Looking for expert suggestion for Spine Surgeon

[Monir087]

Hi

Everyone! how are you all? it's me after such a long time. forum name changed. World is also changed.  Hope we all are safe and healthy now.

I am looking for genuine recommendation for Spine Surgeon in Thailand.  My Father's Age is 65+.  He is suffering back pain last 15-18 years.  

We will come from Bangladesh.  we are vaccinated by Oxford Astrazenneca and Moderna Booster dose.

We want to come in April, 2022.

 

Please advice me.

[scubascuba3]

Wouldn't spine surgery be cheaper in Bangladesh? what back problem has he got?

[lopburi3]

2 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Wouldn't spine surgery be cheaper in Bangladesh? what back problem has he got?

Having lived in Dacca when country became Bangladesh suspect medical facilities are still limited.  At that time I had to medevac to Thailand for a cyst and tooth removal.  But back issues is a valid question as surgery may not be a good option.  Has he been told surgery is an answer?

[Dirk Z]

Beware: they are very eager to operate here whereas surgery is often not a solution. Take this from a retired spine surgeon. 

[kingstonkid]

I have had 2 spinal surgery Laminectomies at BNH both were successful.

  Warning though it is not a cheap hospital.

 

Dr Eakpatipan Eamskoolnont, M.D.

[kingstonkid]

35 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Having lived in Dacca when country became Bangladesh suspect medical facilities are still limited.  At that time I had to medevac to Thailand for a cyst and tooth removal.  But back issues is a valid question as surgery may not be a good option.  Has he been told surgery is an answer?

Hey I came from Canada because I could not get the assistance I needed.

 

I agree that there are times that surgery is not the answer BUT then again there is a point where being drugged with no QOL sucks.

 

My advice is see the specialists here.  Get their opinion ask about surgery and options.

I know that Dr recommended surgery for my neck and eventually I will need it if I live that long but physio and exercise that he suggested have made a difference.

[ifmu]

1 hour ago, Dirk Z said:

Beware: they are very eager to operate here whereas surgery is often not a solution. Take this from a retired spine surgeon. 

a side note here ... in usa it looks like about 50 percent of back surgeries are successful  is that correct            source   none      interest me 

[paul545]

I had spinal surgery done at St Louis Hospital in Bangkok but only after having extensive tests and an MRI to confirm I had stenosis of the spine. Also they gave me full report so I could get a second opinion from my Dr in the UK. The week I returned to Thailand I had the surgery done. I was back on my feet within a day and discharged from the hospital after 5 days to continue my recovery under their guidance and assistance after fitting me with a back brace. Not all hospitals are just looking for a quick buck. It’s always pays to have an investigation of the problem and a second opinion before electing for surgery. I have used St Louis for my medical needs for over 20 years and never had a problem with them. 

[Sheryl]

The top spine doctors here are not at all over-quick to operate and I have often know them to recommend against surgery despite the patient wanting it - it depends entirely on the findings of the the individual case. They will nto recommend surgery unless they think it will yield good results (referring only to the top specialists - certainly there will be others who may not be as circumspect).

 

If scans indicate nerve compression it would often be recommended to first have an epidural injection (anesthetic plus steroid) before considering surgery - this serves a dual purpose as it helps confirm the diagnosis (problems seen on MRI are sometimes incidental and pain may not necessarily be from it) as well as gives pain relief. In some people - maybe a third - a single injection is all it takes, in others it gives relief for as much as 6 months in which case 1-2x yearly can be considered as an alternative to surgery (especially of the patient is not a good surgical risk). In other cases the relief is much shorter in duration. If the injection brings no relief, even short term, then further investigations are needed as the source of the pain may be elsewhere than thought.

 

In terms of doctors  I suggest:

 

1 - https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/doctor/dr-tayard-buranakarl

I myself had surgery with Dr. Tayard and his excellent team just 2 months ago, with excellent results.  You can get an idea of prices here but of course will first need to know what (if any) surgery is advised https://bangkokinternationalhospital.com/packages-promotions/spine-surgery-packages

 

2 - https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/

His colleague Dr. Eakpatipan Eamskoolnont is also an alternative but if going here I think may as well see the top man. Dr. Wicharn operated on my sister, twice (once in cervical spine and once lumbar), with excellent results, and I have referred many people to hom over the years with excellent feedback. . I also consulted him for second opinion before proceeding with Dr. Tayard above for my recent surgery.

