Medical Tourism

Transcription

Medical Tourism

Medical
Tourism
in the Czech Republic
The Czech
Republic
Ing. Karla Šlechtová Minister for Regional Development of the Czech Republic
A Medical Tourism
Destination
MUDr. Svatopluk Němeček, MBA
Minister of Health of the Czech Republic
Dear readers,
Dear visitors,
You are holding a medical tourism information booklet that
presents the work of leading Czech medical centres, specialized clinics, and hospitals, including descriptions of the most
popular and interesting procedures in this specific area of tourism. The Czech Republic is among top European countries in
the area of medical tourism, not only because of its renowned
spa care, but also due to the quality of care in its hospitals, its
world-renowned surgery, cardiology, neurology, and research
work in these areas.
If you would like to travel to a country that offers not only
many cultural and historical experiences, but also a pleasant
and peaceful mountain environment suitable for relaxation or
recuperation, the Czech Republic is the place for you. But this
is not all; the Czech Republic also excels in the area of therapeutic and spa care performed by highly qualified and trained
personnel. Not only do we rank among the top European countries when it comes to the quality of healthcare, but in 2006
the first quality award from the European Spas Association in
Brussels went to none other than a Czech spa facility.
Medical tourism is a quickly-developing segment that attracts
thousands to the Czech Republic each year. Clients arriving in
the Czech Republic from around the world represent a significant portion of travellers who spend an above-average amount
of time here. They combine stays in spas or treatment centres
with visits to historical sites, restaurants, and other touristic
destinations. Interestingly, for plastic surgery the length of
stay recommended by doctors is around 5 days; for infertility
treatment 7-20 days; for obesity treatment it is approximately
a week, and the longest amount of time is spent in the Czech
Republic by tourists seeking out orthopaedic procedures in
Czech clinics, such as joint replacement. In these cases, their
stay is on average up to a month. On the other hand, even oneday dental procedures are becoming increasingly popular, or
treatment of varicose veins or gallstones.
CzechTourism has been supporting health tourism since 2011,
and the booklet you have in your hands is another effort in this
area. I trust that medical tourism will increase in the coming
years, and will thus help boost the prestige of the Czech Republic’s “brand” abroad.
Ing. Karla Šlechtová Minister for Regional Development of the Czech Republic
After all, history does not reside only in magnificent architectural monuments such as the Prague Castle, the Charles
Bridge, or Old Town Square with its astronomical clock, but
also in the centuries-old tradition of Czech medicine that
dates back to 1348, when the first faculty of medicine was
established at Charles University. Important Czech personalities in the area of medicine include J. Jánský (discovered the
blood groups), J. G. Mendel (laid the foundations of genetics),
J. Wichterle (invented contact lenses), and J. Holý (pioneered
the treatment of Hepatitis B).
The Czech Republic offers a broad spectrum of medical and
surgical facilities known worldwide for their excellent results.
These are equipped with the latest equipment and use the
latest procedures for treatment. The Czech Republic offers
treatment in a broad spectrum of areas, including cardiology,
neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, plastic surgery, or paediatrics. Treatment is available not only in highly specialized
centres, university hospitals, and institutions, but also in other
hospitals of a general or specialized nature.
In one of the many spa facilities you can use combined therapy,
including pre-operative and post-operative care. Czech spas
were among the first to begin using not only medical science
but also the healing effects of natural mineral waters and thermal springs or other natural sources, such as peat. Our worldrenowned spas include Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) and Mariánské
Lázně (Marienbad), the unforgettable atmosphere of Karlova
Studánka, or Janské Lázně, specializing in children’s lung diseases. Our spas offer treatment for a broad spectrum of health
problems, including back problems, gastrointestinal disease,
cardiovascular disease, gynaecological problems, or muscular
and skeletal afflictions.
We look forward to your visit.
MUDr. Svatopluk Němeček, MBA
Minister of Health of the Czech Republic
Medical Tourism in the Czech Republic
Mariánské Lázně
www.czechtourism.com 1
Why go to the
Czech Republic for
Medical Tourism?
Recepcion
Healthcare Facilities With
High Standards
Medical specialists
The Czech Republic has very
strict accreditation requirements for healthcare facilities,
whether state-operated or
private. Clinics and hospitals
undergo regular inspections,
and patients themselves have
the opportunity to assess
the quality of their care in
national surveys.
Certified Hospitals and
Clinics
Healthcare facilities in the
Czech Republic are prepared
to admit foreign clients and
provide top-notch care, from
initial consultation, through
the procedure itself, to the
discharge report and subsequent checks. Foreign clients
can organize their trip themselves directly with a selected
clinic, or can turn to a specialized agency. In both cases,
Czech physicians along
with other staff will do their
utmost to accommodate all
requirements. If desired, specialized agencies can arrange
“turnkey” trips according
to the client’s wishes to the
degree that he or she does not
have to worry about a thing,
and can be accompanied by
an individual of their choice
and a translator.
Prague
Highly Trained Staff
Quality Care at All Levels
Top-notch doctors,
modern equipment, the latest
methods, multilingual staff
at all levels – these are the
foundations for a successful
trip for a medical procedure,
ones that the Czech Republic
can guarantee. The healthcare provided is naturally
comprehensive, but nevertheless there are fields that
are especially sought out by
foreign visitors. These include
assisted reproduction and
related top-notch neonatal
care within the scope of preop preparations and paediatrics. Healthcare facilities
specializing in helping couples conceive have excellent
results, where the opportunity
to relax in related spa resorts
also plays a role.
Spas are also useful in other
fields as part of the patient’s
pre-op preparations and
post-op recuperation: in cardiology, orthopaedics, and
neurology. Plastic surgery,
dentistry, and eye surgery
offer help in addressing aesthetic and of course health
problems. Check-up programmes facilitate the early
detection of the symptoms
of more serious disease,
increasing the success rate
of treatment. For example,
in the area of oncology, early
diagnosis within the scope
of preventive screening programmes is very important, as
it increases the chance treatment will be successful. In all
these fields, you can put yourself in the hands of top Czech
doctors with absolute trust.
Znojmo
8x yes to a trip to the Czech
Republic for medical care
What can the Czech Republic
offer foreign clients?
Peat compress
Legend
easy walking tours
1. Competitive prices
2.A high standard of care
3.Suitable treatment/surgery
dates
4.The availability of the latest
technologies and medical
procedures
5.Strict hygienic standards
6.The highest patient safety
standards during hospitalization
7.Associated spa care and
natural healing sources
8.A broad spectrum of leisure
activities (cultural and
natural sights, rich history)
for both the patient and
their escort
spa
culinary tourism
nice to see (nature, historical sites, interesting places)
2 Medical Tourism in the Czech Republic
The Czech
Republic
Václav Havel Airport
Before setting out for the
Czech Republic for medical care, you will naturally
have questions. Today, the
most accessible source of
information is the Internet,
where basic information on
the Czech Republic and its
healthcare system is available.
See for yourself that the Czech
Republic is an ideal destination for medical tourism.
Language is not a Problem
Doctors and other staff that
you will encounter speak English, German, or Russian. In
order to ensure that you have
all the information you need,
prior to setting out on your
trip, ask the clinic you have
selected to consult directly
with your doctor. Verify to
what degree the healthcare
facility and its staff meet language requirements and how
they react to questions and
comments.
