Hi

I have had a small lump on my back, on top of the spine, for quite some time. I first noticed it about 6 months ago.

A couple of days ago it became inflammed, red and slightly tender. I just went to a private hospital in my Isaan city and it was diagnosed as an infected cyst. He gave antibiotics for the infection and told me I could come back any time after the infection was gone for surgery.

He said it would cost about 5000 baht. I wouldn't mind paying this if it was a really good hospital and I was sure he had expertise in this. But this hospital is the best of a bad bunch and I don't feel confident in him, especially since it is right on my spine and I hear these things can go rather deep.

As it happens, I will be in BKK in 4 weeks and there are, of course, more options.

I would like to find a doctor with plenty of experience in this and I can't afford to pay an arm and a leg. A few thousand is fine, but it depends on the hospital and doctor.

Any suggestions?

Chulalongkorn Hospital comes to mind. Any experiences?

Actually St. Lewis is one of the best value options in Bangkok and am sure there are surgeons with plenty of experience as this is a common and normally minor operation. Indeed they can be quite large but even then should not be a serious problem - I had one removed some 40 years ago which was the size of a bird egg (largest doctor had ever seen) and no issues (but was on back of leg). Chula should be fine if staying in Bangkok and not a tight schedule - they have a pay service that allows using specific doctor available.

Yes, Chula would be fine if you lived here but not fast.

St Louis is a good place, and I can recommend the following general surgeon there:

Dr. Narongsak Jongsiri

He's there Monday, Tues, Wed and Friday from 7 AM - 4 PM and Thursdays 7 AM - 1 PM; Saturdays * AM - 3 PM.

To save time I suggest seeing him on a weekday and arriving early so that he can hopefully squeeze the procedure in the same day. As I expect you know it is an office procedure under local anesthetic.

Thanks for your help!

I will look into St Louis.

Thanks again.

I went to Saint Louis yesterday to have a cyst removed from my armpit. I had it removed 4 years ago in the UK but it grew back and was causing me some pain as it had become infected again. The surgery in the UK was pretty horrendous (i felt everything, very painful) so i was not looking forward to having more of the same.

 

Arrived at 12:30, registered at reception and was directed to the surgery department. Arrived at the surgery dept at 12:45. Checked my weight and blood pressure. Called to see the doctor at 13:30. Quick look and i explained the history. He said can remove it now if i wish. I asked the cost and after referring to the nurse he said about 4000 baht which i thought ok.

 

The injections were a bit sore but after the first 2 i didn't feel a thing. Took about 30 mins in all.

 

Given a slip of paper for antibiotics and the nurse escorted me round to the cashier/pharmacy.

 

Total price including antibiotics was 3100 baht which i though very reasonable considering the excellent service i received.

 

I can highly recommend Saint Louis for this type of procedure.

good thread...

 

I've got a cyst between my shoulder blades, been there for a few years now with no change and I'm presently being treated for a broken leg at my local military hospital...wonder how suitable they would be for this type procedure?

 

 

Should not be any problem as military get as well.  Had mine removed at the US Army 5th Field Hospital on Sukhumvit during a medevac from Dacca, East Pakistan a bit after it became Bangladesh.  It took two trips as first was during late December and no doctor available so had to make another trip back a month later (which was more than fine with me).  Thailand was a wee bit better than Bangladesh.  

Military hospital should be fine for this.

I went to Bangkok Christian Hospital.   They charged 5200 for removing a cyst from my arm.  Which seems reasonable.  The NHS would never do it (consequences of a  communist system).

 

As I'm not going back to Bangkok, I will have to get the stitches removed  in the Philippines or Pattaya.