France Surgery

France Surgery provides Medical Assistance for Expatriates & International Patients who need surgery or medical treatment in France. http://www.france-surgery.com

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Recover from Surgery in Nantes

Nantes is the capital of the Pays de la Loire region in north-west France. However, Nantes also has very strong ties with the adjoining region of Brittany and, in fact, used to be its historical capital too.

Located some 50km up the Loire River, Nantes was a historically important port that thrived off of trade from the West Indies and Africa. Nowadays, however, it is more often thought of as a place that experiences frequent rain. Having said that though, the weather is definitely not going to ruin your trip; just be sure to carry an umbrella with you.

The famous science-fiction author Jules Verne is one of Nantes’s most famous sons and the Musée Jules Verne, which overlooks the river, is a must-see for visitors. It houses hand-written manuscripts, first editions and interactive displays to encourage children to discover the works of Jules Verne.

The quirkiness of Nantes can be seen at Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes. It’s a fantasy world where visitors can experience an ocean adventure that sees them attacked by huge squid and giant prawns. If that’s not enough, it’s even possible to take a ride on a 45-tonne mechanical elephant!

For individuals wanting a taste of Nantes’s history, a trip to Cathédrale St-Pierre et St-Paul is essential. Inside is the tomb of the last Duke of Brittany and his second wife, Marguerite de Foix – a piece of quintessential Renaissance art that will appeal to everyone.

For people with green fingers, the Jardin des Plantes is an absolute delight and one of the most exquisite botanical gardens in France. Founded in the early 1800s, the Jardin des Plantes features duck ponds, fountains, flowerbeds and towering redwoods. Hothouses and a children’s playground can also be found inside.

Nantes is a fantastic destination on its own but the fact that it acts as a gateway to Brittany and the Loire Valley makes it even more appealing. Undoubtedly, it would make a great place to recover from surgery; just remember to keep your umbrella with you in case of a random shower.

Photo credits: Flickr

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Top 5 French Tourist Attractions

Famous for wines, cheeses and, for some reason, bicycles, France is the world’s most popular tourist destination and receives more than 80 million visitors every year. But with so many beautiful locations and a rich history, what are the top five tourist attractions in France?

Let’s find out…

1. Chartres Cathedral

In the city of Chartres is the beautiful Chartres Cathedral. This fine example of French 13th century Gothic architecture is remarkably intact and has been almost perfectly preserved. Even most of its original stained-glass windows still remain today.

2. Mont Saint-Michel

Off the coast of Normandy lies Mont Saint Michel. Like something straight out of middle earth, the Norman Benedictine Abbey of St Michel is an imposing presence that dominates the small island - a truly awe-inspiring place to visit.

3. Palace of Versailles

If it wasn’t for the French Revolution, the Palace of Versailles could well still be the official residence of the Kings of France. Built by Louis XIII in 1624, this exquisite palace was home to French kings for more than 150 years until the revolution forced the royal family to relocate to Paris.

4. Château de Chambord

After the Palace of Versailles, Château de Chambord is the second most visited château in the country. King François I started building Château de Chambord in 1519 so that he could hunt to his heart’s content in the forest nearby. However, its cold rooms – all 440 of them - meant that it was never going to be the king’s first choice of residence.

5. The Eiffel Tower

The quintessential Parisian tourist attraction, the Eiffel Tower is the handiwork of Gustave Eiffel, who constructed it in 1889. Today, it remains one of the most recognisable structures in the world and is the tallest tower in Paris. If that’s not enough, it’s the most visited paid tourist attraction in the world.

These are just five fantastic places to visit in France and enjoy as part of your post-surgery recovery itinerary.

Photo credits: Flickr

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Computer Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery

It’s amazing how modern technology is assisting and ultimately improving surgical procedures today. It wasn’t that long ago that surgery relied solely on the skills of the surgeon and their team. Today, however, computers are now playing ever more important roles in ensuring that surgery is trouble-free and highly accurate.

Knee replacement surgery is just one procedure that is benefitting greatly from the introduction of computer assistance. With the aid of computer technology, surgeons can now carry out knee replacements with unprecedented levels of accuracy and precision.

This totally eliminates what may have previously been described as ‘guess work’ by the surgeon and affords a number of benefits for the patient.

Studies have shown that knee replacements that are carried out well – perfectly balanced and accurately aligned – last longer. Furthermore, they are said to feel better.