A Safe Place
Where You Will
Receive the Best Care
Prague – Charles Bridge
Careful Organization of
Your Trip and Complete
Information in Advance
The organization of your trip
will fully meet the requirements of the treatment or
surgery you have chosen. Discuss its course in detail with
the clinic or agency you have
chosen, which will alert you to
any related risks and restrictions. You will find out what
pre-op examinations await
you and how long you will
be required to remain in the
healthcare facility afterwards,
as well as what activities you
will be capable of given your
condition.
Certified Doctors
For the client, the quality of
clinics and the professional
qualifications of doctors is
what is most important. For
this reason, you will be cared
for by doctors renowned in
Europe who have gained
experiences and certificates
not only in the Czech Republic but also abroad, who publish in their field actively, and
who are trained in the latest
medical procedures. Their
professional CVs are available
on the clinic’s website, or can
be sent to you by the agency.
In the case of plastic surgery
and dentistry, you can ask to
be sent sample pre and postop photographs.
High-Quality Clinics
Clinics are modern facilities
that meet the most demanding hygienic and procedural
requirements. All healthcare
facilities are subject to strict
supervision by the Ministry of
Health of the Czech Republic or appropriate central,
regional, or municipal authorities. Inspections ensure that
requirements are being met
in the area of staff qualifications, hygiene, and problem
reporting.
Transparent and Correct
Handling of Your Money
If you send a healthcare
facility or agency money in
advance and then change
your mind, you need not be
concerned about your money.
You have the full right to
cancel a planned operation.
It may also happen that the
clinic will recommend the
operation be deferred due to
your current state of health.
In both cases, any advance
payments you might have
made will be refunded. The
clinic will only keep sufficient
funds to cover expenses
related to examinations you
actually underwent, such as
pre-op exams or lab tests.
your post-op rehabilitation
at a spa treatment facility of
your choice, you will visit the
clinic for regular check-ups,
and the doctor will recommend suitable leisure activities according to your state of
health.
During your final check-up,
the doctor will issue a complete medical report for your
doctor at home, including
recommended subsequent
care, and will recommend you
to visit him upon returning
home. The healthcare facility in the Czech Republic will
remain in contact with you,
and will cooperate with you
and your doctor as required.
Post-Operative Care and
Returning Home
If the doctor is satisfied with
your condition, you will be
released from the clinic for
recuperation. If you continue
Consultation
Bariatrics
A healthy diet is key
Obesity is currently
considered to be a global
health problem, with one
person in three being
overweight. When classical
nutritional and behavioural
approaches fail, bariatric
surgery can help.
Why Choose the Czech
Republic?
Most Frequently Requested
Procedures
Czech bariatrics uses the
latest methods, and holds
global primacy in laparoscopic gastric banding.
The gastric fundoplication
method, where the stomach
wall is folded in on itself and
then sewn together, was even
pioneered here (as well as in
the USA). Prior to surgery,
we recommend visiting one
of the Czech spa facilities that
specialize in anti-obesity and
healthy lifestyle programmes.
In combination with bariatric
surgery, this ensures optimum results.
Bariatric procedures are suitable for clients with a BMI
of 35 or more. Their goal is
to reduce the patient’s food
intake without attendant
feelings of hunger. Without
a doubt, bariatric surgery has
the best long-term effects in
treating obesity in clients with
a BMI ≥40.
Czech doctors perform surgery laparoscopically (also
termed keyhole surgery), as
this is a less invasive method
of dealing with obesity, reducing the negative effects of
surgery and improving the
patient’s post-operative condition and recuperation. An
important consideration is the
price of surgery, which is significantly less than in Western
Europe and the USA.
Gastric Banding
One of the most popular bariatric surgery procedures is
gastric banding. Here, a silicon sleeve is laparoscopically
implanted around the upper
part of the stomach, resulting
in an hourglass shape. The
upper part has a small volume
(about 20 to 30 ml). After
ingestion of a small amount
of food, the upper part of
the stomach quickly fills up
and the patient feels full.
A gastroscopic examination
is required prior to surgery
to rule out problems with the
An operating theatre
oesophagus and stomach, as
well as an abdominal ultrasound scan.
After the surgery, patients
usually lose around 2 kg per
month, for around 2 years.
A major advantage of this
surgery is that the band can
be left in place permanently
to provide an early feeling of
satiety.
• duration of surgery:
40 – 60 minutes
• total anaesthetic:
yes (depending on the
procedure)
• hospitalization: 1 – 4 days
• suitable activities
for the patient:
The stomach
Vertical Sleeve
Gastrectomy
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy or
tubulisation of the stomach
is another often-requested
procedure. This is restrictive
surgery that is performed
laparoscopically, and consists of reducing stomach
volume by 70-85 %. The
stomach is cut longitudinally
and re-sewn along its entire
length to create a tube or
sleeve. This not only reduced
the stomach’s capacity, but
also reduces or even eliminates hunger on an empty
stomach. Food portions are
significantly reduced, and the
patient loses more weight and
more quickly than with gastric banding. A gastroscopic
examination is required prior
to surgery to rule out problems with the oesophagus
and stomach, as well as an
abdominal ultrasound scan.
• duration of surgery: 2 – 3
hours
procedure)
for the patient:
Stomach Plication
Another modern treatment
for obesity is LGCP – Laparoscopic Great Curvature
Plication. During this operation, part of the stomach is
bundled into itself so that it
contains part of itself. The
stomach’s volume is thus
reduced to one-third to onequarter of its original size.
When eating, patients fill up
after eating a small amount
of food and quickly feel full.
During the operation, no part
of the stomach is removed
and the stomach is not
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medicaltourism
opened, resulting in low risk
of surgery-related complications. The operation is fully
reversible because the stitches
can be removed. Patients usually lose about half of their
excess weight over what is
optimal for their height.
1.5 hours
procedure)
for the patient:
Czech clinics also offer the following procedures: intragastric balloon, Roux-Y gastric
bypass, and biliopancreatic
diversion with duodenal
switch. The choice of procedure depends on the client’s
health and success of prior
treatments.
Diagnostics
and Check-up
Programmes
A diagnostic examination
It is a truism that one needs to
take care of one’s health. This
is precisely why prevention
is important; it plays
a significant role in preventing
potential illnesses, or catches
them in their early stages,
improving chances of a quick
recovery.
Republic?
The Czech Republic has a long
history of screening programmes and comprehensive
check-ups that provably lead
to early detection of illness
and thus reduced mortality. For example, the Czech
Republic was among the first
countries in the world to
have a cancer screening programme (breast, uterine, and
cervical cancer, colon or anal
cancer).
Basic Check-up
A basic check-up includes
a comprehensive assessment
of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination, an ECG, basic lab tests,
a discussion of the check-up
results with a doctor, a conclusion and recommended
solutions for any health
problems, as well as a medical
report in a foreign language.
• check-up duration:
various
• total anaesthetic: no
• hospitalization: usually
without hospitalization
for the patient:
Total Diagnostic
Programme
A total diagnostic programme
consists of a comprehensive
internal examination including all laboratory blood and
microbiological tests, an ECG
(electrocardiogram) test,
X-rays, and in some cases also
computer tomography (CT).
This is followed by a complete
and detailed assessment of
Consultation
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Tomography (CT)
the results within the context
of your family medical history
by a diagnostic physician.
A second round involves more
detailed examinations focusing on one or more specific
health problems, for example
the cardiovascular system, the
nervous system, the muscular
and skeletal system (sports
diagnostics), the lungs and
respiratory system, endocrine,
gynaecological, urological, or
optical exams. An important
part of the exam is a body
mass index (BMI) measurement, which helps assess the
patient’s risk of obesity.
various
• hospitalization: usually
without hospitalization
for the patient:
Magnetic resonance (MRI)
Diagnostic facilities have
modern equipment such as
computer tomography (CT),
magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), ultrasound, X-ray, and
other facilities as standard
equipment.
