General Surgery in Marbella

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 Marbella?

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 Marbella. 

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 Marbella

About Marbella

Marbella is a city and a municipality located in southern Spain. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, the city is one of the most cosmopolitan beach resorts in the country. It is particularly famous for its beaches with fine sand and clear blue water. Today, Marbella has become a preferred destination for medical tourism. The city is filled with a great variety of hospitals and clinics offering high-class services, from beauty and wellbeing to major medical treatments such as oncology and traumatology. All the private hospitals in the city now have a department that works exclusively to attract international patients. These hospitals all provide luxurious services and round the clock care. International medical tourists will feel as if they are staying in a 5-star hotel instead of a hospital. Furthermore, these hospitals are staffed with highly-skilled doctors and specialists.

Popular Parts of Madrid

Marbella’s biggest draw is its beaches, including Nagüeles Beach and El Ancón Beach, where people can sunbathe, swim, or even enjoy water sports activities. Most of the beaches are also lined with amazing beach bars to eat or drink while escaping the heat. Beyond its beaches, Marbella also has a significant historical heritage. The most popular area to visit is the old quarter (Casco Antiguo), which is packed with beautiful Andalucian and Moorish architecture, ornately painted tiles, balconies full of flowers, and narrow streets. Visitors can also find numerous churches and chapels. In the heart of the old quarter is Plaza de Los Naranjos, a square where visitors can find the city hall, restaurants and bars, renaissance architecture, and orange trees. 

Transport in Madrid

Málaga Airport is the nearest airport to Marbella. It has both domestic and international flights to many cities in Europe and is serviced by numerous airlines. Those who want to get around with public transportation are provided with a network of seven local bus lines, which is relatively affordable and will get visitors too many places around the city. Taxis are available and official rates are displayed inside the licensed taxi. Visitors who stay in the downtown area can get around by foot easily since the area is fairly compact.

Visas in Madrid

Spain is a part of the Schengen Convention, meaning citizens of 62 countries, such as Australia, Canada, and the US, do not need a visa to visit and stay in Marbella for up to 90 days. Holders of passports issued by other countries not listed in the visa-free agreement need to apply and obtain a visa prior to arrival.

Weather in Madrid

Marbella experiences a Mediterranean climate with about 320 sunshine days each year. The summer in the city is hot, while the winter is typically mild. During the hottest months, July and August, the temperatures can soar to 30°C, but the breeze of the Mediterranean Sea will make the hot temperatures bearable. December to January is somewhat rainier than the rest of the year.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The local currency used in Marbella is the Euro. 1 EUR converts to approx. 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available around Marbella. Credit cards are accepted in most businesses and tipping is expected in some places.
3. Local Language: The Spanish spoken in Marbella is Andalusian Spanish. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Christianity is the largest religion in Marbella. However, other religions are also freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: New Year's Day, Andalucía Day, San José, Spanish National Day, and Christmas Day are some of the most important public holidays in the city.