Radiation Therapy
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Radiation therapy, often referred to as radiotherapy, is a common form of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It works by damaging the DNA of cancerous cells, which prevents them from growing and dividing, ultimately leading to cell death.
There are various types of radiation therapy, including external beam radiation therapy, which involves directing radiation at the cancer from a machine outside the body, and internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy, where radioactive materials are placed inside the body close to the cancerous cells. Additionally, systemic radiation therapy involves the ingestion or injection of radioactive substances that travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells.
While it's commonly used to treat cancer, radiation therapy may also be employed in certain cases to shrink a tumor before surgical removal or to treat benign, non-cancerous conditions. The need for radiation therapy is determined by various factors, including the type, location, and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and other treatments they may have undergone.
Procedure Duration
The duration of radiation therapy varies depending on the type of cancer, its location, the type of radiation therapy prescribed, and the total dose required. Typically, external beam radiation therapy sessions last only a few minutes, but the entire process might take longer, considering the setup time. Patients generally receive external beam radiation therapy over several weeks, with sessions scheduled five days a week.
Brachytherapy, or internal radiation therapy, has a more variable duration. Some treatments are completed in a single session, while others might require multiple sessions spanning a few weeks. The radioactive material might be left in place permanently or only temporarily, depending on the specific treatment plan.
Recovery time is also variable. Many patients experience fatigue and some skin changes in the treated area, which can last for a few weeks after the completion of the treatment. However, some side effects, particularly from internal radiation therapy, may persist for longer. It's essential for patients to consult with their healthcare provider about what to expect regarding both treatment duration and recovery.
Benefits
- Cost-Effective: Many countries offer radiation therapy at a fraction of the cost compared to treatment in the U.S. or Western Europe without compromising the quality of care.
- Access to Advanced Technology: Certain destinations are equipped with the latest technology in radiation therapy, ensuring cutting-edge treatment options.
- Expertise: Some international hospitals have globally renowned specialists, ensuring high-quality care.
- Shorter Wait Times: For patients from countries with longer waiting periods, traveling abroad can mean receiving treatment more quickly.
- Combining Treatment with Recovery Vacation: Many destinations offer the dual benefit of world-class medical facilities and scenic locales for recovery.
Potential Destinations
- India: Cities like Mumbai and Delhi are known for advanced medical facilities.
- Thailand: Bangkok has some of Asia's top hospitals.
- South Korea: Seoul boasts state-of-the-art medical institutions.
- Germany: Cities like Munich and Berlin are renowned for their medical expertise.
- Mexico: Border cities and major hubs like Mexico City and Monterrey cater to international medical tourists.
Risks & Considerations
- Quality Assurance: It's essential to research and ensure that the chosen healthcare facility meets international standards.
- Language Barriers: Communication can be a challenge, so consider facilities with multilingual staff.
- Post-Treatment Care: Ensure a clear understanding of follow-up care needs and how they'll be met either abroad or at home.
- Travel Stress: Long flights and travel can be taxing, especially for patients already in delicate health.
How to choose the right doctor and hospital
- Accreditation: Seek hospitals with international healthcare accreditation.
- Doctor Qualifications: Check the certifications and training of the attending physicians.
- Previous Patient Reviews: Look for feedback from other international patients who have undergone treatment at the same facility.
- Facilities and Technology: Ensure the hospital is equipped with the latest technology and has up-to-date facilities.
- Post-Care Services: Check if the hospital offers rehabilitation or recuperation services post-treatment.
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