“Personalized medicine”
based on a genetic analysis
has become very popular in
the diagnosis of illnesses such
as thrombophilia, coeliac
disease, lactose intolerance,
ankylosing spondylitis, and
others. These sophisticated
diagnoses are performed in
specialized laboratories and
clinics, which will be searched
out by the agency of your
choice according to your
requirements.
„Second opinion“
Diagnostics can also include
a second opinion regarding
a specific proposed medical
procedure or therapy that is
already in progress, including
possible complications. In this
case, a diagnosis has already
been made (for example
a diagnosis the client already
received in his home country), and top Czech experts in
the given field then provide
a second opinion. The client
can thus assure himself that
his treatment is proceeding
correctly, or can decide on the
most suitable course.
Cardiology and
Cardiac Surgery
Cardiology
The heart is an important
organ, which is something
people have known since
ancient times. It is considered
to be the symbol of life and
of love. Thanks to preventive
check-ups, you will rest
assured that it is in good
condition.
Republic?
The Czech Republic has
celebrated important milestones in cardiac surgery: in
1984 it had its first successful
heart transplant, and in 2013
Czech doctors performed the
first ever mitral valve surgery
using a catheter to introduce
tools into the heart via an
artery, eliminating the need to
open the chest. The primary
success of Czech cardiology of
the last 20 years can be considered the reduction of death
rates from cardiovascular disease by 26 % in men and 21 %
in women.
Cardiac care in the Czech
Republic is of excellent quality and is constantly evolving;
endoscopic and minimally
invasive procedures are coming to the fore, which allow
more rapid recuperation and
reduce post-operative complications. One new method is
robotic surgery using da Vinci
robots. This method accelerates post-op recovery even
further, and substantially
reduces post-operative complications.
The Czech Republic is globally recognized as a country
with an excellent system of
care for those suffering from
acute coronary symptoms,
especially the treatment of
acute myocardial infarctions
(heart attacks). It possesses
The heart
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Heart surgery
sufficient comprehensive
cardiovascular centres as well
as educated and experienced
specialists in the field, who
among other things focus on
cardiac procedures following
a heart attack, whose goal is
to prevent further attacks.
a special X-ray examination
of the blood vessels. If you
choose an agency to make
your arrangements, they can
supply you with precise information on what type of checkup can be requested (there
are three levels of complexity)
and which facilities provide
these services.
Preventive Check-ups
Specialized centres focus on
an overall cardiac diagnosis,
which is why a preventive
check-up of heart activity and
the vascular system is popular
and beneficial. It consists
of a clinical examination by
a cardiologist, lab tests, an
ECG, an echocardiogram, and
computer tomography (CT).
The check-up can also be
supplemented with Doppler
ultrasound examinations of
blood vessels, an X-ray or CT
scan of the heart and lungs,
or an angiograph, which is
A heart check-up
various
depending on the nature
of the procedure
• hospitalization:
of the procedure
for the patient:
What Treatments Does the
Czech Republic Offer?
Cardiovascular surgery clinics
focus on heart operations in
adults, including heart transplants and reconstruction of
the aorta. At the forefront is
surgical treatment of coronary
heart disease. The number
of patients operated on at
a higher age and with risk
factors is increasing. Czech
clinics have also long been at
the forefront of surgical treatment of heart arrhythmia, of
acquired valve defects, and of
large blood vessel reconstruction.
Neurology
and Neurosurgery
Even if you have a healthy
lifestyle, it still makes sense
to have your blood pressure
and pulse checked, to have
an ultrasound of your jugular
arteries done, or an ECG.
After all, strokes, which can
be prevented, are the second
most frequent cause of death
in developed countries.
Republic?
Over the last few decades,
neurology and neurosurgery have experienced
rapid growth thanks to the
development of new imaging
methods: computer tomography (CT), positron emission
tomography with computer
tomography (PET CT),
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and new surgical
technologies and techniques.
The latter are primarily
stereotactic surgery, which
allows surgery on deep brain
structures with minimum tissue damage along the access
path, endoscopic, robotic,
and CyberKnife surgery, and
others.
These modern diagnostic
tools, technologies, and
methods are available in the
Czech Republic for treatment
of strokes, epilepsy, degenerative brain disease (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s
disease), spinal disc herniation, post-traumatic disorders, degenerative spine diseases, neuropathy, and brain
and spinal cord infections and
tumours. There is an entirely
new treatment concept for
premature fusion of skull
sutures. These pathological
synotoses can be eliminated
via endoscopic (keyhole)
surgery to allow a newborn
child’s skull to grow properly.
As opposed to classical open
surgery, the child is exposed
to lower risk of post-operative
complications.
Tomography
ment can be recommended,
such as a device that ensures
permanent overpressure in
the respiratory tract.
Magnetic resonance (MRI)
Epileptological Centres
Prevention
Preventive neurology includes
of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination, neurologically-focused
lab tests, the use of imaging
techniques, consultation
of the results with a neurologists, a conclusion, and
recommended treatment of
health problems and a doctor’s report in a foreign language.
various
of the procedure
of the procedure
for the patient:
Sleep Disorder Centres
Another set of modern facilities available in the Czech
Republic are sleep disorder
centres. These are specialized
facilities for the diagnosis and
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Neurons in the human brain
treatment of sleep disorders
focus primarily on sleeplessness, excessive daytime
sleepiness, and abnormal
behaviour or movement during sleep. The most significant
component is treatment of
patients with sleep apnoea
syndrome (a breathing disorder where breathing stops
during sleep). These centres
perform comprehensive
polysomnigraphic examinations, during which many
parameters are monitored
simultaneously: EEG (electroencephalography), EOG
(electrooculography), EMG
(electromyography) of the
facial muscles, breathing patterns, breathing effort, and
a number of others parameters. Analysis of this data can
then differentiate individual
phases of sleep and the disorder type, and the proper treat-
Epileptological centres offer
special outpatient and inpatient epilepsy care. They
include counselling centres
and monitoring units (EMU)
that, among other things,
perform selection of patients
for treatment, and their longterm monitoring. Treatment
is performed via a modern
method that involves targeted
removal of epileptogenic tissue using stereotactic surgery.
Rehabilitation,
Physiotherapy, and Spa
Care
The fields of neurology and
neurosurgery have a close
connection with the fields of
rehabilitation, physiotherapy,
and spa care. The best inpatient and outpatient facilities
in the Czech Republic ensure
follow-up rehabilitation
of patients with muscular
system problems, including
post-op rehabilitation. Czech
rehabilitation medicine has
an excellent reputation and is
among the best in the world.
Eye Surgery
An eye exam
Laser eye surgery is
a standard procedure whose
safety and permanence is
constantly increasing.
Republic?
Czech scientist Otto Wichterle’s name is a prominent one
in the annals of world ophthalmology. This is because he
invented soft hydrogel contact
lenses, on which today’s contact lenses are based. Today,
Czech doctors are also achieving significant successes: in
2012, they were for example
the first in Central Europe to
implant a mirror telescopic
intraocular lens.
What Surgery Should
You Choose in the Czech
Republic?
The most frequent eye operations in the Czech Republic
are primarily cataract surgery,
“smart” multifocal intraocular
lens implantation, artificial
iris implantation, and intraocular lens implantation.
Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a clouding of the
normally clear lens inside the
eye. Cataract surgery is the
most frequent intraocular
surgery in patients over the
age of 65. It is performed
using a micro-incision and
subsequent implantation of
an intraocular lens whose
optical characteristics can be
customized to the patient’s
needs in a non-invasive
manner after surgery using
UV light. Implantation of
a modern intraocular lens
eliminates not only cataracts,
but also gives clients good
vision without eyeglasses,
thus eliminating myopia,
hyperopia, presbyopia, and
astigmatism.
check-up 120 minutes,
surgery 15 – 20 minutes
yes (via eye drops)
outpatient procedure
for the patient:
Refractive surgery
Laser Eye Surgery
Lasik laser eye surgery (and
its newest variant using
a femtosecond laser) is
very popular and currently
the best way to correct eye
defects. A femtosecond laser
can expend all its energy in
an extremely short period
of time, thus safely and
accurately cutting eye tissue,
especially the cornea. Myopia,
hyperopia, and astigmatism
can also be eliminated using
surgical refraction procedures, such as the latest treatment involving a femtosecond
and excimer laser, implantation of phakic lenses, refractive lens exchange, or treatment of astigmatism using
corneal incisions. Presbyopia
(age-related deterioration of
vision) is treated through the
implantation of multifocal,
trifocal, or toric intraocular
lenses and a special post-
Laser surgery
surgical laser programme,
eliminating the need for reading glasses. When considering this surgery, please bear
in mind that doctors do not
recommend that the preoperative check-up and the
surgery itself be performed on
the same day.
check-up 120 minutes,
surgery 15 – 20 minutes
yes (via eye drops)
outpatient procedure
for the patient:
Ophthalmological Centres
Ophthalmological centres are
highly specialized facilities
that provide comprehensive
treatment of ophthalmological problems of visionimpaired individuals of all
ages. These patients have at
their disposal specialists in
ophthalmological fields, but
also in clinical psychology,
vision therapy, special education, and social and professional guidance.
accompanied by increased
intraocular pressure. The
primary causes of increased
intraocular pressure and incidence of glaucoma are many:
infection, disorders in the
creation of intraocular liquid,
obstructions in the channels
for the outflow of this liquid,
and more.
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Aside from congenital childhood vision disorders such as
strabismus, amblyopia (lazy
eye), refractive defects, or eye
infections, ophthalmological
centres most often deal with
patients with glaucoma,
which can often cause blindness in those over the age of
40. This is caused by damage
to the optic nerve, most often
Oncology
Consultation of a diagnosis
Today, the myth that cancer
can’t be beaten has been
largely overcome. Early
diagnosis and proper
treatment significantly
improve the chances of
a success.
Republic?
In 2013, Prague’s Proton
Centre opened (one of five in
Europe). Proton beam irradiation is very accurate, thus
providing great benefits in the
treatment of tumours near
important structures, such as
tumours of the brain, head,
neck, eyes, lungs or pancreas,
and in the treatment of children. The main advantage of
a proton beam is that it transfers the majority of its energy
only to the tumour tissue,
thus sparing healthy tissue
surrounding it.
The Czech Republic has
achieved significant successes in the area of medical
research in the area of oncology. Czech scientists have
found a way to get cancer
treatment drugs directly to
the tumour: a newly-discovered protein called apoferitin
is capable of binding therapeutic substances to itself and
of delivering them directly
to the affected tissue without
the toxic compounds affecting healthy organs. In 2013,
research was in the phase
of preparations for practical
testing, and treatment may be
available to patients in a few
years.
What Treatment is Available
in the Czech Republic?
Czech oncological centres can
offer clients highly advanced
treatments based on the latest
medical research. A comprehensive range of cancer treatment includes radiotherapy,
chemotherapy, and hormonal
and biological treatment.
Oncological centres also provide treatment of symptoms.
In many cases, a combination
of several types of treatment
is used.
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Radiotherapy
Preventive Oncology
Preventive oncology is a comprehensive assessment of the
patient’s medical history and
a physical check-up, oncology lab tests, use of imaging
technologies, consultation of
the results with an oncologist,
a conclusion and recommendations, as well as a medical
of the treatment
of the treatment
of the treatment
for the patient:
A mammogram
A visualization of the human brain
Oncological Surgery
Oncological surgery is
a basic part of treatment of
solid malignant tumours.
Here, mini-invasive surgical
techniques come into their
own, such as robotic surgery
and the CyberKnife, which
minimize the impact on
the patient’s body. Robotic
surgery provides its greatest benefit during prostate
cancer surgery, but favourable results have also been
reported during selected
surgery of the digestive tract.
The surgery is more accurate,
there is minimal loss of blood,
and patients can return to
work earlier. The CyberKnife,
the only robotic irradiation
device in the world, permits
the application of high doses
of radiation into very small
volumes in the body. It is
a non-invasive alternative
to surgery for some types of
terminal and benign tumours.
The treatment is pain-free,
and provides a non-surgical
alternative for patients without tumours that cannot be
operated on in a standard
fashion.
of the treatment
of the treatment
of the treatment
for the patient:
Orthopaedics
A check-up
Flexible surgery or treatment
dates, pre-operative
preparations, subsequent
care, and a broad range
of related spa care are
significant reasons for
considering orthopaedic care
in the Czech Republic. Age
need not be a factor, with
patients frequently being over
the age of 80.
Republic?
The Czech Republic’s advantages in the area of orthopaedics, aside from highly
qualified doctors and the
latest equipment, also include
implants from renowned
manufacturers and followup rehabilitation medicine.
Czech doctors use modern
methods
The aim is to shorten the
patient’s hospital stay and to
give preference to less invasive surgical procedures that
help reduce post-operative
pain and complications.
Czech orthopaedists and
physiotherapists are worldrenowned for their excellent
results in sports injury treatment. Czech rehabilitation
medicine also has an excellent
global reputation, specializing
primarily in children’s movement pathology.
Surgery and Procedures
Performed in the Czech
Republic
Czech orthopaedic centres
offer a complete range of
orthopaedic operations and
related care: pre-operative
check-ups performed by an
internist and anaesthesiologist, pre-operative preparation, surgery, and subsequent
treatment including specialized rehabilitation. The latter
Rehabilitation
can take place during the
client’s stay at the clinic, or on
an outpatient basis. Doctors
are trained in the use of alloplastic surgery (replacement
of tissue with artificial material) of the major joints using
the latest methods, including
guided surgery or miniinvasive methods. Foreign
clients and those paying their
own way will also appreciate
short ordering times. Selected
orthopaedic clinics and plastic
surgery clinics specialize in
endoprostheses of the shoulder and elbow joint, and of
the small hand joints.
Preventive Check-ups
Preventive orthopaedics is
of the patient’s medical history and a physical checkup, orthopaedics-focused
lab testing, use of imaging
methods, consultation of the
Knee surgery
results with an orthopaedist,
a conclusion and recommendations, as well as a medical
• duration of check-up:
various
• hospitalization: none
for the patient:
Hip Joint Replacement
Total hip joint replacement
is one of the most successful
and frequent operations, not
only in orthopaedics, but in
medicine as such. In 2005,
Czech Republic was among
the first countries of Central
and Eastern Europe to use
a new mini-invasive method
for hip joint surgery. This
unique surgical procedure
minimizes tissue damage
and bears no risk of damage to muscles or ligaments.
