Neurosurgery in Ha Noi

Neurosurgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders/diseases or injury that affects any portion of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves. This specialty includes both adult and pediatric patients. A physician who specializes in neurosurgery is called a neurosurgeon. Although they are mostly known as ‘brain surgeons,’ they are also medically trained to help patients who suffer from neck and back pain, as well as a wide range of other illnesses. Some of the most common conditions that neurosurgeons can treat include:

• Meningitis
• Traumatic head injury
• Cervical spine disorders
• Sciatica
• Herniated disc
• Stroke
• Chronic pain
• Carotid artery disease
• Pituitary tumors
• Brain tumors
• Hydrocephalus
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Spine tumors
• Vertebral fractures
• Sciatica
• Lumbar spinal stenosis.

A neurosurgeon can provide diagnostic procedures, as well as both surgical and non-surgical treatment. These include, but are not limited to:

• Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Lumbar Puncture
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Ultrasonography (USG)
• Biopsy
• Aneurysm repair
• Tumor removal
• Trauma repair
• Clot removal
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
• Brain stereotactic radiosurgery
• Epilepsy surgery
• Fetal surgery
• Endovascular treatment
• Endoscopic procedures
• Hyperhidrosis surgery, such as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
• Seizure surgery
• Spinal fusion
• Trigeminal neuralgia surgery.

How Long Should I Stay in Ha Noi?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you underwent. For diagnostic tests, you may need to stay in Ha Noi for 3 to 7 days to wait until the results are ready and to discuss the results with your neurosurgeon. In some cases, you may be allowed to leave for home immediately. For medical treatments, you usually need to stay in the hospital for two to five days, and stay in Ha Noi for 7 to 14 more days, sometimes even longer. During your stay, you will have to attend regular checkups where your neurosurgeon monitors your condition. If everything is fine, you will be allowed to travel home.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Since there is a wide range of procedures, recovery times vary. In general, it can take around 4 to 12 weeks to recover from surgery. During this period avoid strenuous activities and take time off of work. Your doctor will gradually allow you to increase your activity levels, based on their examination at the follow-up visits. 

What Aftercare is Required?

After neurosurgery treatments, you will have to change your lifestyle. A healthy diet, such as keeping your salt levels down and avoiding sugary food, is crucial to prevent complications. It is also important that you exercise regularly and get enough sleep. For some types of surgery, you will need rehabilitation therapy, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech, language therapy. 

What's the Success Rate?

Given the advances in technology, understanding of the nervous system, and surgical understanding, the success rate of neurosurgery continues to improve and is now higher than before. For example, the success rate of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is around 95%, while the likelihood of being seizure-free five years after epilepsy surgery is around 95%. Still, every procedure come with potential risks and side effects, such as infection, excessive swelling of the brain, spinal fluid leakage, and seizures.

Are there Alternatives?

If you have any conditions related to your nervous system, you can go to a neurologist as the alternative. However, since neurologists do not perform surgery, they will refer you to a neurosurgeon should surgery be required as part of your treatment.

Neurosurgery in and around Ha Noi

About Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and the second-largest city by population. Located on the banks of Red River, it’s the major metropolitan and political center of the country. This chaotic and busy city is brimming with history, culture, and character. Known as one of the most ancient capitals in the world, the city charms its visitors with well-preserved colonial buildings, pagodas, and museums. Foreign tourists normally travel to the city to enjoy its history, but today, some of these foreign tourists are heading to its clinics and hospitals. Affordable healthcare and high-quality medical centers are the main factors that have attracted medical tourists and the most sought-after treatment is cosmetic surgery and dentistry.

Popular Parts of Hanoi

Hanoi offers many kinds of attractions for its visitors. The most popular part of the city is the Old Quarter, where visitors can experience Asia at its rawest. This 2000-year-old street is packed with over 1000 merchants. In this area, you can also get a glimpse of the strong influence the French had via its architecture. The area of Ba Dinh is also popular among foreign tourists. It’s the center of governance in Vietnam, as well as home to numerous historic sites, such as the One Pillar Pagoda and Hanoi Flag Tower. Those who are fascinated with Vietnam’s history and culture should visit the Temple of Literature, Quan Su Pagoda, or explore its many museums. Some of the popular museums are the Vietnam Women’s Museum, Army Museum, and the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts.

Transport in Hanoi

Noi Bai International airport is the biggest airport in Vietnam that serves both domestic and international flights to major cities in Asia and Europe. Several budget airlines operate from this airport, such as Jetstar Pacific and VietJet Air. Various modes of transport are available to get around the city. Taxis can be hailed from the street or by phone and are generally reliable. Motorcycle taxis and cyclo (similar to trishaw) are two of the most affordable options. Buses are also available. However, the easiest way to get around is by Grab motorbikes, which is similar to Uber.

Visas in Hanoi

Holders of passports issued to 24 countries, including Cambodia, Denmark, and the UK, are allowed to visit and stay in Hanoi for up to 90 days without a visa. Vietnam has introduced an electronic visa system in 2017, which is available for citizens of 81 countries, including all EU countries, Australia, and Japan. 

Weather in Hanoi

Hanoi experiences a warm and humid subtropical climate. The summer, starting from late April, is characterized by sunny days and heatwaves, with occasional rain. The average temperature is around 27.5°C. Winter, from December to January, has a lot of cold days and the temperature can drop to 7°C. Autumn and spring have pleasant weather.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency, and 1 USD will get you around 23,270 VND.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found easily around the city. Cash is king, but credit cards are accepted in various hotels. Tipping is not expected but appreciated.
3. Local Language: Vietnamese is the official and most spoken language in Hanoi. English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most people in Hanoi follow Vietnamese folk religion or are not religious. Other religions, such as Buddhism and Christianity, are freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Hanoi celebrates several public holidays, including New Year’s Day, Tet Holiday, Hung Kings Temple Festival, Reunification Day, International Labor Day, and National Day.