Computer assisted knee replacements are very successful because the surgeon can precisely align the patient’s bone and the implant, with a degree of accuracy far greater than the human eye can afford.

The end result is a more natural functioning knee replacement which allows for a better range of motion. Additionally, the surgery is performed with fewer, if not zero, errors and the patient’s recovery time is inevitably shortened.

If you are considering knee replacement surgery then why not find out if a computer assisted procedure could be right for you.

Photo credit: © vschlichting - Fotolia.com

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What to expect from minimally invasive hip surgery

Hip surgery is a very common surgical procedure that more and more people are having performed. Furthermore, with ageing populations around the world, it will inevitably be a more frequent occurrence.

Traditional hip replacement surgery involves the surgeon removing the head of the thighbone and replacing the ball and socket joint with an artificial implant. Individuals usually undergo this procedure in an attempt to relieve pain, improve mobility or both.

Minimally invasive hip surgery involves the surgeon performing the procedure through several small incisions. This approach ultimately reduces the cosmetic impact of surgery, affords a faster recovery time and usually involves less pain.

For these reasons, minimally invasive hip surgery is becoming more and more popular. However, due to its more complex nature, the procedure often takes longer than traditional hip surgery and the surgeon tends to need guidance from X-rays to ensure accuracy.

The two incisions that are required to perform the procedure are made over the groin for the insertion of the socket and over the buttock for placement of the stem.

However, patients who undergo minimally invasive hip surgery have been known to go home on the day of surgery and benefit from less muscle damage.

Why not benefit from the reduced recovery times that minimally invasive hip surgery affords and enjoy a faster rehabilitation period in a beautiful country such as France.

Photo credit: © Darren Baker - Fotolia.com

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The Famous Fête de la Musique

The famous Fête de la Musique is a must for music lovers who want to experience the early summer cheer on the streets of Paris. Celebrated each year on June 21st, the lively street music festival is one of the city’s most popular annual events.

The festival was first launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for Culture and today it is celebrated in more than 100 countries across the world.

The Fête de la Musique appeals to everyone; even individuals with an eclectic taste in music are catered for, with Paris’s streets, bars, cafes and even museums boasting free performances of jazz, hip-hop, electronic music and even rock.

Some visitors study the festival’s program and opt to view pre-selected performances of their choice. However, the allure of the festival often sees people meandering along the streets of Paris and happening upon musical delights by themselves.

This second approach affords a much more exciting experience and allows people to be exposed to musical genres that they might have otherwise avoided. Plus, the beauty of Paris and the wonder of the occasion is enchanting and the decision to snake aimlessly without a care in the world is a popular one.

Visit Paris and experience this fantastic musical celebration for yourself with France Surgery.

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The Dos and Don’ts Following Gastric Band Surgery

Gastric band surgery is a significant medical procedure and one that will ultimately change your life forever. That’s why you need to assess all the factors before you make the decision to proceed with gastric band surgery.

However, while following medical advice leading up to your procedure is important, your aftercare is perhaps even more crucial. After all, you’ll be recovering from a major procedure and your body needs all the help it can get to heal correctly.

It’s important that you adhere to strict dietary guidelines following your surgery. It’s of equal importance to take all-round good care of yourself. This is to allow the staple line in your stomach to be given a chance to heal, without being stretched through excessive eating or damaged by physical activity.

Here are our top dos and don’ts following gastric band surgery:

DON’T over exert yourself physically through lifting and stretching

DO contact your medical professional if you have any concerns

DON’T play with your stitches

DO follow any advice given to you upon discharge

DON’T expect to eat normally for quite some time

DO drink plenty of fluids – 8 cups a day or as advised by your medical professional

DON’T try and eat too much – your stomach will only be able to hold about one cup of food at a time

DO eat protein-rich foods to help the healing process

DON’T eat foods that are high-calorie or contain a lot of sugar

DO chew your food thoroughly before swallowing

DON’T eat too quickly

DO ensure that you take recommended vitamin and mineral supplements

You’re not going to be restricted forever, so it’s important that you take good care of yourself following your gastric band procedure.

Find out more about Bariatric surgery and consider spending your vital recovery time in a beautiful country like France.

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Remembering 14th July – Bastille Day

Just over a month away is Bastille Day. Held annually on July 14, Bastille Day is the French national holiday and commemorates the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 – the beginning of the French Revolution.

