General Surgery in Warsaw

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 Warsaw?

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 Warsaw. 

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 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.