For patients, this means less
pain, little swelling, lower
blood loss, reduced risk of
infections, and thus also early
mobility, as soon as the day
after the operation. Compared
to all other minimally invasive
methods, this type of operation can be used on almost
all patients. It requires only
one additional skin incision,
without the need for repeated
X-rays during surgery.
hours
• total anaesthetic: yes
(depending on the
procedure)
• total hospitalization time:
8 days
• suitable activities for the
patient:
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Follow-up Orthopaedic
Care
Sports orthopaedics, sports
medicine centres, and
sports trauma centres are
other areas in which Czech
orthopaedists can offer their
experience. In the area of
sports orthopaedics, they can
treat a wide range of injuries
and post-injury conditions
incurred during sports such as
fractures, bruises, swellings,
dislocations, joint, tendon,
and ligament pain, and so on.
Sports traumatology focuses
on eliminating pain as quickly
as possible and returning the
athlete to his sport.
Paediatrics
Paediatrics
When a child with a small
or nonexistent vocabulary
falls ill, doctors are faced
with a tough task. This is why
cooperation between parents
and children’s doctors is
extremely important.
Republic?
Children’s medical care in the
Czech Republic is excellent,
and has a good international
reputation as well. The Czech
Republic has one of the lowest neonatal mortality rates
(0.15 %) in Europe as well
as in the world. A decline in
infant mortality rates is one of
the major successes of Czech
paediatrics and of Czech medicine in general since 1989.
Over the past twenty five
years, it has declined to one
quarter of its value back then,
which is something unique in
the world.
they could begin: these are
primarily skin problems,
growth pains, etc. A basic
check-up can be supplemented with further examinations stipulated by the doctor
(e.g. immunological, allergy,
or genetic examination), with
consultations with specialists, and the use of imaging
methods.
various
of the problem
• duration of
hospitalization: various
for the patient:
Children’s Diagnostics
The most frequently
requested type of care is
a basic comprehensive checkup and consultation with
a paediatrician. Diagnostics
are required when the child
has some health issues or
symptoms indicating that
Children’s Ophthalmology
Treatment of eye disorders in
children cannot be postponed,
because delays could cause
permanent consequences.
Children’s ophthalmology in
the Czech Republic is at an
excellent level. Children’s eye
A paediatric check-up
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website:
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A paediatric ward
centres offer treatment to
patients with congenital eye
defects, strabismus (crossed
eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye),
refractive defects, or frequent
eye infections.
various
of the problem
• duration of
for the patient:
Children’s Cardiology
In some cases, heart defects
in children require “only”
careful monitoring, but other
times surgery is required.
Children’s cardiology deals
with both diagnostics and
non-surgical therapy of the
heart and vascular system. At
this age, the main problems
Children‘s orthopaedics
are congenital defects of the
heart and large blood vessels,
which are assessed and operated on by respected teams of
children’s cardiologists and
heart surgeons in modern cardiology centres.
various
of the problem
• duration of
for the patient:
Children’s Orthopaedics
Most childhood orthopaedic
defects are not painful, so
they must first be found, for
if caught early, they can be
treated with a high degree
of success. Children’s orthopaedics offers a wide range
of treatment and surgical
techniques and equipment.
Specialized children’s orthopaedic centres focus on reconstructive orthopaedics as
well as on limb-lengthening
surgery. Doctors specializing in the area of children’s
orthopaedics usually work
at university hospitals and
offer mini-invasive as well as
classical orthopaedic surgery.
The Czech Republic has a very
well developed centre for children’s spinal surgery.
various
of the problem
• duration of
for the patient:
Plastic
Surgery
The desire to look healthy,
beautiful, and still young is
as old as mankind itself, and
common to all cultures and
nations. Cosmetic and plastic
surgery can fulfil this desire.
Republic?
The Czech Republic belongs
among pioneers in the field
of plastic surgery. In 1932, it
was the first country in the
world to recognize plastic
surgery as an independent
branch of medicine. About
30 years later, plastic surgery
became a licensed field. The
Czech Republic has qualified
doctors and an extensive network of clinics. Czech doctors
have achieved international
acclaim: for example, Bohdan
Pomahač led the team that
performed the first complete
facial transplant in the USA,
and the third-ever total face
transplant in the world.
Czech clinics are equipped
with the latest equipment,
with the use of a harmonic
scalpel to prevent tissue
damage being common. It is
used during various types of
abdominal plastic surgery,
breast modelling or reduction,
and in facelifts.
The goal of plastic surgery is
to rejuvenate and improve the
shape of selected areas practically anywhere on the body.
Plastic surgery can of course
also fix deformities or abnormalities that can have a negative impact on one’s health.
Be it liposuction, a facelift,
eyelift, or breast enlargement, surgical procedures
are constantly improving,
anaesthetics are gentler on
the organism, and the latest
instruments have significantly
reduced surgery time and
increased its effectiveness.
General and Reconstructive
Plastic Surgery
Today, cosmetic and aesthetic plastic surgery is commonplace in all developed
countries. The Czech Republic
holds primacy in this field, as
it was co-founded by Professor Burian and Sir Gillies of
Great Britain. In this field,
surgery is used to correct con-
Pre-surgery consultation
genital defects of the upper
and lower extremities (for
example syndactyly), cleft lips
and palates, post-cleft deformations, etc. It also focuses
on post-traumatic reconstruction of all parts of the body, or
on reconstruction of defects
following oncological surgery,
including breast reconstruction using the body’s own
fat stem cells, correction of
burn scars, and of extremity
contractions. Further specializations include hand surgery,
including artificial prostheses/replacements of deformed
finger and hand joints. In
these specialized centres, the
use of microsurgery in the
reconstruction of any congenital or acquired defects is
of course commonplace.
Eyelifts
One of the most popular
operations in the area of
cosmetic and plastic surgery
are eyelifts (blepharoplasty),
which address the problem of
sagging eyelids or the formation of fat deposits under the
eyes. This is minor surgery
performed under local anaesthetic.
approx. 1 hour
(depending on the
procedure)
• hospitalization: 0 – 1 day
for the patient:
Excess fat removal:
liposuction, cryolipolysis
A pre-surgery check-up
Liposuction is another popular treatment, involving surgical removal of excess fat in
problematic body parts (chin,
arm, stomach, thighs, buttocks). The treatment involves
the use of laser technology.
Fat elimination can also be
achieved in a non-invasive
manner by freezing fat cells
(cryolipolysis).
Facelift
A facelift is facial surgery
where excess skin and subcutaneous fat are removed
and the firming of underlying
tissues, tightening the skin of
the face or neck (neck lift).
• duration of surgery: 1.5 – 3
hours
depending on
anaesthetic, 1 – 2 days
for the patient:
liposuction 2 – 3 hours
(depending on the
procedure)
for the patient:
Breast Remodelling
Breast remodelling is another
popular procedure, especially
breast augmentation. It can
be performed with implants
filled with saline solution,
silicon gel, or a combination
of both materials. Czech clinics use the latest implants
that have both European and
American safety certification. An alternative method
is increasing breast size using
one’s own fat (auto-augmentation), during which liposuction is also performed. The
body receives its own material, a concentrate of stem
and fat cells. An advantage of
this procedure is that it can be
done on an outpatient basis
under local anaesthetic without the need for hospitalization, during a spa stay in the
Czech Republic.
hours
• total anaesthetic: yes (in
the case of implants)
for the patient:
Abdominal Plastic Surgery
Abdominoplasty, or plastic
surgery of the abdomen, is
popular with both men and
women. Its purpose is to flatten the abdominal area by
removing excess fat and skin,
and firming the musculature
of the abdominal wall. Causes
of a protruding stomach can
be pregnancy, significant
weight loss, or the parting of
vertical stomach muscles and
relaxation of the abdominal
wall.
