What happens if complications arise after returning home?
All surgeries carry risk, whether completed in or out-of-country. Beyond receiving the necessary follow-up care, what’s most important is that patients understand the process and know what to expect – in the unlikely event of complications.
ONZi patients go through a series of important medical checkpoints, before, during and after surgery.
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Before the journey begins, patients are provided a list of pre-travel tests to arrange via their primary care practitioner.
These pre-travel tests are a check for any underlying conditions the patient might not be aware of, which then may require further investigation, or see a surgery postponed or cancelled for the safety of the patient.
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Pre-operative testing is completed on the day of hospital admission.
This testing includes, but is not limited to, blood tests and medical imaging, as required.
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In the days before surgery, the patient will have a scheduled pre-operative, in-person visit with their ONZi surgeon.
At this time, there is an opportunity to view and ask questions about all hardware/implants, along with questions related to surgery and recovery.
A pre-operative meeting with the anesthesiologist is also organized, allowing for a review of the medical questionnaire and test results, while ensuring the correct pain management plan is in place.
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Any complications that arise during surgery are attended to whilst in the operating theatre. The surgery is not finished until it’s been completed.
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Patients are monitored during their hospital recovery by their nurses, physiotherapists, ward physicians, and surgeons.
Overseas patients are often kept longer than local patients, with extra observation in mind, until they are fit to be discharged.
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After hospital discharge, patients begin their rehabilitation with physiotherapists and sports doctors, learning to move confidently again and to prepare for a normal life at home.
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Following the rehabilitation period, patients have a final check-up with their surgeon. This is an opportunity for physical assessment and a review of one’s spinal images, before being cleared for departure home.
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Within the first week of arriving home, patients are encouraged to visit their primary care practitioner for a general check-up/bloodwork and to update and share any reports on their overseas treatment.
ONZi requests follow-up X-rays at 3 months post-op, to monitor the placement and function of any implant(s)/bony union in a fusion scenario, and allow for proper advisement on the return to full activities, again.
Note: There may be variations in the above steps depending upon each patient’s unique requirements.
As the ONZi surgeons perform hundreds of spine surgeries each year, there will inevitably be a small number of patients who need extra medical attention, or a revision, and we prepare for this.
Patients must know there is a Complication Management Protocol in place to ensure everyone receives the care they need.
Complication Management Protocol
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Your Liaison is the first point of contact with any concerns, or if new symptoms arise. Your Liaison, a former ONZi patient, can provide reassurance on expected recovery symptoms, but will further consult your ONZi surgeon.
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Your surgeon may request specific testing or imaging, which will require the involvement of your primary care practitioner.
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Images and data will be reviewed, and the surgeon will confirm whether further diagnostics are required, such as guided injections to show if a certain area is the relevant ‘pain generator’.
Please note that due to the ONZi surgeons’ schedules and caseloads, this may take up to one week, or longer, for non-priority situations.
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Your Liaison will work together with you and your surgeon, in the preparation of a treatment plan, ideally with conservative therapies, although sometimes revision surgery is medically required.
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The patient has multiple points of contact for ongoing communication, guidance, and review.