Cost for a colonoscopy in Bangkok or Pattaya

[thaisabai]

Hi all

Has anyone done it? where? at what cost?

Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital charges:

Colonoscopy: about 15,000 baht Excluding: cost of pathology and medication 500 USD

Pathology test: about 8,000-10,000 baht per polyp 266.00 USD-333.00 USD

If surgery/polypectomy is required: the cost is about 15,000 baht 500.00 USD

Pattaya International hospital charges:

THE PRICE FOR COLONOSCOPY IS ABOUT 29,000 – 30,000 THB. 966.00-1000.00 USD

(EXCLUDING DOCTOR’S FEE, MEDICATION AND BLOOD TEST

any advise is appreciated

Thaisabai

[Sheryl]

Private hospitals run on average 20+ for this.

The BPH cost you cite seems unusually low, I wonder of the price may exclude under "medication" the cost of the anesthesia.

Government hospitals are the least expensive option but not so easy to book the test, would have yo see a GI specialist first (for which you might have to first see a GP and be referred), then if s/he thinks the test necessary they will book it etc.

Least expensive private option (and also the easiest to schedule, can make appoibntment for the procedure staright aqay by phone) is this place http://www.digestivebkk.com/Default.aspx?tabid=148

Suggest either Dr. Varocha or Dr. Rungson there.

[AyG]

Samitivej Srinakarin has a package offer for 18,000 Baht, excluding anaesthesia/polypectomy/etc.

Had it done there a couple of years ago. Much happier with the experience than I was with Vejthani where I'd previously had it done.

[rak sa_ngop]

What about a virtual colonoscopy? Much less invasive and I believe cheaper.

But I assume it means that if they actually do detect polyps you have to pay for a separate procedure to remove them (as opposed to removing them during the colonoscopy procedure).

Under what circumstances is a virtual colonoscopy recommended?

[Sheryl]

What about a virtual colonoscopy? Much less invasive and I believe cheaper.

But I assume it means that if they actually do detect polyps you have to pay for a separate procedure to remove them (as opposed to removing them during the colonoscopy procedure).

Under what circumstances is a virtual colonoscopy recommended?

"Colonoscopy (every 10 years unless polyps are found) – A doctor uses a colonoscope, a lighted tube, to examine the rectum and colon.

Advantages:

• Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp (a small, non-cancerous growth on the colon wall that can grow larger and become cancerous over time). During a colonoscopy, doctors can detect and immediately remove these polyps. Polyp removal is considered the most effective way to prevent the development of colorectal cancer.

Disadvantages:

• This test may not detect all small polyps, nonpolypoid lesions (flat and depressed abnormal pieces of tissue), or cancers, but it is one of the most sensitive tests currently available.
• Thorough cleansing of the colon is necessary before this test. Your doctor may instruct you to take laxatives 24 hours before the test. You also will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your test.
• Some form of sedation is used in most cases. If sedation is used, someone will need to drive you home.
• Although uncommon, sedation or instrument-related complications, such as bleeding and/or tearing of the colon, can occur.

Virtual colonoscopy (every 5 years) – A health care provider uses specialized CT scan techniques to produce images of the abdomen and pelvis. A computer then assembles these images into detailed, three-dimensional pictures that can show polyps and other abnormalities.

Advantages:

• It is less invasive than standard colonoscopy.
• Virtual colonoscopy may be as sensitive as standard colonoscopy if performed in experienced centers.
• Because sedation is not needed, virtual colonoscopy can be more convenient, does not have sedation-related risks and does not require someone to accompany you to the examination.
• Risk of instrument-related complications, such as bleeding or tearing of the colon, may be lower than with standard colonoscopy.

Disadvantages:

• Like standard colonoscopy, this test may not detect all small polyps, nonpolypoid lesions and cancers.
• Thorough cleansing of the colon is necessary before this test, similar to what is done to prepare for a colonoscopy.
• If an abnormality, such as a polyp, is detected, you will need to undergo a standard colonoscopy after the virtual procedure to remove the polyp or lesion, or to perform a biopsy.
• Because sedation is not used, you may experience some discomfort during virtual colonoscopy when air is pumped into the colon.
• Virtual colonoscopy exposes the patient to a low dose of radiation (more than a chest x-ray and less than a conventional CT scan).

Study Participants Compare Both Tests

A study, published in the Dec. 4, 2003 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, compared virtual colonoscopy with standard colonoscopy. Study participants completed both exams. When asked to compare the two techniques, about:

• 54% of participants said virtual colonoscopy was more uncomfortable
• 38% said the traditional method was more uncomfortable
• 8% were undecided

The study’s researchers believe that most participants found virtual colonoscopy more uncomfortable because, unlike colonoscopy, participants were not sedated, causing them to experience some discomfort during the exam....

Based on this information, neither colonoscopy nor virtual colonoscopy is the perfect screening tool. There are advantages and disadvantages for both, and neither is considered 100% accurate in detecting polyps and precancerous changes in the colon and rectum. However, recent research does support both tests as effective screening methods."

http://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/issues/2009-march/get-the-facts-colonoscopy-vs-virtual-colonoscopy-focused-on-health-march-2009.html

Note that if any abnormalities are found on virtual colonoscopy a regular one will need to be done so you may wind up having both tests, which to me is a powerful argument for just getting a regular colonoscopy to start with -- especially since virtual often costs more and is more uncomfortable.

[JSixpack]

The BPH cost you cite seems unusually low, I wonder of the price may exclude under "medication" the cost of the anesthesia.

OP should check about that. But I had mine there a few years ago for B12,000, anesthesia included. They may make up for the relatively low basic cost w/ the pathology & surgery if required. If I had had any inkling of needed pathology & surgery, I'd have done it elsewhere, but I figured correctly that I'd be fine.