More information is
website:
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• duration of surgery: 2+
hours
for the patient:
Reproductive
Medicine
Assisted reproduction
Many couples dream of
having a child, nurturing it,
and watching it grow up.
When traditional conception
methods fail, reproductive
medicine centres and clinics
are there to lend a helping
hand.
Republic?
The Czech Republic was
among the first in this respect
– in 1982, a mere four years
after the world premiere of
assisted production, the first
child conceived in this manner was born. The quality of
infertility treatment in Czech
clinics is among the best in
the world. Specialized healthcare facilities provide comprehensive services in the fields
of assisted reproduction and
gynaecology, andrology, urology, and embryology. Thanks
to a broad spectrum of
methods, adherence to strict
criteria important for successful treatment, and long-term
experience, Czech IVF (invitro fertilization) teams are
among the best in the world,
and success rates are also very
high: 70 % in cases involving
donated eggs.
Czech comprehensive IVF
centres can help up to 90 %
of couples, often even those
whose situation seems to be
hopeless. Clinics can offer
extensive experience in all
assisted reproduction procedures available in the best
centres around the world.
Anonymous Donation
Czech legislation also plays
an important role when it
comes to assisted reproduction. This is because it permits anonymous donation
and the ability to choose the
physical characteristics of
the donated egg or sperm. As
opposed to other countries,
donation of eggs and sperm is
legal, voluntary, and safe. It
is based on anonymity, and is
not paid, nevertheless, donors
are reimbursed for any provable and reasonable directly
related expenses they have
incurred, as well as receiving
compensation for any donation-related inconvenience.
More information is
website:
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IVF laboratory
What Treatments Does the
Czech Republic Offer?
One assisted reproduction
method is in-vitro fertilization (IVF), which is based on
stimulating a female patient’s
ovaries with hormones. As
a result, extra oocytes mature
in the ovaries, and are then
collected and fertilized in an
embryological lab. The collection is performed on an
outpatient basis and lasts
no longer than 20 minutes.
After the procedure, the
woman relaxes in bed in
a pleasant environment,
and after a check-up can
return to her family. Foreign
clients can combine a visit
to a reproductive clinic with
a stay at a Czech therapeutic
spa located near the selected
clinic.
An infant
directly into the prepared
egg. This method can also be
improved by selecting higherquality sperm used to fertilize
egg cells (PICSI). The embryotransfer (ET) technique is
often used in combination
with IVF, where embryos are
placed in the womb so that
pregnancy in the mother’s
body can commence. Preimplantation genetic diagnostics (PGD) are an important
part of assisted reproduction,
which permit examination
of the egg or embryo prior to
it being introduced into the
womb.
• procedure duration:
various
for the patient:
Laboratories
The quality of lab work is very
important to the IVF process.
Labs in Czech centres quickly
implement new findings into
their practice, and embryos
are genetically analyzed or
constantly monitored in an
embryoscope, an incubator
where they develop while
being monitored by a camera.
This allows for timely discovery of any developmental
irregularities, and to select
embryos from which a healthy
child will be born. Labs also
monitor other parameters
that can indicate impending
permanent loss of or interference with fertility.
To prepare an egg for fertilization, intracystplasmic sperm
injection (ICSI) is used, where
one sperm is introduced
Dentistry
A dental clinic
In the Czech Republic, you
can obtain a first-rate bright
smile, straight teeth, or
invisible braces quickly and
for a reasonable price.
Republic?
Czech dentists are all mandatory members of the Czech
Dental Chamber, which
has a 25-year tradition and
guarantees a professional
approach and high-quality
treatment. Czech clinics use
top-notch equipment and
place emphasis on the procedure’s concept, quickness,
and the use of mini-invasive
methods. The goal is always
to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure, and
an effort to preserve his or
her own healthy teeth for as
long as possible. If clients are
afraid of pain, they can choose
a pain-free dental procedure
that takes place under local
anaesthetic. Some procedures
require total anaesthetic.
CEREC
Czech clinics use the latest
tooth reconstruction methods
such as the CEREC system
(CEramicREConstruction).
The CEREC system combines
the latest IT technology and
computer-assisted CNC milling. This allows the dentist
to produce ceramic fillings,
crowns, or facets during a single visit.
• duration of the
procedure: outpatient
procedure
(paediatrics dentistry total
anaesthetic: yes)
for the patient:
Braces
Crooked teeth are a frequent
and visible problem. This can
be corrected with the use of
“invisible” braces; these thin,
transparent aligners that fit
over the teeth can straighten
them in an absolutely discreet
manner, and results can be
seen within several weeks.
A dental check-up
• duration of the
procedure: depends on
the age of the patient
for the patient:
Facets
Aesthetic tooth defects
(spaces between teeth, abnormal tooth position, enamel
discolouring that cannot be
eliminated in any other way),
especially in visible areas, can
be corrected with ceramic
facets. These are thin ceramic
pieces shaped to conceal any
imperfection and provide
a perfect aesthetic appearance. Their advantage is that
the teeth do not need to be
ground down significantly,
as is the case with regular
crowns. Ceramic facets look
An X-ray
Dentistry tools
very natural and are easily
applied, the effect is immediate, and they usually require
only one visit.
• duration of the
procedure
for the patient:
Dental Implants
More information is
website:
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of titanium with a bioactive
surface that the body does not
perceive as a foreign material.
Under optimum conditions,
implants can be used immediately, meaning you can
immediately return to work
and your social life.
• duration of the
procedure
for the patient:
The DIRECT IMPLANT system offers a groundbreaking
solution for what was once
a difficult, painful, and timeconsuming implantation
procedure. Digital imaging
technology and new methods
and materials allow these
implants to be applied during the course of a single
visit without painful surgery,
including crown installation.
Modern implants are made
Other Important
Fields
A check-up
An operating theatre
General Surgery
In the past, surgery was performed by opening the abdomen. In recent years, many
procedures are performed
exclusively via laparoscopy,
which is very advanced in
institutions in the Czech
Republic. For example gall
bladder removal or surgical
repair of groin, umbilical or
other abdominal hernias are
common laparoscopic procedures performed safely and
with quick recovery. Some
centres specialize in vascular
surgery, where they repair
aneurysms of large abdominal
blood vessels, or blood vessel grafts in order to remove
blood flow obstructions.
Laparoscopic surgery is also
used for removal of kidney
tumours (in cooperation with
a urologist), or tumours of the
large intestine, ovary tumours
(in cooperation with a gynaecologist), removal of the
stomach (gastrectomy), and
other surgery as required.
Sleep Disorders
The Czech Republic has a long
tradition of development of
sleep laboratories. Using the
latest technology, such as the
online “BrainLabSchwarzer”
system, the “POLYMESAM”
device or the “CPAP” automatic device, these centres
provide comprehensive
differential diagnostics and
treatment of disorders such as
nightmares, epileptic seizures,
dyspnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and other sleep and
breathing disorders. These
centres work with neurological and surgical specializations such as otolaryngology
and maxillofacial surgery
offering appropriate surgical
treatment of sleep disorders
that can be eliminated or
treated in this manner.
