The many advantages of surgery in Thailand

Press Release

Before the Covid pandemic dramatically changed travel and tourism globally, medical tourism was putting Thailand on the map for those in pursuit of affordable healthcare and wellness treatments. According to TICA – the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association – the Land of Smiles was attracting around a million foreigners a year for medical purposes alone up until the end of 2019. As tourist arrivals begin to climb again, Thailand’s hospitals are once more drawing visitors back, particularly for surgery.

Why Thailand?

The nation has become known for offering a range of procedures and surgeries performed by doctors who have received their training abroad and at some of the world’s most recognized medical institutions. Doctors in Thailand generally speak English well, and most major hospitals have staff proficient in a range of major languages. World-class facilities throughout the country boast the latest technology. In addition, state-of-the-art medical procedures are offered alongside high-quality patient care – a true reflection of the hospitality for which Thailand is renowned.

It’s estimated that Thailand captures 90% of Asia’s medical tourism market, and a big part of that is also due to the great value for money. Some procedures cost a fraction of the price it would entail for similar medical treatments and surgeries in the US, Europe or Australia.

Many travellers seek out larger, well-established hospital groups that local residents and Expatriates equally trust. The award-winning Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital is part of the Thonburi Healthcare Group PLC that includes 10 hospitals across Thailand, 40 years of service, 963 registered beds and a capacity to serve 5,800 outpatients. That also means no long queues for surgery that many foreigners face in their home country. The Surgery Center at Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital combines diagnostic and treatment services with high technology. Its team of doctors are certified in a range of specialties. The impressive scope of services includes Colorectal, Vascular, Breast, Laparoscopic, Liver, Pancreas, Biliary Tract, Plastic and General surgeries. The surgeries offered here maintain high accuracy and success rates thanks also to an O-ARM operation room, Computer Navigator Technology and the latest MRI / CT Scan equipment.

The Director of Thonburi Bamrungmuang’s Surgery Center is Dr Arun Kritsanasakul. He is a leading surgeon who has certification in the globally recognized minimally invasive Da Vinci robotic surgery technology. His credentials include certification from Japan’s National Cancer Center Hospital East, numerous other certifications in minimally invasive surgery and international certification in Laparoscopic General Surgery. He also sits on the Board of Colorectal Surgery, Rajavithi hospital, Thailand. Dr Arun is supported by a fleet of some of Thailand’s most skilled surgeons.

For those in need of surgery, the centre is well equipped to cover a wide spectrum of procedures, including:

• Minimally invasive surgery by laparoscopic and robotic technology
• Laparoscopic procedure: cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia
• Advanced laparoscopic procedure: Colorectal cancer, Gastric cancer, Liver and biliary system cancer, Bariatric surgery (Weight loss), Intestinal surgery, Urologic related disease, Thyroid disease
• Robotic Technology: Colorectal cancer, Prostate cancer

The centre’s multidisciplinary team includes experienced oncologists, radiologists and advanced minimally invasive surgery experts who also specialize in GI cancer treatment and breast cancer – including an oncoplastic team for reconstruction.

Haemorrhoid treatment with Laser

Haemorrhoid treatment with Laser is also a key focus of the centre. According to differing survey methods, haemorrhoids affect over half the world’s population at some stage in their lifetime. For many people, this results in prolonged suffering, including constant pain and bleeding.

Internal or external haemorrhoids can be treated and reduced through lifestyle guidance from medical professionals, drug therapy or simple procedures in the doctor’s office. But more severe haemorrhoids often require surgery. The traditional method of surgery is known as “Hemorrhoidectomy”, which effectively cuts the affected haemorrhoid out of the body. Still, for many people, this results in severe postoperative pain for several days.

Alternatively, the Laser technology offered at the centre is far less painful, and most patients are back at work or their daily activity within two days of the procedure. The other advantage of this surgery is it can be done within the day without the need for hospital admittance.

Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

Another major focus of the centre is Colorectal cancer, or CRC, which is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death world-wide. It is also the most common GI cancer. Most patients seeking treatment are over 65 years of age, but there has been an increased incidence in younger people.

How to prevent CRC?

The causes of CRC are a mix of genetic and environmental factors. The only effective method to prevent CRC is a colonoscopy which will get rid of premalignant polyps before they become cancer. Nowadays, the US preventive services task force recommends screening for CRC for 45 years, even in an average-risk person.

If cancer is found?

CRC will require surgery to remove the cancer-involved colonic segment and ensure the lymphatic system does not have metastatic cancer cells. The days of traditional open surgery are now in the past. Patients here are treated with the latest laparoscopic and robotic technology, which ensures reduced blood loss, more minor wounds, less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery time. Beyond surgery, you are in good hands with the center’s experienced oncologists who can ensure the appropriate chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, if required, with a high success rate.

Recover in the land of smiles

What makes Thailand even more attractive for surgery is the destination itself. When it comes time to recover, why not do so in a welcoming tropical escape that offers a diverse range of relaxing holiday options for all tastes and all budgets?