The Stanley Rubenti Medical Tourism Blog

How Much Should a Rotary Cuff Repair Operation Cost?

What Is Shoulder Tendon Repair (Rotator Cuff Surgery)?

Shoulder tendon repair surgery (also known as rotator cuff Surgery or shoulder surgery) is required for the repair of tears or inflammatory conditions of the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder. The surgery is most often employed when the patient’s shoulder has not responded favorably to more conservative measures (like medication). Comprised of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor) and their tendons, the rotary cuff is responsible for raising and rotating the arm.

Rotator cuff injuries are common in people who…
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How Much Should a Rotary Cuff Repair Operation Cost?

What Is Shoulder Tendon Repair (Rotator Cuff Surgery)?

bangkok phuket thailand medical tourism cosmetic surgery-9.jpg

Shoulder tendon repair surgery (also known as rotator cuff Surgery or shoulder surgery) is required for the repair of tears or inflammatory conditions of the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder. The surgery is most often employed when the patient’s shoulder has not responded favorably to more conservative measures (like medication). Comprised of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor) and their tendons, the rotary cuff is responsible for raising and rotating the arm.

Rotator cuff injuries are common in people who repetitively and forcibly lift their hands overhead. Athletes who engage in baseball, tennis, cricket, weight lifting, and rowing are unusually susceptible; especially when they are 40+ years old. However, younger people may sustain shoulder tendon complications following acute trauma or injury.

A torn shoulder tendon is usually characterized by pain, restriction of movements, atrophy of muscles near the shoulder, and crepitation (crackling sounds) while moving the shoulder in certain planes. Doctors usually diagnose the condition using clinical and imaging tests such as X-Rays, USG, and MRI scans. Depending upon the nature of the injury, the operation can either be an arthroscopic repair or an open surgical repair.

The general principle around shoulder tendon repair is to re-establish the anatomic continuity of the tendon system, relieve pain, restore full range of movement and improve the strength of the shoulder (although this may not be achieved to the extent of the pre-surgery state). Ordinarily, general anesthesia is given, though nerve blocks may also be used.

In the arthroscopic approach, a buttonhole incision is made near the shoulder through which an arthroscope (a pencil shaped instrument) is introduced allowing the surgeon to see the inner-workings of the joint on a monitor. Through 1-3 more incisions, other special instruments are inserted to remove the dead parts of the torn tendon, the damaged bursa, and other tissue debris (debridement). In addition, the surgeon will use these openings to shave off any bony spurs that might impinge on the repaired tendon system and damage it (subachromial smoothening) and repair the damaged tendon at its thickest and healthiest portions using absorbable sutures. Sometimes metal rivets may be used to secure the sutures. They also do not need to be taken out after surgical repair.

In cases where the arthroscopic approach is not advisable (e.g. large tears) or has failed to provide adequate success, the physician might opt for open surgery. The surgeon gains access through a much larger incision. Due to the more invasive nature of open surgery, patients typically require longer rehabilitation and recovery periods. The actual procedure itself typically takes 1-3 hours.

After surgery, the patient undergoes monitoring, during which he or she might receive antibiotics to prevent infection and ice packs to regulate swelling. Incisions from arthroscopic rotator cuff repair heal within a few days, while incisions open surgery tends to last considerably longer, with stitches staying in for 10-12 days.

The patient is generally unable to drive or do light lifting for 1-3 months following surgery. Heavy manual work and sports might be delayed for 8-12 months depending on the patient.

Patients typically undergo physiotherapy and periodic orthopedic check-ups during the lengthy rehabilitation process. Following a successful operation, pain diminishes and full range returns. However, patients shouldn’t necessarily expect to achieve the same strength and stability that they had prior to the condition. Stiffness and weakness are not uncommon.

Complications from shoulder surgery are usually minimal. They may include common anesthetic adverse effects, hemorrhaging, infection (mostly superficial infections, though deep infections may set in weeks after the procedure), recurrent tears, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, pain, and stiffness of the joint. However, the risks of not undergoing rotator cuff repair surgery include rotator cuff tear arthropathy—a condition characterized by progressive loss of function, severe arthritis, pain, and permanent loss of flexibility.

