Pterygium Removal
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Pterygium removal is a surgical procedure aimed at removing a benign growth of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye. A pterygium often appears as a pinkish, triangular-shaped growth that starts at the corner of the eye and can extend towards the cornea. Though typically non-cancerous, pterygium can cause irritation, redness, and in severe cases, impair vision by affecting the cornea or distorting the eye’s surface. If left untreated, pterygium can cause astigmatism or more serious visual problems.
The exact cause of pterygium is not fully understood, but it is frequently associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, dust, and wind. People who live in sunny climates or spend considerable time outdoors are at greater risk. Pterygium removal is usually recommended when the growth is large enough to affect vision or cause discomfort that cannot be managed with medications or non-surgical interventions such as eye drops or protective lenses.
The surgical procedure to remove pterygium typically involves excising the growth and covering the area with a graft from the patient's own conjunctiva or amniotic membrane, which helps to reduce the risk of recurrence. This technique is known as conjunctival autografting and is the gold standard for reducing pterygium regrowth. Another method involves the use of fibrin glue, which has become increasingly popular because it shortens recovery time and causes less postoperative discomfort compared to traditional suturing methods.
Procedure Duration
The duration of pterygium removal surgery is relatively short, typically lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and the method used. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that the patient is awake but comfortable during the surgery. While the surgery itself may be quick, there are pre-operative and post-operative phases that require additional time and care.
Before surgery, a thorough eye examination is conducted to assess the size and location of the pterygium, as well as the overall health of the eye. The patient may also be asked to stop wearing contact lenses and to avoid certain medications that can increase bleeding risks. On the day of surgery, the patient will typically spend about an hour at the clinic for preparation, anesthesia, and recovery observation.
Post-surgery, patients are usually able to return home the same day, but complete recovery takes several weeks. The initial recovery period typically lasts one to two weeks, during which time the patient may experience mild discomfort, redness, or a gritty sensation in the eye. Eye drops are prescribed to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote healing. It is also important to avoid direct sunlight, dust, and wind during the recovery phase to prevent irritation. Full visual recovery may take up to one month, depending on the size of the pterygium and the surgical technique used.
Benefits
- Improved Vision: Pterygium removal helps restore normal vision, especially when the growth begins to encroach on the cornea or cause astigmatism.
- Relief from Discomfort: The procedure alleviates symptoms such as redness, irritation, and the gritty sensation often associated with pterygium.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Removing the pterygium improves the appearance of the eye by eliminating the noticeable pinkish growth.
- Prevention of Recurrence: With advanced techniques like conjunctival autografting and the use of fibrin glue, the risk of pterygium regrowth is significantly reduced.
- Quick Recovery: The surgery is relatively short, and most patients experience a rapid recovery with minimal postoperative discomfort.
Potential Destinations
- Thailand: Thailand is renowned for its high-quality ophthalmology services, with a large number of clinics specializing in pterygium removal. Medical tourists benefit from advanced surgical techniques, experienced surgeons, and affordable costs. The country’s healthcare facilities are internationally accredited, making it an ideal choice for those seeking quality care at competitive prices.
- Turkey: Known for its booming medical tourism industry, Turkey offers a wide range of eye surgeries, including pterygium removal, at state-of-the-art clinics. Patients often choose Turkey due to its blend of high-quality healthcare and affordable treatment costs, along with the opportunity to recover in beautiful, culturally rich surroundings.
- India: India is another leading destination for eye surgeries, offering world-class treatment at a fraction of the cost found in Western countries. Indian ophthalmologists are highly trained, and the country's private hospitals are equipped with the latest technologies, making India a popular choice for pterygium removal.
- Mexico: Close to the United States, Mexico offers convenient access to affordable medical care without compromising on quality. Many clinics specializing in eye surgeries cater to international patients, providing pterygium removal with modern techniques and quick recovery times, making it an appealing option for North American patients.
- Spain: Spain is known for its excellent healthcare system and highly skilled ophthalmologists. With its blend of top-notch medical facilities and appealing tourist destinations, Spain is a great option for patients looking to combine medical treatment with leisure.
Risks & Considerations
- Recurrence: Pterygium can regrow after surgery, especially if no grafting technique is used. However, advanced methods significantly reduce the recurrence rate.
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, but proper post-operative care and the use of prescribed antibiotics can minimize this risk.
- Scarring: Some patients may develop scarring on the cornea, which can affect vision. However, this is uncommon with modern surgical techniques.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: After surgery, some patients may experience dry eyes, requiring the use of lubricating eye drops to manage the condition.
- Post-Operative Discomfort: While discomfort such as redness and a gritty sensation is expected, prolonged or severe discomfort may require follow-up care.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting the right doctor and hospital for pterygium removal is critical for ensuring a successful outcome. Patients should seek a board-certified ophthalmologist with specific expertise in pterygium surgery. Checking the surgeon’s credentials, experience, and patient reviews can provide insight into the quality of care offered. It is also advisable to inquire about the surgical techniques used, as advanced methods such as conjunctival autografting or the use of fibrin glue can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
In addition to choosing the right doctor, the hospital or clinic's reputation is equally important. Ensure that the facility is equipped with modern ophthalmic technology and adheres to international standards of patient care. For medical tourists, it is wise to select a hospital that is accustomed to treating international patients and can offer comprehensive post-operative support.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
