Vascular Medicine in Cairo

Vascular medicine, also known as angiology, is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all problems that involve the lymphatic and circulatory systems outside of the heart. These problems can involve:

• Arteries, which is the blood vessel that delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to other parts of the body.
• Veins, which is the blood vessel that delivers blood back to the heart.
• Lymphatic system, which is the network of vessels that transport lymph throughout the body.

A physician who specializes in vascular medicine is called an avascular doctor or vascular medicine specialist. They are trained to provide comprehensive and effective care for all kinds of vascular diseases and conditions of the circulatory system. Some of the most common conditions are as follows:

• Peripheral arterial disease or claudication, which is blockages in the leg arteries that can cause pain when walking.
• Renal artery stenosis, which is blockages in the kidney arteries. It can contribute to chronic kidney disease and/or high blood pressure.
• Carotid artery stenosis, which is blockages in the kidney arteries. It can lead to a stroke.
• Venous problems, such as chronic venous insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Abdominal aortic aneurysms, which is a bulging of the aorta. It can cause the aorta to rupture.
• Vasculitis, lymphedema, Raynaud’s, and varicose veins.

Vascular medicine doctors diagnose and treat all blood vessels conditions using numerous non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, such as:

• Abdominal aortic ultrasound
• Carotid ultrasound
• Venous and arterial ultrasound
• Wound care
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Endovenous laser and radiofrequency ablation
• Sclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
• Ambulatory phlebectomy
• Anticoagulation management and monitoring.

How Long Should I Stay in Cairo?

Since most vascular medicine procedures can be performed as an outpatient procedure, you should be able to leave the hospital on the same day. Still, you should plan to stay in Cairo for at least 3 to 7 days to let your body recover and attend a follow-up checkup, if necessary. However, this depends on the condition and the type of treatment you will have. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Different conditions and procedures have different recovery times. In many cases, you can expect to return to work immediately or within a couple of days and strenuous activities within 5 days or so. However, for more serious conditions, such as renal artery stenosis, longer recovery time may be needed.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you aftercare instructions, which normally include activity restrictions, dietary and exercise recommendations, as well as how to care for yourself at home. Following all of the instructions is important to avoid complications and to speed up your recovery. If your doctor prescribes you medicines, make sure to take them as directed. For certain diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis, you may need to see your doctor regularly for scans to check your blood clots. If you cannot travel multiple times to Cairo, you can choose to have the checkups with your local doctor.

What's the Success Rate?

Over the last several decades, the clinical practice of vascular medicine has significantly changed. Understanding of vascular diseases is continuously expanding, resulting in the development of new therapeutic approaches. A better understanding of vascular conditions, new techniques, and technological advances have played crucial roles in improving the success rates and safety of vascular medical procedures.  

Are there Alternatives?

There is currently no alternative to vascular medicine. However, if your doctor thinks that you need surgery, they will refer you to vascular surgery. They will also refer you to a relevant specialist if your condition is found to be caused by something else unrelated to the lymphatic and circulatory systems.

Vascular Medicine in and around Cairo

About Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world is next to the Nile River. As home to the amazing Giza Pyramid complex and the ancient city of Memphis, this city is often associated with ancient Egypt. People from all around the world are drawn to this beautiful city, and they normally visit to get a closer look at its magical landmarks. However, aside from its history and culture, people also come to Cairo for its healthcare. The city is believed to have been one of the most popular medical tourism destinations since the Pharaonic era. It also enjoys an excellent reputation as a therapeutic destination and is filled with high-quality hospitals that are ready to handle and care for international patients. These hospitals are armed with innovative equipment, skilled specialists, and amazing services.

Popular Parts of Cairo

Cairo is a perfect combination of modern and ancient. Most people from all over the globe come to see the Great Pyramid of Giza. This awe-inspiring pyramid is one of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world that has been around for nearly 4000 years. Still in the same complex of the pyramid is the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. Another popular attraction is the Egyptian Museum, which has one of the most important collections of ancient artifacts in the world. In this museum, visitors can admire the gleaming treasures of Tutankhamun and other pharaohs, jewelry, toys, and mummies. Museum of Islamic Art and Al Azhar Mosque are other must-visit places within the city. 

Transport in Cairo

Cairo International Airport is the primary international gateway to Cairo. It serves both domestic and international flights to Asia and Europe. Several budget airlines, including Flynas and FlyEgypt, operate flights from this airport. Cairo has an effective and dependable public transport system. Buses and metro are available. Both are relatively affordable and comfortable. Taxis and Uber are plentiful. Taxis are normally metered, but some taxis refuse to use the meters. Therefore, always insist on using the meter or agree on a fare before commencing your journey.

Visas in Cairo

Visa exemption is given to citizens of several countries, such as Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Other nationals not listed in the visa exemption agreement must obtain a visa. Visa on arrival is available for several countries, including Japan and Australia. Egypt also provides an electronic visa for citizens of 46 countries.

Weather in Cairo

Cairo experiences a hot desert climate. Summer (May to October) is typically very hot with an average temperature of around 35°C. This temperature can sometimes exceed 40°C and comes with high humidity. Winter (November to April) brings pleasant and colder temperatures.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). 1 USD converts to 15.7 EGP.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found easily around the city. Credit cards are mostly accepted in the midrange and high-end businesses. Tipping is generally expected.
3. Local Language: The official language is Classical Arabic, but the most widely spoken is Egyptian Arabic. English is also widely spoken in the city.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Islam is the state religion and it is the biggest religion in Cairo. However, there are also small groups of Jews and Christian in the city.
5. Public Holidays: Several religious and national holidays are celebrated in Cairo, including Eid, Coptic Christmas Day, and Revolution Day.