To compare the cost of rotary cuff repair, consult our medical tourism pricing guide.

Thailand Caps Excessive Healthcare Costs

Medical Tourism Opens Doors for Plastic Surgery in Dentistry

Medical tourism is a growing phenomenon among middle- to upper-class patients in the West. It’s especially popular with patients seeking plastic or cosmetic surgery. Usually, insurance companies don’t cover the costs of elective procedures like breast augmentation or dental caps, so one might as well find the best price possible if he or she must pay entirely out of pocket. Due to lower labor costs and more reasonable malpractice insurance, medical and dental tourism often provides the best prices. 10%, 50%, and even 80% discounts are not uncommon. Top these savings with vacations in tropical places like Thailand, Singapore, or the Philippines, and medical tourism seems to kick the doors of opportunity off their hinges.

Thailand Lowers the High Cost of Dental Caps

Thailand and other medical tourism destinations have grown from vacation hotspots to havens for low-cost, high-quality plastic surgery. For procedures like dental caps, US insurers don’t always cover the full costs, considering it elective. While the procedure is considered cosmetic, it has medical significance as well. Dental caps strengthen weakened, chipped, or broken teeth, thus, improving a person’s dental health. Even still, expect to pay top dollar if you have your work done in the West. By going to Thailand, however, you can walk away with a healthier, happier smile for a fraction of the cost. And the “Land of Smiles” gives you plenty of ways to spend your extra savings. White sand beaches, delicious food, Thai kick-boxing, unbelievable shopping, and a raving party scene are just a few of the perks that make Thailand the crown jewel of the medical tourism industry.

Dental Patients Seek Consumer Refuge in Thailand

In 2007, over 45,000 UK patients looked to medical tourism for dental treatment, with some medical tourism destination countries claiming that 95% of their patients came from the UK. Similarly, with almost a 50% increase in dental costs since 2002, Australians are feeling the pinch as well. They flock to Thailand, not only because of the cost, but also because of the beside manners and service. Known for service with a smile, Thailand goes out its way to ensure that patients from the States, Australia, and the UK keep coming back for repeat visits. Wait times are negligible, prices are affordable, and the quality is unparalleled.

Filipino Bridges Lead to Smiles

Medical Vacations Bridge Gap Between Affordability and Healthcare

As Americans face the humbling combination of rising fuel prices, higher healthcare costs, and declining dollar values, finding was to save money has become a necessity. Affordable healthcare in the United States has become an oxymoron. With more than 47 million Americans uninsured and even more who are underinsured, the gap between affordability and healthcare is widening into a chasm. As patients search for solutions to their medical needs, the idea of a vacation seems distant and hopeless.

Fortunately, dental tourism is giving patients the opportunity to experience healthcare they can afford while taking an often overdue vacation. Medical tourism countries like the Philippines have opened their hospital doors to the US and other countries experiencing phenomenally high costs, even for relatively minor procedures like dental bridges.

Combining Dental Tourism With Vacations Becoming More Common

Ever been to the Philippines to walk among its rich culture and history? Can you picture yourself basking on the white beaches of Boracay? What about taking part in Manila’s nightlife? Now imagine doing all of this while still being able to pay for the cost of a filling or dental bridge? If you can, you’re imaging the benefits of a dental tourism vacation. Dental tourism offers luxurious accommodations, chauffeured transportation, and almost chivalrous bedside manners from qualified doctors who often receive their training in Europe or the States.

Leave the Philippines with a Smile

The Philippines was a hotspot even before the rapid rise of medical tourism and health vacations. Beautiful sights, wonderful people, and the relaxation of being “away from it all” certainly have tremendous allure. And that you can walk away with a more beautiful (affordable) smile only adds icing to the cake. If you have other procedures that have been on your list for awhile, you might consider stocking up all at once. Ticket prices aren’t coming down, so you might as well make the most of your medical tourism visit. New thighs? Better heart? Fuller lips? The Philippines can do it all. Just make sure you conduct plenty of research before hoping on the plane or signing any agreements.