The Bastille was not only a prison but also an iconic symbol of Louis the 16th’s absolute power. By capturing the Bastille, the people of France showed that Louis’s power was not absolute and power should be based on the nation.

However, don’t think that the storming of the Bastille triggered streams of prisoners to flea out of the building. At the time, the Bastille only housed seven inmates and the event would become more poignant for its symbolism of liberty and the fight against oppression.

This historic event complements the Tricolore flag perfectly as both symbolise liberty, equality and fraternity for every French citizen. It brought about the birth of the first republic in 1792 and marked an end to the unquestionable power of the monarchy.

And what better way to celebrate such an iconic event than in the country where it all happened?

There’s still plenty of time to arrange a visit to France and experience for yourself the passion that a national event such as this arouses.

Photo credits: © lifeofriley - Fotolia.com & Embassy of France in Washington

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Keyhole Surgery Explained

When it comes to surgical procedures, advances in technology and greater skillsets of surgeons has meant that keyhole techniques are used more and more.

What is keyhole surgery?

In the past, large cuts to a patient’s abdomen would be necessary for surgical procedures to be carried out. This is simply no longer the case, with minimally invasive ‘keyhole’ surgery offering numerous benefits.

Now, a range of surgical procedures can be performed through very small stab incisions using special plastic tubes called ports. Surgeons can perform entire operations through these plastic tubes using long thin instruments.

What are the advantages of keyhole surgery?

The most notable benefit is the lack of a huge scar, which in itself has other advantages. No big scar means less pain; a lesser chance of complications like infection; and, of course, a better cosmetic result is achieved.

Furthermore, there is a reduced risk of adhesions forming inside the stomach, which can lead to bowel blockages and incisional hernias.

Lastly, keyhole surgery often affords a much quicker discharge from hospital and reduced recovery period.

What are the disadvantages of keyhole surgery?

As it is a lot more complex, keyhole surgery can often take longer to perform. Also, if any complications arise, a conventional procedure may be needed and will result in a large abdominal scar. Finally, the cost of such procedures is higher compared to conventional surgery as specialist equipment is needed.

So, if you’re due to have surgery in the near future, why not enquire as to whether a keyhole procedure could be the right choice for you.

Photo credit: © Grzegorz Kwolek - Fotolia.com

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France World Heritage Site: The Fortified City of Carcassonne

France has 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered throughout the country. From cities to beaches, mountains to canals. No trip to France would be complete without visiting one of these cultural sites.

The Fortified City of Carcassonne is one such place. Located in the department of Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon Region, this city was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997 and is proud to be the number one tourist draw to France after the Tour Eiffel.

Carcassonne is the picture perfect example of a medieval town - with its huge defences surrounding the stunning castle and nearby buildings, narrow cobbled streets and its stunning Gothic cathedral. In fact this fortified city is reported to have been the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.

It’s been home to Romans and Visigoths, but it wasn’t until the late 12th Century when it really thrived under the affluent Trencavel family where it played a major role in cross-border trade with Spain. That was until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, where Roussillon was restored to France and trading dried up.

Inevitably the city became neglected. Money was thin and the walls of the Citadel were crumbling, until renowned architect Viollet-le-Duc started restoration work in the 1800’s. The castle and citadel shone once more. The region, and its millions of tourists, have Viollet-le-Duc to thank for being able to visit this beautiful fortified city in all its glory.

Photo credits: Flickr

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Private Healthcare in France

Foreigners, in particular the British, have been coming to France for years to experience what is said to be the best healthcare system in the world. It’s no surprise really. Both the medical technologies and the standard of care received here are top notch. 

Not only do people choose the French healthcare system over the NHS, since 2002 in certain cases the NHS has actively recommended a patient travel to France for hip, knee or cataract surgery. What’s more if referred, the European Court of Justine ruled in favour of England having to pay back British patients for any treatment undertaken. But unfortunately for this reason a referral isn’t necessarily as forthcoming as it once was.

If you choose to take out private healthcare and travel to France for medical attention, you can be guaranteed the highest level of care – from consultation right through to recovery.

With over 20 years’ experience in the French medical sector, France Surgery prides itself on going above and beyond this nationwide standard, ensuring you have an enjoyable experience regardless of the treatment being carried out.

Find out more by contacting our International Patient Services team today.

