Silk Farm, Wat Bo, War Museum, and Senteurs d’Angkor Botanic Garden. Those who want to relax on a beach should visit Sihanoukville. It was once a quiet beach town, but now it has become a modern up-and-coming holiday destination. 

Transport in Cambodia

Phnom Penh International Airport stands as the largest and most bustling airport in Cambodia. Acting as a critical transportation nexus, it facilitates both domestic and international air travel. The airport offers numerous flight connections to various cities across Asia, making it a convenient choice for international tourists. Besides being a gateway into Cambodia, it also serves as a starting point for internal travel.

For tourists looking to cover various parts within the country swiftly, opting for domestic flights is a time-efficient choice. These flights are well-linked, providing easy access to different parts of this captivating country. Despite being the fastest mode of travel, they maintain reasonable fares, ensuring that the journey is equally enjoyable as the destination.

As one navigates within the cities, there is a disparity between the modes of transportation used for intra-city and inter-city travel. While trains and buses are the preferred options for traveling between different cities due to their affordability, city-based transportation adopts a different palette altogether. For daily city commutes and quick visits to local sights, taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes are the most viable options. They're not only readily available but also allow for an intimate view of Cambodian city life. This dynamic and efficient transportation network significantly enhances the convenience of exploring Cambodia's stunning expanse.

Visas in Cambodia

• Citizens of 9 countries, including Laos and Singapore, can visit and stay in Cambodia for up to 30 days without a visa.
• Citizens of most other countries can apply for a visa on arrival or eVisa.
• All visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of departure from Cambodia.

Visa on arrival

• A visa on arrival can be obtained at any of the following Cambodian airports: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap International Airport (REP), and Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS).
• The visa on arrival fee is USD 30.
• Visitors who obtain a visa on arrival must have a valid passport and two passport-size photos.

eVisa

• An eVisa can be obtained online at the website of the Cambodian government.
• The eVisa fee is USD 35.
• Visitors who obtain an eVisa must have a valid passport and a digital photo.

Weather in Cambodia

Cambodia is blessed with a warm climate throughout the year, making it a destination for all seasons with temperatures seldom falling below 20°C. Cambodian weather is generally categorized into two primary seasons: wet and dry. The wet season, spanning from May to October, is marked by episodic showers during daytime hours, adding to the country's tropical charm.

The dry season, commencing from November and extending up to April, is typified by agreeable and sunny weather conditions, making it an ideal time for travel and exploration. However, it is worth noting that during the peak of the dry season, specifically in March, temperatures can climb up to a sweltering 35°C. Despite the somewhat extreme conditions, the resplendent beauty of the country remains undeterred, with Cambodia promising a riveting experience regardless of the season.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Cambodian riel (KHR) is the official currency and 1 USD converts to approx. 4,161.63 KHR. However, USD is widely accepted.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available and sometimes dispense US dollars. Credit cards are accepted in major cities. Tipping is expected and appreciated.
3. Local Language: The official and mainly spoken language is Khmer. Some people also speak Vietnamese and Chinese. English is mostly used in tourist areas and major cities. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: About 97% of the population follows Theravada Buddhism. Islam, Christianity, and tribal animism make up the remaining 3%.
5. Public Holidays:  Victory over Genocide Day, Khmer New Year, King’s Birthday, Day of Remembrance, and Independence Day are some of the public holidays celebrated in Cambodia.