India Has Americans Turning the Other Cheek

The Beholders Are In India

Move over New York, Los Angeles, and Rio. Those looking for lower plastic surgery prices are beginning to fly to India, Thailand, and Singapore in unprecedented numbers. For the beauty. For the bargains. For the relaxation. Although there aren’t any medical procedures that slow or reverse the aging process, technological advancements in plastic surgery give patients a second chance at youthful appearances and “natural” beauty. It’s not just about getting a makeover; it’s about being redone. Walk away with a new face, behind, smile, chest, or entire body.

Plastic Surgery Prices Aren’t Nearly as Pretty as the Products

There’s something to be said about a youthful appearance. A firm shape will turn heads and a tight, perky face will keep attention where you want it: on you. For better or worse, we live in a culture where external beauty is rewarded, respected, and revered. Those who have it receive special treatment. Those who don’t have it now have the option to buy it. The cost of keeping youthful appearances beyond our years, however, leaves much to be desired, even for procedures like cheek implants. In the United States, the cost of cheek implants can be as much as $5,000; whereas India’s pricing is closer to $2,200. Medical tourism offers unprecedented freedom. You don’t need to have an A-list Hollywood salary to look like an A-list Hollywood celebrity.

Bargains Abroad Offer Low-Cost Solutions for Plastic Surgery Prices

With rising fuel prices, traveling internationally doesn’t seem like a great way to save money; yet, with discounts of 10-50% or more for medical procedures from dental caps to cheek implants to hip replacement, the savings more than make up for the difference. Besides, you can find medical tourism packages that include the airfare, travel, and lodging in the low cost of the procedure itself. Just be sure to research whatever facilities, doctors, hospitals, and tour operators you sign up with. Ask the right types of questions and make sure you have all of the information you need. There are many great medical tourism facilities around the world, but there is no shortage of scam artists and “questionable” doctors as well.

Sometimes Medical Tourism Savings Aren’t Enough

Medical Tourism Not a Panacea

Medical tourism to countries like Singapore, Thailand, Hungary, Turkey, or the Philippines offer intense savings to US patients seeking affordable health care. These countries easily attract patients who desire lower costs for elective surgeries like breast or buttocks augmentation, thigh lifts or reductions, tummy tucks, and the like. The discounts and savings and amazing, but medical tourism can’t necessarily fix all of the shortcomings of health care in the United States. For one thing, insurance companies have not entirely jumped on the bandwagon, especially for elective surgery costs. While the procedure may be less expensive, you’re paying the entire cost out of pocket; although that isn’t an issue if you’re uninsured anyway.

Have You Added Malpractice into the Cost of Buttocks Augmentation?
The true price of a procedure might extend well past the official surgery. There can be residual effects, especially with a medical mishap. Make no mistake, medical tourism is not a black market operation. Accredited institutions like Singapore’s Parkway Hospital or Singapore General Hospital are required to ensure proper training and adherence to industry standards. Still, things happen. Mistakes happen. Accidents happen. And, no matter what laws support and defend your rights as a patient, you’ll have to live with whatever it was that went awry. For a procedure like buttocks augmentation, complications are relatively minute, but every surgical procedure has the potential for problems.

Is Medical Tourism Really For You?

Sexy may have a greater cost than patients are willing to pay when it comes to elective surgery. Malpractice is among the more extreme situations and one of the least likely; but there are other dangers to medical tourism. Accreditation and patient rights regulations offer little protection from pickpockets, assailants, and hostility outside the hospital walls. No matter how minor the procedure, it’s best not to travel alone. Furthermore, your normal support network will be thousands of miles away. Can you stomach the local food? Do your doctors speak your language? As with anything else, there are pros and cons to medical tourism. Weigh everything carefully before signing any paperwork. Ask the right types of questions. And don’t rush into anything until you have all the information that you need.