Photo credit: © alexmillos - Fotolia.com

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Le Tour de France

What’s the one sporting event that springs to mind when you think of France?

Le Tour de France – right?

Thought so!

Le Tour de France is world renowned. It’s by far the greatest cycling event, if not sporting event, in the calendar year, for its test of endurance, stamina, fitness and both physical and mental ability.

And whilst the 2014 event starts in the UK, there’s no better place to see it than in its home country of France. The atmosphere, excitement and sheer thrill of watching around 200 cyclists whizz past is most definitely worth the trip.

Starting in Yorkshire on Saturday 5th July, Stage 1 and Stage 2 remain in the UK. Stage 3 starts in Cambridge before heading over to France, with Stage 21 finishing in Paris on Sunday 27th July.

Covering a total distance of 3,656 kilometres and tackling 5 hill stages and 6 mountain stages, 5 of those with altitude finishes, it’s no wonder it’s seen as the world’s greatest endurance race.

So don’t just be one of the 3 billion people watching it through a TV screen, come to France and experience this momentous event live. See you there!

Photo credit: Le Tour De France FB Page

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Tips for staying healthy this summer

With summer almost upon us, and many parts of Europe already experiencing beautiful warm weather, it’s important to remember that your body is more likely to use the important nutrients it stores to remain at optimum health.

So follow this brief guide to make sure you feel at your best during the summer months:

1. Drink plenty of water. This is particularly important if you’re in an extreme hot climate at any point. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol as these will only make you dehydrate which can lead to loss of strength and stamina, and in severe cases it can affect your kidney function resulting in painful kidney stones.

2. Eat raw foods. Summertime brings an abundance of superb fresh produce ready to pick from the tree or ground – or buy from the super market! But wherever you get it, make your mealtimes as colourful as possible. And the less you cook this fresh produce, the better it is for your health. Your body will take all the goodness and nutrients on offer to help revitalise and energise you.

3. Get active outdoors. Ditch the gym membership and get outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and vitamin D. Both will invigorate your body and help clear your mind from your everyday stresses and worries.

Of course, if you are unwell during this time and need a consultation or treatment, contact our International Patient Services team who are on hand to make your medical plan easier.

Photo credit: © vinzoun - Fotolia.com

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Recover from Surgery in Le Mans

Le Mans is probably best known for motorsport. Each June it is host to the endurance race: 24-heures du Mans where drivers and cars are tested to the limits in race of stamina and survival.

But Le Mans is more than just motorsport. Set in the heart of the Pays de la Loire, capital of the Sarthe department, Le Mans has captured the hearts of movie directors worldwide. Many well-known films have been shot here including The Man in the Iron Mask, The Three Musketeers and Cyrano de Bergerac.

And it’s not surprising why. Being the same size as Lyon but with only one sixth of Lyon’s population, Le Mans is rich in history and space making it a relaxing and enjoyable city to spend a weekend, a week or even longer visiting.

If you’re recovering from surgery here, this historic city offers a wide range of activities depending on your capabilities: from wandering the cobbled streets of Vieux Mans with its beautiful 15th Century timbered houses, to relaxing in the wide open green space of the Jardin des Plantes enticing everyone from families to horticulturists.

Or get out of the city and the landscape surrounding Le Mans is stunning. Rolling hills, quaint villages, meandering rivers, chateaux’s and world famous vineyards.

Whatever your preference, Le Mans will provide. Contact our International Patients Services team to discuss your healthcare needs. We’re here to help.

Photo credits: Flickr, Office de Tourisme du Mans (FB Page)

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The Nice Jazz Festival - July

If you’re considering, or require, health treatment or surgery within the next couple of months, you may decide to choose the month of July at our clinic in Nice to take advantage of recovery during the Nice Jazz Festival.

This annual festival is renowned by many, including Frommers, for being the “biggest, flashiest, and most prestigious jazz festival in Europe”. It begins on Tuesday 8th July and lasts for five fantastic days of jazz, soul, funk, pop and world music. Something to suit everyone!

Since its beginning in 1948, the Nice Jazz Festival has seen the likes of Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis perform on its stages. This year the line-up consists of 10-time Grammy winner George Benson, Ben Harper, Esperanza Spalding and legends Earth, Wind & Fire amongst others.

So why not speak to our International Patient Services team about your healthcare needs at our clinic in Nice, to ensure you make the most of this popular musical event.