 

This hospital is likely to cost more than #1 above

 

 

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, ifmu said:

a side note here ... in usa it looks like about 50 percent of back surgeries are successful  is that correct            source   none      interest me 

There are many different types of back problems and different surgical approaches so a blanket statement like this is meaningless.

 

In addition, patient selection is critical - it is not just the skill intraoperatively but the skill to determine what is causing the pain and what is likely to relieve it, that counts. A surgeon's success rate will naturally be much higher if he is highly selective on whom he operates on.

 

There have been a lot of advancements in spinal surgery and minimally invasive techniques to relieve nerve root compression (where that is the source of the pain) are now  widely used in favor of vertebral fusions. Success rates over 90% have been reported. But this is only for patients with relevant conditions.

 

The OP's father has been having pain apparently for almost 20 years so no telling what the issue is and whether surgery would be indicated. Seeing a spinal surgeon does not commit one to having surgery and it will nto always be recommended. In addition to the epidural injections mentioned above, physical therapy may be helpful.

[Muhendis]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

There are many different types of back problems and different surgical approaches so a blanket statement like this is meaningless.

 

In addition, patient selection is critical - it is not just the skill intraoperatively but the skill to determine what is causing the pain and what is likely to relieve it, that counts. A surgeon's success rate will naturally be much higher if he is highly selective on whom he operates on.

 

There have been a lot of advancements in spinal surgery and minimally invasive techniques to relieve nerve root compression (where that is the source of the pain) are now  widely used in favor of vertebral fusions. Success rates over 90% have been reported. But this is only for patients with relevant conditions.

 

The OP's father has been having pain apparently for almost 20 years so no telling what the issue is and whether surgery would be indicated. Seeing a spinal surgeon does not commit one to having surgery and it will nto always be recommended. In addition to the epidural injections mentioned above, physical therapy may be helpful.

Absolutely right.

From personal experience of sciatica a few years ago, I had an examination and surgery was recommended which I refused. It was not a particularly expensive procedure but the surgeon thought that removal of bone spurs would be a good fix.

A few painful months later It was ploughing time on the farm and the action of driving a tractor across ploughed fields was all the exercise my back needed for a complete fix. For those who don't know about tractor driving, it's like sitting on a bucking bronko machine for a few hours. In my opinion, exercise should always be considered as the first option but it's best to get expert advise on which is the best exercise that won't make matters worse.

I figured the reason why surgeons often think of surgery as the best option is because surgery is what they have been trained to do.

[orientfan]

Dr Arthit, BNH Hospital. He's brilliant very caring. Highly recommended for spinal/back problems.

[portlandtree]

On 2/15/2022 at 6:14 AM, scubascuba3 said:

Wouldn't spine surgery be cheaper in Bangladesh? what back problem has he got?

Cheaper but they use super glue and silly putty

[scubascuba3]

On 2/15/2022 at 8:36 AM, lopburi3 said:

Having lived in Dacca when country became Bangladesh suspect medical facilities are still limited.  At that time I had to medevac to Thailand for a cyst and tooth removal.  But back issues is a valid question as surgery may not be a good option.  Has he been told surgery is an answer?

ok, you would have thought India would be nearer and cheaper and if you go by some of the posts on this forum have very good medical facilities

[lopburi3]

37 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

ok, you would have thought India would be nearer and cheaper and if you go by some of the posts on this forum have very good medical facilities

These days perhaps - when East Pakistan became Bangladesh Indian medical facilities were not what they are today.  Not to mention India was bombing Dacca; to the cheers of most living there - a very strange time.  

[Dirk Z]

On 2/15/2022 at 9:54 AM, ifmu said:

a side note here ... in usa it looks like about 50 percent of back surgeries are successful  is that correct            source   none      interest me 

Sounds credible to me. 

