Where to have spine surgery in Bangkok

[Matt87]

Dear all, do you know any good place where to have spine surgery?

 

My girlfriend has this condition: 

- Grade 1 retrolisthesis of C5 over C6 vertebra
- Degenerative change of cervical spine with
1.) C4/5 level mild spinal canal stenosis with mild right neural foramen narrowing.
2.) C5/6 level mild spinal canal stenosis with moderate bilateral neural foramen narrowing.

 

We did the MRI at Siriraj Hospital but the doctors told us that surgery is not needed. Unfortunately, I think that is the only way for my girlfriend as she has a lot of pain, numb both arms and part of leg and given the MRI results, the situation is above serious. 

 

Do you have any suggestion? Thank you

[Lorry]

The  MRI doesn't sound like surgery is indicated,  but ask a spine surgeon.

I would ask Dr Sarit, Spine Center, Bangkok Hospital 

[flyingtlger]

Bangkok Hospital has a department that specializes in the spine.

[Sheryl]

The best spinal specialist in Thailand is Prof. Wicharn Yingsakmongkol who can be seen privately at the BNH Spine Center.  https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/

 

He is also  at Chulalongkorn Hospital ( Bhor Por Ror Building, 5^th Floor, Mn-Fri  8:30 - 4 PM), but going through the public channel there may not have much direct contact with him as he is in a teaching/supervisory capacity. Given the seeming discrepancy between the MRI report and the severity of the clinical signs it may be worth paying for a private consultation initially.

 

Before going, make sure you have the MRI on DVD, not just the report as Prof. Wicharn will need to directly review it.

 

 

[kingstonkid]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

The best spinal specialist in Thailand is Prof. Wicharn Yingsakmongkol who can be seen privately at the BNH Spine Center.  https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/

 

He is also  at Chulalongkorn Hospital ( Bhor Por Ror Building, 5^th Floor, Mn-Fri  8:30 - 4 PM), but going through the public channel there may not have much direct contact with him as he is in a teaching/supervisory capacity. Given the seeming discrepancy between the MRI report and the severity of the clinical signs it may be worth paying for a private consultation initially.

 

Before going, make sure you have the MRI on DVD, not just the report as Prof. Wicharn will need to directly review it.

 

 

I second bnh they have a great spinal center I have had 2 linectomy surgeries that cdn doctors refused walking living pain free and med free 

[Searat7]

I highly recommend Dr. Wicharn at BNH Hospital. He operated on my back and I walked home 40 hours after the surgery. 

[Matt87]

Thanks for the comment. 

 

How about S Spine Hospital? Any experience here?

 

P.s. unfortunately my girlfriend doesn't have health insurance, she stopped working few years ago because of this and I'm a mere teacher in a government school so paying the hospital fee will be extremely difficult for us. Do you have any suggestion how we can pay? A fundraiser campaign would be useful?

[Matt87]

6 hours ago, Lorry said:

The  MRI doesn't sound like surgery is indicated,  but ask a spine surgeon.

I would ask Dr Sarit, Spine Center, Bangkok Hospital 

And what does the MRI look like?

Edited June 29, 2023 by Matt87

[Sheryl]

13 hours ago, Matt87 said:

Thanks for the comment. 

 

How about S Spine Hospital? Any experience here?

 

P.s. unfortunately my girlfriend doesn't have health insurance, she stopped working few years ago because of this and I'm a mere teacher in a government school so paying the hospital fee will be extremely difficult for us. Do you have any suggestion how we can pay? A fundraiser campaign would be useful?

As a Thai she is covered under the universal health care scheme  (AKA "30 baht scheme")- but would have to start at hhe hospital which serves the district where she is listed in a tabien ban (house registration) and be referred from there.  

 

As already stated the best spinal specialst is at BNH and also at Chula. There is also a good unit at Bangkok Hospital. 

 

The MRI report does not indicate a need for surgery but seems inconsistent with the clinical picture so the film should be read by a good spine speciaist. Consultation at BNH will be few thousannd baht. At Chula just 50 baht but limited interaction with the senior doctor. If Prof. Wicharn thinks surgery is indicated get a written recommendation and take it to her registered hospital and try to get a referral letter from them to Chulalongkorn. 

 

 

[lopburi3]

36 minutes ago, Matt87 said:

And what does the MRI look like?

You quoted the MRI results in OP - and conditions were reported as mild on that report.

 

You have a non Thai girlfriend (no insurance seems to indicate that)?

 

Chula would seem best choice if having to pay and funds are short.  My wife had spine surgery there 20-25 years ago (twice - took more out second time so not press on nerve) and has started to have symptoms again.  

 

But believe another consultation or two should be made prior to any surgery decision.

 

FYI:  recently wife, at age 83 and not interested in any more operations, has had good results relieving symptoms in leg using a Japanese drug, although it is not cheap (and not approved in US).  

