Neurosurgery in Vietnam

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 Vietnam?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you underwent. For diagnostic tests, you may need to stay in Vietnam 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam

About Vietnam

Situated at the extreme east of the Indochina Peninsula, Vietnam is a country that exhibits profound cultural richness and captivating landscapes. It holds the distinction of being the world's 15th most populous country, housing over 94 million residents scattered across its diverse geographical expanse. Despite grappling with issues like poverty and corruption, Vietnam's impressive economic performance cannot be overlooked. Notably, the country boasts a commendable GDP growth rate and is celebrated as one of the fastest-growing economies globally.

This country is well-known around the globe for its breathtaking natural beauty. It's also recognized for its energetic, larger-than-life cities that are always buzzing with activity. Furthermore, its culture is intricate and assorted, attracting millions who appreciate rich customs and traditions. In 2018, this place was a magnet for tourists, drawing in over 15 million visitors who were eager to immerse themselves in its unique way of life.

Broadly celebrated for its splendid scenic landscapes, there's an undeniable charm this country possesses. The vivacious megacities are a thrilling fusion of noise, colors, and life that leaves an impression on all who stroll through them. The cultural mosaic of this land is complex, and varied, presenting evidence of a fascinating history shared through countless generations. The year 2018 saw floods of tourists - well in excess of 15 million - come to explore, each leaving with their own tale of discovery within its borders.

The rapid development of Vietnam has made it into the next medical tourism hub in Southeast Asia. Now, medical tourists consider the country as their potential medical destination. Many new medical centers have sprung up and welcomed thousands of patients to relax and enjoy their treatment. The country offers a wide range of cost-effective medical treatment, well-trained doctors, and professional equipment. The country focuses on promoting medical tourism to neighboring markets such as Laos and Cambodia. 

Popular Parts of Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh, formerly Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam. It is the financial center and home to the largest stock exchange in the country. Tourists coming to the city can enjoy its many tourist spots such as shopping in the Ben Thanh Market, viewing the city from Saigon Skydeck, discovering the city’s history from The War Remnants Museum, or learning the culture of Jade Emperor Pagoda. Other than the attractions, the city is also famous for its traditional food, including pho and pork rolls.
• Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the country’s major metropolitan and political center. Tourists will find many well-preserved colonial buildings, museums, and pagodas. As one of the most ancient capitals in the world, most tourists will be delighted to explore the city’s historic Old Quarter, spend a beautiful day in Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit the Temple of Literature.
• Hoi An invites tourists to experience a slow-paced, relaxing lifestyle. The city’s Old Town has successfully preserved Japanese merchant houses and Chinese temples. To get a glimpse of the city, many tourists will opt for a bicycle tour. The city also offers a unique farming and fishing experience for its visitors. Off the coast of the city, tourists will be overjoyed to find a diving paradise with hundreds of different coral and fish.
• Nha Trang is a coastal city on the South Central Coast of the country. Tourists usually come to this city for its stunning white sandy beaches and scuba diving. In addition to the beautiful beaches, Nha Trang Bay is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful bays. The city is also home to the remnants of the Champa Kingdom, gothic-style Catholic churches, and many Buddhist temples.
• Da Nang is located on the coast of the South China Sea, making it the most important port city of Vietnam. The city continues to evolve each year, with modern hotels and restaurants being developed all around it. It is the tourist capital of South Central Vietnam. Tourists visit the city to enjoy its tranquil beaches with crystal clear waters, beautiful ancient pagodas, interesting French colonial buildings, and green national parks.

Weather and Climate in Vietnam

Vietnam, situated uniquely on the map, experiences differing climates in its varied regions. If you travel south, you'll find a tropical monsoon climate. This climate type typically comes with two main seasons - the wet season and the dry season.

Straying north, however, you'll encounter a different story altogether. Here, the climate is categorized as monsoonal but it's accompanied by four clear-cut seasons - spring, summer, autumn, and winter. So, regardless of the time of year, there's a high chance you'll experience a unique slice of Vietnamese weather, depending entirely on which part of the country you've set foot in.

• The south experiences wet and dry season and the wet season lasts from September to December. There is more rainfall between September and November. The dry season starts in January and ends in August and the average annual temperature is around 26 °C. Some cities such as Da Nang are prone to typhoons during the wet season.
• In the north, spring starts in February characterized by some rain and cold temperature. The end of April is the start of summer, with intense sunshine and sometimes even a heatwave. The average temperature during Summer is 27.5 °C but it can feel a lot hotter. Autumn starts in September and ends in November. Autumn has the best weather, with a lot of sunshine and calm wind. From December to January is Winter and it is generally cold with an average temperature of 17 °C which can drop as low as 7 °C.

Getting Around in Vietnam

There are numerous airports in Vietnam that connect the major cities. However, there are three major international airports where international visitors usually arrive at, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Most international flights will arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport which serves domestic and international flights to and from major cities in Asia, Europe, and Australia. In terms of capacity, the biggest airport in the country is the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.

The airport is a hub for both local and global travel. It houses two terminals within its boundaries. Terminal 1 is tasked with the management of domestic flights, servicing those traveling within the country's borders. On the other hand, Terminal 2 oversees international flight operations, connecting this airport to numerous cities across Asia and Europe. Affordable airlines, including the likes of Jetstar Pacific and VietJet Air, schedule flights departing from and arriving at both Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports - a testament to the airport's reach and convenience to travelers with varying budget needs.

Tourists do have a few travel options to get around Vietnam. The country is served by trains running from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and it stops in many of the popular areas such as Da Nang and Nha Trang. Buses are a great option for tourists to get around the country and the buses are privately operated buses called “open tour” buses. There is also a national bus system, but they are generally not as comfortable as the private buses.

Taxis are available in most cities and can be hailed directly from the streets or via a phone call. The fare usually starts at VND 10,000 to VND 12,000. If you need to be quick, try the motorcycle taxis known as Xe Om. You will need to negotiate the price but they can be found in most parts of the cities. Cyclo (similar to trishaw) is also available for short-distance travel within a city. For easier travel, opt for Grab Motorbike, an online hailing app similar to Uber.

Tourist Visas in Vietnam

• Citizens of 24 countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Russia, and Japan, can enter and stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days without a visa.
• Citizens of 81 countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Canada, can apply for an e-visa. An e-visa is a single-entry visa that allows the holder to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days.
• Citizens of all other countries need to apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

How to apply for an e-visa:

• To apply for an e-visa, you will need to create an account on the Vietnam e-Visa website and complete an online application form. You will also need to upload a digital photo of yourself and a scan of your passport.
• The e-visa fee is USD 25.
• Once your application is approved, you will receive an e-visa by email. The e-visa must be printed out and presented to immigration officials upon arrival in Vietnam.

Additional information:

• All visitors to Vietnam must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of departure from Vietnam.
• Visitors who obtain an e-visa must have a valid passport and a digital photo.
• Visitors who apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate may also need to provide additional documentation, such as a proof of onward travel or a letter of invitation.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong and 1 USD converts to VND 24,455.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available throughout the country. Credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels but most restaurants and shops still only accept cash. Tipping is generally not expected but will be appreciated.
3. Local Language: Vietnamese is the local language. English is not widely spoken, but if you are staying in popular tourist areas, there will be people who can speak some English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population follows the Vietnamese folk religion. Buddhism, Christianity, Hoahaoism, Islam, and Hinduism are also freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: The country celebrates major religious and national holidays such as New Year’s Day, Saigon Liberation Day, and Vietnam Traditional Lunar New Year.