FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.     Why would I choose to use a company such as PR Surgery to organise my surgery?

A.     Using a company like PR surgery makes the whole process a little easier for you, the customer. Most people feel more comfortable dealing with someone here in the United Kingdom, likeminded people that have maybe been through surgery abroad themselves, we do this every day and have already got in place everything you need for your surgery requirements; from the information fact sheets, to being able to communicate with the surgeons on your behalf.  Let us do the hard work for you - after all you have not taken this decision lightly. 

PR Surgery audit the hospitals, clinics, surgeons & staff, in order to ensure that you will undergo surgery within an establishment with high standards and with a reputable surgeon. All surgery, regardless of where you have it, in the UK or abroad, carries some form of risk. By completing these audits and ensuring certain procedures are in place, means that these risks are reduced significantly. Your safety is our main concern. Hospitals that we use have low mortality and infection rates – significantly lower than in the UK.

Not only do we assist with your complete surgical experience, we are also here for you afterwards should you have any questions or concerns; we also have a comprehensive aftercare system available to you throughout the UK.

In most countries surgeons prefer to deal with a facilitator, as opposed to dealing with the customer in the beginning, which is another reason for using a company such as ours. But please be assured that they will speak direct with you if and when needed.

Q.    Do you sort everything out for me to do with the whole trip for surgery?

A.    Yes, we can indeed arrange everything for you from booking your surgery and hotel to your travel.  However, in regards to the travel, our patients have often found it better to arrange their own flights etc. as they can get much better prices than we can. All hotels we use have been visited and often stayed in by one of our team and are all located near to the clinics and hospitals in order to be more convenient.

Q.    Can I have other operations performed at the same time in one trip?

A.     It is often possible to have more than one procedure done at the same time or in the same journey to your chosen destination, this of course should be discussed with your surgeon, who will advise the best possible procedures for you. However, if you are having a large procedure, such as a tummy tuck, facelift etc, it is highly unlikely that the surgeon would be happy for you to have more than the one procedure due to the increased risks involved. But other procedures could be possible such as non invasive procedures.

Q.    Can I speak with my surgeon before I make the final decision to go ahead with surgery?

A.    Absolutely, we encourage you to speak with the surgeon should you have any queries.  This can be simply done by telephone, email or video conferencing.  Make sure when you do speak with them you have any questions written down and of course it would be handy to have your medical history form with you at this time.

Q.     What about travelling after surgery, I have heard it can cause problems?

A. Surgery, travelling long distances and especially flights increase the risk of developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis on their own, but combined means there is obviously an increased risk. Travelling too soon after surgery can present a health risk. This is why it is important to take the advice of your surgical team seriously. It is always recommended that you remain in the country and near to the hospital for post operative follow up for a number of days following surgery; the number of days recommended varies according to the type of surgery you are having. Learn how long you may need to stay in the country of your choice before travelling in order to avoid health hazards and risks associated with your procedure. Please make sure you understand all this prior to booking your procedure.

Advice extends to ensuring you look after your health prior to and following surgery; please be prepared to follow the advice and guidance of the surgeon post surgery. The most important advice is not smoking, good diet, resting with no exertion for the first few weeks, wearing compression garments if advised, taking your medications as prescribed. Failure to follow advice may result in health problems or unsatisfactory results which could be serious. It is extremely important that you follow all of this advice in order to minimise risks of the travel as well as of having surgery.

Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE) is commonly referred to as “economy class syndrome” because the condition has been associated with cramped airline seating. (DVT occurs when blood clots develop within veins; PE occurs when blood clots within veins break off and are trapped in the lungs.) The precise cause of the condition is unknown, because there are numerous risk factors. The most common risk factors include: prolonged immobilization or bed rest, obesity, oral contraceptives, varicose veins, an underlying malignancy and surgery.

Airline travel also increases the risk of DVT/PE due to factors such as limited leg room and long periods of inactivity, dehydration from low humidity in the cabin, and the effects of high altitude which can decrease oxygen absorption into the blood.

There are some recommendations for patients travelling post operatively in order to reduce the risk and enable you to travel safely; do the following if flying especially, but for other forms of transport too:

• If possible, avoid any air travel the first few days after major surgery.
• Avoid carrying heavy luggage for several weeks after surgery.
• Drink plenty of water. It is recommended that 8 ounces of water be consumed for each hour of airplane travel.
• Avoid dehydrating agents such as caffeine and alcohol
• Perform in-seat exercises. Get up and walk around the cabin as frequently as possible.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid surgical compression binders.
• Inform your physician and surgeon of any planned extended airline travel. In some cases, physicians may recommend additional measures to further reduce risks.

Taking proper precautions with airline travel before and after surgery can help to ensure your safety.
 
Please do not drive home after leaving a hospital; pain and anaesthesia effects, etc, will make it difficult to do s, but you may find that you will not be insured to drive as insurance is made null and void as you have had surgery.

Q.     I will have to travel and have my operation on my own, is this going to be a problem?

A.     No, this should not be a problem at all, in fact many people travel alone for surgery. A buddy service can be made available at a minimal charge if you wish to avail yourself of this service.  For instance we offer, subject to availability, the buddy system for those travelling to Bruges for weight loss surgery and this can be extended to other destinations should you wish.

Q.     What does PR surgery have in place to ensure confidentiality?

A.     This is a very good question and you are only right to be a little worried about your details getting into the wrong hands.  Please be assured that any information given to us is treated in the strictest of confidence and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 www.legislation.org.uk PR surgery never share your personal details with anyone except the health care professionals involved in your care.

Q.     This sounds too good to be true compared to the cost in the U.K, where’s the catch?

A.      There is no catch........... As you know healthcare is one area where quality is more important than cost. So how do our hospitals provide high quality at such low rates? Fees in the U.K are driven by overheads, administrative expenses, etc. Over 71 percent of hospital costs are labour related according to a recent World Health Organization report which helps to explain some of the cost advantages for countries with low labour costs. PR Surgery eliminates these burdens by connecting patients directly to surgeons, allowing us to offer premier services at prices unavailable in the U.K. Wages and equipment costs are less, but it’s still the same equipment and the same qualifications that you get in the U.K.

Q.     How do I pay for the surgery?

A.     It is quite simple really; the best way to pay is by bank transfer; however, we also accept cheques. Different countries operate in different ways. All will be explained to you when you book your surgery.

Q.    Do you offer financial help/loans with paying for surgery?

A.    At the moment we don’t offer a loan facility. However, we are ever proactive in sourcing facilities for our customers and if we can find them we will let you know.

Q.    What about aftercare for my operation?

A.    We at PR Surgery Ltd believe that as a patient, your experience does not just stop when you come home. It is essential to your recovery to have aftercare after having any major procedure.  We have an excellent aftercare network set up throughout the UK and Ireland.  You can of course, if you chose to, source your own aftercare provider.

Q.    How soon can I go for my operation?

A.    After completing the medical history form, and of course your surgeon agreeing that you are a good candidate for the procedure, your operation can be arranged in a matter of weeks.  This largely depends on the surgeon’s diary and when they can fit you in to their schedule.

Q.    Should my GP know what I am doing?

A.    Of course it is always advisable to let your GP know if you are contemplating surgery of any kind, home or abroad, they may be able to advise you and may even support your decision and help with aftercare when you come home.  However, this is entirely your choice whether you inform them or not.