[ifmu]

what country are you speaking for ?          i have found that in usa  the drs only want money 

in usa i always ask for a foreign dr indian <deleted> etc  anyone ex white      yes i said it 

 

 

[Monir087]

On 2/15/2022 at 7:36 AM, lopburi3 said:

Having lived in Dacca when country became Bangladesh suspect medical facilities are still limited.  At that time I had to medevac to Thailand for a cyst and tooth removal.  But back issues is a valid question as surgery may not be a good option.  Has he been told surgery is an answer?

yes here in Bangladesh all spine doctor advised to do surgery. my father is suffering last 20 years. He is maintaining as he regularly swim. but now a days he can not bear anymore the pain.

[Monir087]

On 2/16/2022 at 6:50 AM, portlandtree said:

Cheaper but they use super glue and silly putty

yes Bangladesh is cheaper. but spine surgery is very important. My father wants to get it done either in Thailand or Singapore. 

[Monir087]

On 2/16/2022 at 8:31 AM, lopburi3 said:

These days perhaps - when East Pakistan became Bangladesh Indian medical facilities were not what they are today.  Not to mention India was bombing Dacca; to the cheers of most living there - a very strange time.  

Dhaka is not part of India. India has better medical facilities than Dhaka. But Bangladesh main problem is corruption in health sector. In most cases, Doctors are greedy for money. they do un necessary tests and medicines. Doctors give very less time for patients.

[Monir087]

On 2/15/2022 at 8:11 AM, kingstonkid said:

I have had 2 spinal surgery Laminectomies at BNH both were successful.

  Warning though it is not a cheap hospital.

 

Dr Eakpatipan Eamskoolnont, M.D.

thanks for your reply. What about Vejthani hospital, Dr Porn Nake Tardthong https://www.vejthani.com/doctor/dr-porn-a-nake-tardthong/

[dddave]

"I think may as well see the top man. Dr. Wicharn operated on my sister, twice (once in cervical spine and once lumbar), with excellent results, and I have referred many people to him over the years with excellent feedback."

 

I saw Dr. Wicharn on Sheryl's recommendation several years ago for a non-spine related issue. 

He has great communication skills and is easy to work with.  I was very satisfied with the results.

[Monir087]

On 2/15/2022 at 11:01 AM, Sheryl said:

The top spine doctors here are not at all over-quick to operate and I have often know them to recommend against surgery despite the patient wanting it - it depends entirely on the findings of the the individual case. They will nto recommend surgery unless they think it will yield good results (referring only to the top specialists - certainly there will be others who may not be as circumspect).

 

If scans indicate nerve compression it would often be recommended to first have an epidural injection (anesthetic plus steroid) before considering surgery - this serves a dual purpose as it helps confirm the diagnosis (problems seen on MRI are sometimes incidental and pain may not necessarily be from it) as well as gives pain relief. In some people - maybe a third - a single injection is all it takes, in others it gives relief for as much as 6 months in which case 1-2x yearly can be considered as an alternative to surgery (especially of the patient is not a good surgical risk). In other cases the relief is much shorter in duration. If the injection brings no relief, even short term, then further investigations are needed as the source of the pain may be elsewhere than thought.

 

In terms of doctors  I suggest:

 

1 - https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/doctor/dr-tayard-buranakarl

I myself had surgery with Dr. Tayard and his excellent team just 2 months ago, with excellent results.  You can get an idea of prices here but of course will first need to know what (if any) surgery is advised https://bangkokinternationalhospital.com/packages-promotions/spine-surgery-packages

 

2 - https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/

His colleague Dr. Eakpatipan Eamskoolnont is also an alternative but if going here I think may as well see the top man. Dr. Wicharn operated on my sister, twice (once in cervical spine and once lumbar), with excellent results, and I have referred many people to hom over the years with excellent feedback. . I also consulted him for second opinion before proceeding with Dr. Tayard above for my recent surgery.

 

This hospital is likely to cost more than #1 above

 

 

Sheryl many thanks for your nice advice. it's long time since my last communication with you. I hope you are well.

 

My Father tried all conventional ways, like physiotherapy, exercise, injections, swimming, medicines.  

