For a patient who travels in for surgery, follow up continues after returning home. What you should take with you is the discharge summary, the operation note, any pathology result, details of any mesh or implant used and an up to date medication list; having these translated into English or your own language helps. Routine blood tests and imaging can be done in your own country and the results sent on for assessment. Remote follow up does not, however, replace examination: with fever, increasing pain or discharge from the wound you should attend the nearest healthcare facility where you are.
The most overlooked aspect of having surgery in another country is what comes after it. The operation takes a few hours; follow up takes months, and for some operations a lifetime. This article explains how that period is managed.
What to Take With You?
- Discharge summary. Which operation was performed, when and how.
- Operation note. The technical detail; the most valuable document if another surgeon assesses you later.
- Pathology result, if tissue was examined.
- Details of materials used. The make, model and size of any hernia mesh, stent or other implant fitted.
- An up to date medication list and the duration of any anticoagulant treatment.
- The follow up schedule. Which tests in which months.
Having these translated into English or your own language makes communication with your doctor at home easier. Keep a digital copy on your phone.
How Routine Follow Up Works?
- Blood tests and routine imaging can be done in your own city and the results sent on for assessment.
- Wound checks and dressings can be done at a local healthcare facility.
- Suture removal, where needed, can also be done locally; the timing is given to you at discharge.
- Questions can be handled by telephone and WhatsApp.
In bariatric surgery follow up continues for life and runs at months 1, 3, 6 and 12 in the first year; this schedule is set out in detail in the article on the first year after surgery. Not neglecting vitamin and mineral monitoring matters particularly in this group.
Connect With a Local Doctor
This step is frequently skipped and is among the most valuable. After returning it is advisable to establish contact with a doctor where you live and show them your documents. That way you do not have to explain everything from the beginning if a problem arises.
Sharing the operation note and discharge summary in advance speeds up assessment in an emergency and avoids unnecessary tests.
The Limit of Remote Follow Up
It has to be said plainly: remote follow up does not replace examination. Photographs and description give an idea in some situations, but examination of the abdomen, palpation of the wound and seeing the patient's general condition cannot be done on a screen.
In the following situations attend the nearest healthcare facility where you are rather than exchanging messages:
- Fever.
- Increasing or newly developed abdominal pain.
- Redness, swelling, warmth or discharge at the wound.
- Vomiting, cessation of wind and stool, abdominal distension.
- Painful swelling in one leg, or breathlessness.
- Fainting, palpitations or low blood pressure.
In these situations the first step is the nearest facility; reaching the operating team is the second, and the two are not alternatives to one another.
Keep the Information Flowing
Sending the results of tests and imaging done in your own country keeps follow up meaningful. Sending results with their numerical values and reference ranges is far more reliable than a screenshot or a verbal account.
Keeping tracked values such as weight, blood pressure and blood glucose in a simple table makes the trend easier to see over long term follow up.
To Be Discussed Before You Travel
How follow up will run after you return is something to settle before you travel. Which tests, in which months, communicating with whom: these are part of the travel plan. Preparation and documents are covered in the article on remote assessment, and the timing of the return flight in the article on flying after surgery.
Follow Up Does Not End With Surgery
Over the course of his career Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci has performed more than 3000 sleeve gastrectomy and bariatric surgery cases and has practised in Mersin since 2010.
The point patients raise most often is that follow up continues uninterrupted by telephone. It should nonetheless be said honestly that remote follow up has a limit, and knowing where that limit lies is decisive for the safety of a patient operated on in another country.
This article sets out what can be managed remotely after you return and what requires a face to face assessment.
Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci has practised in Mersin since 2010 and currently works at VM Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Consultations and operations in Follow Up After Returning are carried out at this hospital. Patients travelling from Mersin and neighbouring provinces can book via WhatsApp.
Book on WhatsAppWhich documents should I take at discharge?
The discharge summary, the operation note, any pathology result, the make and model of any mesh or implant fitted, an up to date medication list and the follow up schedule. Having these translated into English or your own language makes communication with your doctor at home easier.
Can I have my tests done in my own country?
Yes. Routine blood tests and imaging can be done where you live and the results sent on for assessment. Sending results with their numerical values and reference ranges is more reliable than a screenshot.
Where are my sutures removed?
Where suture removal is needed it can be done at a healthcare facility where you live. The timing is given to you at discharge. Wound checks and dressings can also be managed locally.
What should I do if a problem arises after I return?
With fever, increasing abdominal pain, redness or discharge at the wound, vomiting, cessation of wind and stool, painful swelling in one leg or breathlessness, the first step is the nearest healthcare facility where you are. Reaching the operating team is the second step; the two are not alternatives.
Is remote follow up enough?
Routine questions, review of test results and monitoring of progress can be handled remotely. But remote follow up does not replace examination; examination of the abdomen and palpation of the wound cannot be done on a screen. Newly developed symptoms require a face to face assessment.
How long does follow up last after bariatric surgery?
Follow up continues for life after bariatric surgery. Blood tests are advised at months 1, 3, 6 and 12 in the first year and annually thereafter. Regular use of vitamin and mineral supplements and not neglecting this follow up directly affect the outcome.
Step by step from the first consultation to discharge: tests, anaesthetic review, preparing for admission, the day of surgery and the follow up schedule.
Answers to the most common questions about appointments, the hospital, treatment scope and surgical experience are in the FAQ section on the home page.
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For General Surgery and related symptoms you can book an appointment at VM Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Mezitli / Mersin, Turkey, weekdays 09:00-17:00.
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