My GF has come down with a case of Gall Stones so must have her Gall Bladder removed.

Can anyone recommend a good hospital in Udon for this kind of thing? It looks like there's 3 hospitals - Aek Udon, Wattana and Udon Hospital. Anyone had any especially good or bad experiences with these? What's the main difference between the three?

phatmax

U also have Paulo Hospital as well as Kiprajak ( Military ) but open to all patients.

The most important person apart from ur GF is in fact your anaethetist believe it all not.

They are the people that literally keep u alive while the surgeon does the cutting. Make sure u ask for a good one and ask what sort of anaethetic they will administer. If the Gasser hasnt done a pre op assessment 24 hrs prior to surgery , ask them why not and dont allow it to happen till its done.

For Gallstones, suggest u ask for keyhole surgery, no major scars and easy in and out stuff.

Who confirmed the gallstones have to come out, can they have laser zapping ???

Thanks wazza for the tip on the anaethetist. I'll keep a close watch on that.

The Gall Stones were discovered as part of a routine physical at Samitivej in BKK. They recommended a "key hole" surgical removal and their price was 200K baht. We'de like to have it done closer to home (Vientiane) so her family can be there.

phatmax, I'm NOT a doctor but, I recommend you do a Google Search for "liver cleanse" and "gall-stones". There's a world of information out there which may(I said MAY) not require surgery.

As for the hospitals, my wife is a nurse at Udon Hospital - this is a government run facility, AEK, Paulo, Pirot and Watana are all private hospitals in the area. There's another government hospital at the South end of town, hwy 2 just past the Air Force Base entrance and same side of road.

Since all my medical visits are free if I use a government facility, that's what I do and I'm happy with my results. You might get more 'personal' treatment at any of the private hospitals but you will pay accordingly. Also, be aware, there are a limited number of specialized doctors in Udon and they all seem to conduct business at any and all the hospitals at various times.

Lastly, second opinions are also recommended.
Best of luck,

200 K sounds expensive , but its BKK prices.

Done locally with the family support will work wonders on the rehab i imagine.

Ring AEK etc and ask how much , they can give u approx figures, but remember all the add ons, pathology, theatre fees, dressings , medications, ......

Phatmax,

Like Wassa, I am ex para-medic, and I must reiterate that stated by him, before surgery, you should consider any other options, for example there are drugs, that will in some cases dissipate the stones, or ultra sound is another option in some cases. as is laser treatment.

As others have said, it would be wise to seek a second opinion.


Best wishes

There are many options for gall stones, I have them and spoke to my brother surgeon in England.he stated and I quote.....Until it hurts do nothing..if hurt look at size, there are many medications to reduce them, surgery IS the last Option you should consider.

Mine are 1.2 cms I have three. no-one in UK or Thailand have as yet recommended removal, diet can help too .
For your information.

Also Gall bladder removal is quiet an invasive operation. keyhole is best, but it will cost more.

unless keyhole is hi tech and new, gall stone/gladder problems sounds routine to me, and udon hosp. should be much cheaper. as there is always the chance the doctor at the private hospital works there also.

I'm not speaking from experience,but,if there is a concern about money,I guess it pays to find the doctor first and then choose the hospital!

Food for thought!

I had the laparoscopic surgery to remove my gallbladder in the Philippines.

I recommend not using them stay health even if it kills you

Udon hospital is a government hospital. Must be whole lot cheaper than private hospital.
If I was to go there for treatment, I think I would be enbarrassed at the fact I am a farang.Thais always think farang big money!Why him come here?
I know I am "The poor farang of Udon". But I dont want everyone to know!

mortiboy wrote:Udon hospital is a government hospital. Must be whole lot cheaper than private hospital.
If I was to go there for treatment, I think I would be enbarrassed at the fact I am a farang.Thais always think farang big money!Why him come here?
I know I am "The poor farang of Udon". But I dont want everyone to know!

But you would be O.K Morti,IF Farting is a GOOD sign of recovery !!

747man wrote:

mortiboy wrote:Udon hospital is a government hospital. Must be whole lot cheaper than private hospital.
If I was to go there for treatment, I think I would be enbarrassed at the fact I am a farang.Thais always think farang big money!Why him come here?
I know I am "The poor farang of Udon". But I dont want everyone to know!

But you would be O.K Morti,IF Farting is a GOOD sign of recovery !!

The poor farang of Udon,Come on Morti,I'll bet you could LOAN me a Million !!!

mortiboy wrote:Udon hospital is a government hospital. Must be whole lot cheaper than private hospital.
If I was to go there for treatment, I think I would be enbarrassed at the fact I am a farang.Thais always think farang big money!Why him come here?
I know I am "The poor farang of Udon". But I dont want everyone to know!

Morti I spent 13 days in that hospital I recommend it they have a vip room for 1500 baht a day which is what I got it was two rooms with every thing you need ask the member who came up to visit me I can list them for you if you want or better yet I will give you the names at the N/M meet and most of them will be there I also spent 2 days at AEK and got my azz transfered to the government hospital because all they was doing was milking my insurance until it was almost used up