After 20 years of suffering, now he is in such a position, that he do not want to tolerate the pain. He is 66 years old now. Also he has diabetes, high blood pressure.

 

5 years ago he visited vejthani hospital. Dr PORN NAKE TARDthang.

https://www.vejthani.com/doctor/dr-porn-a-nake-tardthong/

 

do you have any idea about this doctor?

 

Actually we are looking for best expert hand in thailand with latest technology. Money is not issue for him.

I will wait for your recommendation.

 

 

 

[Sheryl]

1 minute ago, Monir087 said:

Sheryl many thanks for your nice advice. it's long time since my last communication with you. I hope you are well.

 

My Father tried all conventional ways, like physiotherapy, exercise, injections, swimming, medicines.  

After 20 years of suffering, now he is in such a position, that he do not want to tolerate the pain. He is 66 years old now. Also he has diabetes, high blood pressure.

 

5 years ago he visited vejthani hospital. Dr PORN NAKE TARDthang.

https://www.vejthani.com/doctor/dr-porn-a-nake-tardthong/

 

do you have any idea about this doctor?

 

Actually we are looking for best expert hand in thailand with latest technology. Money is not issue for him.

I will wait for your recommendation.

 

 

 

Plrase see my prior post, I have already recommended the very best spina;l surgeons in Thailand to you.

 

As I said, I myself had surgery with Dr. Tayard and his team, they (surgeon, assistants, aneshesiologist, physical therapist etc) are excellent.  My sister and many TV members have had surgery with Prof. Wicharn, also excellent (and I used him for second opinion on my surgery). I think being younger/trained more recently Dr. Tayard may have more expertise specific to minimally invasive approaches (which may or may not be appropriate for your father's case). But for total years experience Prof. Wicharn has more. I suggest he consult both to see if there us consensus on the best surgical approach first, then select which on to have surgery with.

 

One advantage to Bangkok Hospital (where Dr. Tayard is), they have Bengali translators available, I am not sure this is the case at BNH (where Prof. Wicharn is) as it is a smaller hospital. Of course not important if your father speaks fluent English. You can also get halal food at Bangkok Hospital, you'd have to ask re BNH.

[Monir087]

1 minute ago, Sheryl said:

Plrase see my prior post, I have already recommended the very best spina;l surgeons in Thailand to you.

 

As I said, I myself had surgery with Dr. Tayard and his team, they (surgeon, assistants, aneshesiologist, physical therapist etc) are excellent.  My sister and many TV members have had surgery with Prof. Wicharn, also excellent (and I used him for second opinion on my surgery). I think being younger/trained more recently Dr. Tayard may have more expertise specific to minimally invasive approaches (which may or may not be appropriate for your father's case). But for total years experience Prof. Wicharn has more. I suggest he consult both to see if there us consensus on the best surgical approach first, then select which on to have surgery with.

 

One advantage to Bangkok Hospital (where Dr. Tayard is), they have Bengali translators available, I am not sure this is the case at BNH (where Prof. Wicharn is) as it is a smaller hospital. Of course not important if your father speaks fluent English. You can also get halal food at Bangkok Hospital, you'd have to ask re BNH.

many thanks. You knows the best in Thailand. ok i will communicate with them

[lopburi3]

1 hour ago, Monir087 said:

thanks for your reply. What about Vejthani hospital, Dr Porn Nake Tardthong https://www.vejthani.com/doctor/dr-porn-a-nake-tardthong/

Have had my spine checked several times by this doctor and never any pressure for further tests or to operate and Dr was very pleasant to talk with.  Vejthani has recently opened a new facility dedicated to bone and spine but have no recent experience.  

[Rimmer]

A libelous post has been removed please see the following forum rule that you agreed to when you signed up:

 

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[Lorry]

On 2/15/2022 at 12:01 PM, Sheryl said:

epidural injection

Can you recommend a doctor or a team in Bangkok for this?

[Sheryl]

16 hours ago, Lorry said:

Can you recommend a doctor or a team in Bangkok for this?

Prof. Wicharn at BNH Spine center