Hernia

[gerrytraveller]

any info on getting a laprascopic inguinal hernia operation done in Chiangmai/chiangrai would be appreciated.

[Sheryl]

Well, you will obviously need a general surgeon skilled in laparoscopic approach. There is two at Chiangmai Ram whom i have heard favorable reports on :

http://www.chiangmairam.com/NEW%20CMR/Physician%20Th/CV%20th/Trichak.pdf

http://www.chiangmairam.com/NEW%20CMR/Physician%20Th/CV%20th/Ekachai.pdf

But, it will be expensive to do this there (or at any other private hospital -- laparascopic surgery costs about twice what an open prociedure does) unless you have insurance.

The most economical alternative if paying out of pocket is Sripat. The first doctor listed above for CM Ram, Dr. Trichak, is also on the faculty at CMU and it may be possible to be treated by him at Sripat - call and ask http://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/eng/home. He does not appear on their list of doctors but in my experience that doesn't necessarily mean you can't be treated by him there. Should it turns out you can't, though, there are plenty of other docs there trained in laparoscopic surgery though I don't have the names. Try for Dr, Trichak first and if no luck ask the nurses to receommend an "ajarn" who does laparoscopic general surgery.

If you have insurance or money otherwise not a consideration, then personally I'd opt for Ram with Trichak.

[DKUNPUTAF713]

I just returned from Germany where I had a laparoscopic inguinal hernia operation done both

left and right sides. I do have insurance and the total including all medication and 2 and 1/2 days inpatient

cost approximately $8300 and insurance covered about $6150 less deductibles.

[FarmerJoe]

I went to Sripat 2 years ago for mine and the doctor did it at the Ram Hospital. Can't remember his name. Young guy. Anyway, I had just gotten insurance, but I had to go in and have it done before the insurance kicked in. I had just finished running a marathon with a balled up sock in the hole to keep my innards from falling out and had to have it done quickly. Cost was 60,000 Baht out of pocket. Just make sure you don't drink the night before like I did. Turned a 45 minute operation into a 2 hour one from the blood not being able to clot fast enough. The doctor asked if I was a hemophiliac.

[Sheryl]

At 60K and done at Ram I don't think it was laparoscopic, probably open procedure.