Opalmon 5 mcg [210 tablets] 7,250 Baht taken 3 times a day.

 

[Matt87]

6 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

You quoted the MRI results in OP - and conditions were reported as mild on that report.

 

You have a non Thai girlfriend (no insurance seems to indicate that)?

 

Chula would seem best choice if having to pay and funds are short.  My wife had spine surgery there 20-25 years ago (twice - took more out second time so not press on nerve) and has started to have symptoms again.  

 

But believe another consultation or two should be made prior to any surgery decision.

 

FYI:  recently wife, at age 83 and not interested in any more operations, has had good results relieving symptoms in leg using a Japanese drug, although it is not cheap (and not approved in US).  

Opalmon 5 mcg [210 tablets] 7,250 Baht taken 3 times a day.

 

My girlfriend is Thai

[lopburi3]

Just now, Matt87 said:

My girlfriend is Thai

Then she has free options as Sheryl pointed out above if doctors feel conditions can be relived by surgery.

[Yme]

Send the MRIs, x-rays, reports, etc to India (electronically). Try Apollo Hospital or Kauvery Hospital in Chennai, I've had good results at both. DM if you want contact details. At least a half the price of Thailand. No medical visa required for India. Direct three hour (from memory) flights to Chennai from Don Mueang. 

Edited June 29, 2023 by Yme

[simple1]

OP: I have suffered from moderate spinal stenosis for a number of years. Specialist declined surgical intervention. Over the years I had been prescribed a number of pain killers which were ineffective. I am now using amitriptyline, 10mg a day, which enables me to walk relatively pain free. The drug is normally used for anti depressant in higher dosage, but was discovered to be helpful for nerve pain. You may like to get your girlfriend to try the treatment for a month to see if it helps.

 

I understand a prescription is required. Note they can make you feel tired, so take before bedtime.

Edited June 29, 2023 by simple1

[AgMech Cowboy]

4 hours ago, Sheryl said:

As a Thai she is covered under the universal health care scheme  (AKA "30 baht scheme")- but would have to start at the hospital which serves the district where she is listed in a tabien ban (house registration) and be referred from there.  

 

As already stated the best spinal specialist is at BNH and also at Chula. There is also a good unit at Bangkok Hospital. 

 

The MRI report does not indicate a need for surgery but seems inconsistent with the clinical picture so the film should be read by a good spine specialist. Consultation at BVH will be few thousand baht. At Chula just 50 baht but limited interaction with the senior doctor. If Prof. Wicharn thinks surgery is indicated get a written recommendation and take it to her registered hospital and try to get a referral letter from them to Chulalongkorn. 

Great advice, Sheryl.  I will also recommend Ramkhamhaeng Hospital for their Orthopedic Surgery Center.  Ramkhamhaeng has some excellent facilities and are a private patient hospital more geared to the Thai population, but I received excellent care there (if you decided to not use the BHN higher priced or the government's 30 baht scheme).  Sheryl's already suggested Bangkok Hospital, too, so I will leave them out (but a great place).

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

2 hours ago, simple1 said:

I am now using amitriptyline, 10mg a day, which enables me to walk relatively pain free. The drug is normally used for anti depressant in higher dosage, but was discovered to be helpful for nerve pain.

Simple,  did you have any difficulty in getting a Thai doctor to prescribe that medication for that kind of off main use purpose?

 

@Sheryl  Do you have any familiarity with the use of that medication for spinal nerve pain?

 

 

"Amitriptyline, sold under the brand name Elavil among others, is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, a variety of pain syndromes such as neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine and tension headaches.^[10] Due to the frequency and prominence of side effects, amitriptyline is generally considered a second-line therapy for these indications.^"

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amitriptyline

 

Edited June 29, 2023 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[Matt87]

Do you know roughly how much is the fee for consultation with Prof. Wicharn Yingsakmongkol at BNH? 1k, 2k or more?

[paul545]

26 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

Simple,  did you have any difficulty in getting a Thai doctor to prescribe that medication for that kind of off main use purpose?

 

@Sheryl  Do you have any familiarity with the use of that medication for spinal nerve pain?

 

 

"Amitriptyline, sold under the brand name Elavil among others, is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, a variety of pain syndromes such as neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine and tension headaches.^[10] Due to the frequency and prominence of side effects, amitriptyline is generally considered a second-line therapy for these indications.^"

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amitriptyline

 

I was prescribed the same here in the UK on top of Butec Patches for my arthritis and sciatica pain for a period but it didn’t agree with me and it caused other problems so they stopped it after a while so care must be taken if used and monitored carefully. However knowing Thai Drs I would only ask advice from a reputable one in a recognised hospital. Home town Drs will prescribe whatever you ask them for. 