Gynaecology
Gynaecology has developed into a field that aside
from routine gynaecology
also offers highly specializes services. These include
gynaecological endocrine
centres providing treatment
of hormonal gynaecological
disorders, urogynaecological
centres dealing with urinary
tract disorders with associated gynaecological disorders,
oncological gynaecology centres for treatment of benign
and malignant tumours, and
last but not least, myoma
treatment centres, where
Czech gynaecologists were the
first in the world to develop
a method for removing these
benign tumours while preserving fertility and full function of the womb.
Urology
Many new procedures have
been developed in this field to
treat urinary tract disorders,
especially for the removal of
stones in the urinary tract,
including in the renal pelvis,
where mini-invasive and
transurethral approaches
and modern technologies
are used, including shape
memory metals, etc. This is
another field where in specialized oncological centres
mini-invasive procedures
have been developed for
the removal of malignant
tumours, including robotic
surgery, in order to achieve
the best possible results.
Gastroenterology and
Hepatology
This is a relatively new field
that deals with diagnosis and
treatment of disorders of
the entire digestive tract and
associated organs, including
liver and pancreatic disorders.
This is another field that has
undergone extensive specialization, and today offers treatment in specific centres for
the diagnosis and treatment
of liver and hepatobiliary system disorders (include focal
liver disorders), neuroendocrine tumours, pancreatic
disorders, oesophageal
varices, or inflammatory
bowel disease.
Diabetology Focusing
on Treatment of Diabetic
Complications
Diabetes treatment in the
Czech Republic is very
advanced and offers the latest
methods. Diabetes centres,
which often cooperate with
endocrinology centres, have
teams of associated specialists
that treat complications frequently accompanying diabetes such as diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, vascular
disorders, or diabetic cardiovascular disorders. Methods
used to treat diabetic ulcers of
the lower extremities, which
often lead to minor or major
amputations on the affected
extremity, include ozone
therapy and stem cell therapy,
which often prevent amputation. Timely and expert treatment of diabetic retinopathy
can, and in most cases does
prevent loss of sight.
(congenital or acquired, using
implants), balance disorders,
acoustic and other benign
or malignant tumours, and
correction of voice disorders
or of nose and upper respiratory tract obstructions. When
removing a cranial tumour
impinging upon the face,
these centres often work with
maxillofacial surgeons.
Endocrinology
In Prague, there is a maxillofacial surgery centre specializing in surgical correction of
congenital and post-traumatic
facial and jaw deformations, offering orthognathic
surgery of the jaw combined
with pre-operative or postoperative orthodontic treatment, which can take place
in the client’s home country
under online supervision by
the centre’s specialists. Here,
in cooperation with plastic
reconstruction surgeons, they
also correct defects following
resection of the jaw or other
facial structures during the
elimination of benign, but
mainly malignant tumours.
In the past, this field concerned itself mainly with
disorders of the thyroid gland.
Today, specialists primarily
deal with metabolic disorders
and illnesses of all hormonal
systems in adults and children. For example, a growth
hormone disorder can lead to
a condition called acromegaly,
but proper treatment can stop
or even prevent this disorder.
These specialized endocrinology centres treat disorders
of glands and organs responsible for biosynthesis and
biochemical and physiological function of all important
hormones.
A check-up
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Maxillofacial Surgery
Otolaryngology (ORL)
A consultation
This term is often used to
describe management of common illnesses of the middle
or inner ear, which is treated
in every small hospital or
clinic. The Czech Republic has
highly specialized otolaryngology centres for the treatment of hearing disorders
Royal Treatment
in Czech Spas
Františkovy Lázně
Nowhere else in the world
will you find such a concentration of curative springs
as in western Bohemia’s spa
triangle, formed by three
famous spa towns: Karlovy
Vary (Carlsbad), Mariánské
Lázně (Marienbad), and
Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad). Our set of unique Czech
spas would not be complete
without the spas at Jáchymov
and Jeseník as well. But what
makes the Czech spa industry
so unique? Above all, it is
a combination of high-quality
medical care with progressive
therapeutic and rehabilitative methods that use natural
curative resources: mineral
water, therapeutic peloids
(clay, peat, and mud), natural
gases, and also positive climactic effects.
Therapeutic spas focus on
selected illnesses according to their natural curative
resources. Spas that do not
have their own source of
treatment cannot be accredited as therapeutic spas.
Spa Programmes for
Seniors and Managers
A tradition spanning
several hundred years,
almost 40 spa locations,
hundreds of therapeutic
springs, and rich peloid
deposits – all this places
the Czech Republic among
global spa “superpowers”.
Today, spas are frequently
also used by people who are
well aware of the significance
of prevention, and are looking
for regeneration and relaxation. Aside from therapy, spa
facilities also offer various
regenerative and relaxation
programmes. Available are
for example custom-tailored
managerial, anti-stress,
weight loss, detox, and wellness & beauty programmes.
The main advantages of medical wellness are long years of
experience with traditional
treatment, the ability to
consult with a doctor during
your stay, and especially the
presence of natural curative
resources. The primary mission of wellness is harmony
that stems in a natural manner from emotional and
physical balance. A fast-paced
lifestyle, long work hours, and
stressful situations all have
a negative effect on our state
of mind and physical condition. Wellness is one way to
replenish energy. Aside from
elegant spa facilities, wellness procedures can also be
experienced in a number of
selected designer wellness
hotels, romantic chateaux,
and modern centres with corresponding services.
A Spa Visit as a Social Event
High-profile social events are
certainly not a thing of the
past. Each year at the beginning of May, the main spa
season is ceremonially commenced, and natural curative
resources are symbolically
reopened and blessed. No
matter when you are at a spa,
don’t forget to take home
some typical souvenirs.
Delicious spa wafers, herbal
liqueurs, or mineral water
cups will remind you of your
relaxing spa stay long after
your return home.
Active Forms of Relaxation
Are Popular
If you like combining spas
and golf, the Czech Republic
is the place to be. After all,
the oldest and best-known
Czech golf courses are to be
found near Karlovy Vary and
Mariánské Lázně. The course
at Mariánské Lázně began
its operation in 1905, with
Edward VII, the King of England present at the opening
ceremony. Based on this fact,
in 2003 Queen Elizabeth II
granted it the right to use the
title of “Royal”. Golf courses
can be found near almost all
spa locations, as well as paths
for lovers of bicycling, hikes,
or the popular sport of Nordic
walking. Another form of
relaxation is fishing, which
you can try out at spas in
Třeboň or Toušeň. The arrival
of winter does not mean you
shouldn’t think of spas. Ski
hills and cross-country trails
are within reach of Jeseník,
Janské Lázně, or the Libverda
Spa.
Karlovy Vary – The Largest
Czech Spa
The best-known Czech spa,
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is
a popular relaxation spot
for clients from around the
world. Treatments focus
Mariánské Lázně
Mariánské Lázně
on metabolic and digestive
system disorders, or recuperation after oncological
illnesses. Thirteen hot springs
with temperatures ranging
from 41 °C to 73 °C originate
at depths of 2 to 2.5 km, and
the temperature of two cold
springs is around 15 °C. These
springs are located in charming colonnades that provide
shelter for pleasant conversation with cup in hand.
The spa town’s attractiveness
is further increased by important cultural events. Each
year at the beginning of July,
stars of the silver screen and
film fans arrive to experience
the unique atmosphere of the
Karlovy Vary International
Film Festival. The town’s
name is also inseparably
linked with production of
crystal glass and porcelain,
the world-famous Becherovka
herbal liqueur, and bottling of
mineral water.
www.karlovyvary.cz
Mariánské Lázně – Where
Famous Guests Have
Stayed
Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) only commenced its
first spa season in 1808, but
very quickly became a popular destination for Europe’s
elites. Guests have included
the King of England, Edward
VII, Polish composer and
pianist Frédéric Chopin, and
German author J. W. Goethe.