Photo credit: Flickr

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The best time of year to visit France for surgery

France is a year–round destination that attracts a steady flow of visitors throughout the four seasons of the year. But if that’s the case, when is the best time to travel there for surgery? Well, the summer months are inevitably the most popular and afford the warmest weather. However, the low seasons draw fewer crowds and, therefore, can be a more pleasant time to visit; especially for surgery with its inevitable recovery period.

Weather

As we’ve said, summer months in France offer the warmest weather, but the country actually enjoys a pleasant and relatively temperate climate all year. Certain regions have their own microclimates, which can cause temperature fluctuations from town to town.

For example, an oceanic climate with high humidity is afforded on the Atlantic and Channel coasts, while Paris and the central regions have an intermediate climate with relatively warm summers and cold winters. The south of France, as everyone knows, enjoys a Mediterranean climate that sometimes allows for super-hot summers and calm winters.

Crowds

School holidays and warm weather mean that May to September is often the busiest time to visit France. Remember though, that France has a reputation for romance and Paris in particular sees a large influx of visitors on and around Valentine’s Day.

Two notable French sporting events that attract large numbers of visitors are the Tour De France and French Open tennis championships that are held in July and May to June respectively. Furthermore, the Paris Auto Show often entices huge numbers of car enthusiasts. The event, that takes place in October each year, is the pinnacle of the French automobile calendar and gives manufacturers an international audience to which to showcase their unique styles to.

France really is a year-round destination, so anytime you are thinking of travelling there for surgery will be fine. However, it’s also worth noting that many small shops and restaurants in Paris and elsewhere, for that matter, often close for part or all of August, when residents take their yearly holidays.

Remember though that large crowds may not be the perfect post-surgery prescription, so choose your dates with that in mind.

Photo credit: Flickr

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Foods that heal: optimise your nutrition following surgery

Many people follow strict eating regimes before any surgery, be it minor or major. However, few people realise that what you eat after surgery is just as important.

This is because surgery is a major trauma on our bodies and as such, they have to significantly repair themselves following any surgical procedure. This is why it’s vital that you give your body everything it needs during this crucial healing stage.

Many people think that because they will inevitably be inactive following surgery they should reduce their calorie intake. The opposite, however, is often true and post-surgery patients need additional essential calories and nutrients to facilitate the reparation process.

Protein

It’s important that you follow a balanced diet after surgery, but one of the key components of this has to be protein. Muscles are often damaged or disturbed during surgery and need protein in order to heal. That’s why it’s important to fill your diet with foods like poultry, meat, fish, eggs, yogurt, cheese, beans and nuts. Alternatively, you can use protein supplements to boost your intake and aid the muscle healing process.

Vitamins

Furthermore, there are a number of vitamins that are vital for the healing process. For example, vitamin C aids in soft tissue repair and vitamin E is important in antioxidant defence. Some individuals may be prescribed vitamin supplements by their medical professional, but the best source, of course, is from food.

Almonds, wheat germ, peanuts, sunflower seeds and plant oils are all loaded with vitamin E, while strawberries, citrus fruits, kiwi, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and bell peppers contain high levels of vitamin C.

Whatever your surgery, it’s important that you don’t shy away from food. The surgeons have done their bit and now it’s time for you to do yours.

Photo credit: © NOBU - Fotolia.com

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Treating Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can often occur because of work repetition, exercise repetition or in rarer cases due to compression related trauma, pregnancy, thyroid disease or arthritis.

The name Carpal Tunnel refers to the region located in the palm of the hand between the carpal bones and the flexor carpi. This tunnel contains nine flexor tendons and a median nerve.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can happen when the synovial tissue surrounding the tendon becomes thickened, resulting in space being reduced so the median nerve gets compressed.

Symptoms include tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers. This pain can travel up the forearm resulting in some patients having difficulty holding objects or opening doors.

Depending on the severity, treatment will vary from patient to patient.

Medical treatment consists of the patient wearing a wrist splint containing an analgesic every night to ease the pain.

However in severe cases France Surgery recommend surgery to eliminate the pain and ultimately cure the condition. This simple procedure consists of cutting the annular ligament to decrease the pressure inside the tunnel, and is normally treated on an out-patient basis.

If you’re suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, contact France Surgery today and get one step closer to living pain-free.