[paul545]

I had stenosis of the spine and had an operation at St Louis Hospital. Dr Tanin performed my operation and had me back on my meet within 24 hours and home within 48 hours. If he’s still there worth checking out. 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

11 minutes ago, paul545 said:

it didn’t agree with me and it caused other problems so they stopped it after a while so care must be taken if used and monitored carefully.

Thanks for the personal feedback on that.... In reading the wiki entry I linked to above on the drug Amitriptyline, it appeared that side effects and sometimes serious ones can be a real issue with its use.

 

But Simple talked of a 10 mg per day dose. Not sure whether that level of use is normal or to what extent side effects would present with that level.

 

 

[dlclark97]

11 hours ago, Sheryl said:

The best spinal specialist in Thailand is Prof. Wicharn Yingsakmongkol who can be seen privately at the BNH Spine Center.  https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/

 

He is also  at Chulalongkorn Hospital ( Bhor Por Ror Building, 5^th Floor, Mn-Fri  8:30 - 4 PM), but going through the public channel there may not have much direct contact with him as he is in a teaching/supervisory capacity. Given the seeming discrepancy between the MRI report and the severity of the clinical signs it may be worth paying for a private consultation initially.

 

Before going, make sure you have the MRI on DVD, not just the report as Prof. Wicharn will need to directly review it.

 

 

I have had surgery (not the spine) at BNH.  Artificial arteries were needed in the upper legs due to extensive blockage.  Absolutely top care.  I have seen Dr Wicharn for back issues but so far have not committed for the surgery.  However, I have been seen in several different clinics (Bone and Joint, and Cardiometabolic) and I have been so impressed with everything and every medical professional there that I drive from Jomtien for my appointments when for many of them I could see a local or Pattaya hospital.  Good luck!

[Jimthim]

Mate, please do your home work.

I had major Spine Surgery at BNH with same doctor mentioned In these threads.

Also, had  consultation at Bangkok hospital spine center

I am including a spine surgeon who works at a Government hospital, Sriracha

and  administers patient’s at Samitivej Hospital Sriracha.

Who is a highly recommended spine surgeon and trained on newest 

Technology. Dr Saran Pairuchvej

[Sheryl]

8 hours ago, Matt87 said:

Do you know roughly how much is the fee for consultation with Prof. Wicharn Yingsakmongkol at BNH? 1k, 2k or more?

Around 2.500 baht bincluding hospital add on charges (but not including medications should he prescribe any)

[simple1]

17 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

Thanks for the personal feedback on that.... In reading the wiki entry I linked to above on the drug Amitriptyline, it appeared that side effects and sometimes serious ones can be a real issue with its use.

 

But Simple talked of a 10 mg per day dose. Not sure whether that level of use is normal or to what extent side effects would present with that level.

 

 

10MG dose per day is the norm for treatment of nerve pain. Much higher doses are available for treatment of depression or other clinical matters. I do not know if Amitriptyline is available from Thai doctors or spinal treatment specialists.

[straylight]

I had good success at Bumrungrad with Dr. Yot Navalitloha..

[Matt87]

On 6/30/2023 at 2:36 PM, straylight said:

I had good success at Bumrungrad with Dr. Yot Navalitloha..

What did you do there? And if I may ask, how did you pay? Did you have health insurance? 

[Sheryl]

8 minutes ago, Matt87 said:

What did you do there? And if I may ask, how did you pay? Did you have health insurance? 

Bumrungrad is one of the most expensive private hospitals in Thailand. Not a feasible option for your GF. For spinal surgery at a private hospital you are looking at over 300,000 baht.  (How far over depending on type of surgery and how many levels of the spine).

As noted she can get care free under the Thai public health system. If that proves hard to access (with spine surgery it sometimes does) her next best recourse is self pay at a government hospital like Chulalongkhorn.

 

But as the MRI report did not indicate a need for surgery you should, as previously said, start by having the actual MRI film reviewed by a top spinal specialist.

 

 

[chubby]

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23090093/

[Matt87]

On 7/2/2023 at 11:27 PM, Sheryl said:

Bumrungrad is one of the most expensive private hospitals in Thailand. Not a feasible option for your GF. For spinal surgery at a private hospital you are looking at over 300,000 baht.  (How far over depending on type of surgery and how many levels of the spine).

 

 

 

Two levels: c4-c5, c5-c6 and there is a mild compression fracture of C5. My girlfriend said we are talking about at least 420K. Do you know if we can walk-in at BNH hospital and talk with Prof. Wicharn?

[Lorry]

57 minutes ago, Matt87 said:

Two levels: c4-c5, c5-c6 and there is a mild compression fracture of C5. My girlfriend said we are talking about at least 420K. Do you know if we can walk-in at BNH hospital and talk with Prof. Wicharn?

You need an appointment with him