Architectural gems including
a Neo-Baroque colonnade,
Luhačovice
Empire buildings, or the Singing Fountains give this town
a unique atmosphere. The
spa itself specializes mainly in
treating the musculoskeletal
system, the urinary tract and
kidneys, and gynaecological
disorders. Treatments are
based on the utilization of
the effects of natural curative
resources – cold iron-rich
acidulous mineral water, natural CO2, and healing peat.
www.marianskelazne.cz
Františkovy Lázně –
An Intimate Atmosphere
Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad) is considered among the
most picturesque of Czech
spas. Uniformly Classicist
architecture and a large forest park instils in spa guests
a feeling of time having
stopped at the turn of the
eighteenth and nineteenth
century. However, its treatment of cardiovascular and
gynaecological disorders is
fully modern. Here too, natural sources are used during
treatment – be they baths in
mineral water rich in carbon
dioxide, or baths and wraps in
healing peat.
www.flinfo.cz
Teplice in Bohemia –
A Famous Spa Tradition
Teplice is among the oldest
of Central European spas,
and there is proof that its hot
springs were known to Celts
as far back as 2000 years ago.
This is supported by extensive
discoveries of not Celtic as
well as Roman jewellery and
coins. Teplice’s hot springs
are used to treat circulatory,
cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal disorders.
www.lazneteplice.cz
Jeseníky and Jáchymov,
Holders of Global Primacy
The first hydrotherapy spa in
the world – Jeseník Spa, was
founded in a pristine natural
setting. Jeseník is a destination for patients with disorders of the nervous system,
pulmonary illnesses, or circulatory problems. Jáchymov is
the site of the world’s oldest
radon spa. The local radioactive hot springs with their
high content of rare elements
are unique in the world, making this spa in the foothills
of the Krušné hory (Ore
Mountains) a sought-after
destination for patients with
musculoskeletal illnesses,
including Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew’s disease).
www.priessnitz.cz
www.laznejachymov.cz
Luhačovice – A Spa Set
Among Forests
Luhačovice, the largest spa in
Moravia, specializes in treatment of the respiratory tract
and gastrointestinal tract.
Each minute, 15,000 litres
of mineral water flows to the
surface, which due to its high
mineral content and free
carbon dioxide content is considered one of the most effective in Europe. The town’s
location in the forested hills
of the White Carpathian protected landscape area. Thanks
to Slovak architect Dušan
Jurkovič, Luhačovice has
a unique set of folk-inspired
Art Nouveau buildings,
admired equally by spa guests
and lovers of architecture.
www.luhacovice.cz
Other spas that deserve at
least a mention are Karlova
Studánka, the spa with
the cleanest air in Central
Europe, the Velké Losiny
hot springs, one of the oldest spas in Moravia, Darkov,
focusing among other things
on burns and post-operative
care, Třeboň, whose healing
peat relieves arthritis and
rheumatism, the “heart spa”
in Poděbrady, Konstantinovy Lázně and Teplice nad
Bečvou, Lázně Kynžvart (Bad
Königswart), which focuses
exclusively on children, or the
peat spa in Bělohrad, which
boasts the first EuropeSpa
med certificate awarded by
the European Spas Association.
Karlovy Vary
What do Czech Spas Treat?
Spa Location
A
B
C
D
E
Bechyně
Bludov
x
xo
Hodonín
x
Jáchymov
x
x
xo
2
xo
1
xo
xo
1,2,3
x
x
x
x
x
1
xo
xo
x
x
Klášterec nad Ohří
x
x
x
xo
xo
x
x
xo
xo
xo
x
x
x
1
xo
1, 4
xo
xo
4
x
x
1,4
1,3
x
x
xo
xo
x
x
xo
xo
xo
Konstantinovy Lázně
x
x
x
x
Kostelec u Zlína
x
x
x
x
Lázně Bělohrad
xo
xo
xo
Lázně Bohdaneč
x
x
Lázně Kundratice
x
x
xo
xo
x
x
x
x
Lázně Libverda
x
xo
xo
x
x
xo
xo
xo
x
1
Klimkovice
Lázně Kynžvart
PLZ*
xo
Jeseník
x
K
xo
xo
xo
J
xo
x
x
I
x
xo
Karlovy Vary
H
x
Janské Lázně
Karviná
G
x
xo
Buchlovice
Karlova Studánka
F
xo
x
Lázně Toušeň
x
1
1
1
1
1
xo
2
xo
xo
x
2
x
1
x
x
x
xo
xo
xo
xo
xo
o
Mariánské Lázně
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
xo
xo
x
x
xo
xo
xo
xo
xo
xo
1
x
x
2
xo
Slatinice
x
Teplice
Teplice nad Bečvou
xo
Třeboň
Velké Losiny
x
x Adults
o Children
1
1,3
2
x
1
1
x
1
1
xo
xo
Velichovky
x
x
2
Vráž
x
x
2
Source: Ministry of Health
x
xo
Natural curative resources
Mineral water
Peloid (clay, peat, mud)
Spring gas
Climactic spa
1
x
x
Poděbrady
PLZ*
1
2
3
4
1, 4
xo
x
I
J
K
2
xo
Luhačovice
Ostrožská Nová Ves
E
F
G
H
Oncological illnesses
Circulatory system illnesses
Digestive tract illnesses
Metabolic and endocrine
illnesses
Respiratory system illnesses
Nervous illnesses
Musculoskeletal illnesses
Kidney and urinary tract
illnesses
Mental illness
Skin disease
Gynaecological illnesses
1, 2
Lednice
Mšené-lázně
A
B
C
D
xo
1
More information on
Czech spas is available on
the following specialized
websites:
www.lecebne-lazne.cz
www.jedemedolazni.cz
Prague – Vrtbovská garden
Do you like classical music?
Then visit the Prague
Spring, an international
music festival that features
top artists, symphony
orchestras, and chamber
music ensembles from
around the world. It takes
place annually starting on
12 May, the anniversary
of the death of Czech
composer Bedřich
Smetana. Come sample
an amazing musical
experience!
www.festival.cz
The Karlovy Vary
International Film Festival
– come see the stars of the
silver screen
Come touch the stars! The
International Film Festival
in Karlovy Vary is among
those prestigious film
festival with an excellent
reputation. Each year at the
beginning of July, you can
see actors and filmmakers
walk the red carpet with
your own eyes – and of
course attend excellent
films.
www.kviff.com
The Czech
Republic
The Picturesque
Heart of Europe
Český Krumlov
It is said that the Czech
Republic is not a country,
but a garden. Surrounded
by a chain mountain ranges
along its borders, their slopes
covered with deep, contemplative forests, lies the Bohemian basin – here beset with
the silver coins of fishponds
or interwoven with threads of
rivers, there undulating with
playful rolling hills, and in the
east, in the historical lands of
Moravia and Silesia, lit with
endless golden fields. History, both ancient and quite
recent, has left this blessed
land with a vast quantity of
priceless and breathtaking
landmarks – historical towns
and cities, castles and chateaux, monasteries, churches,
and cathedrals, true gems of
architecture and urban development of all periods that
have preceded us.
The City of a Hundred Towers is a mysterious labyrinth,
where history mingles with
the present day, a magical
place where the most powerful men of Europe once met:
rulers, military commanders,
alchemists, Jewish scholars…
It was here that Rabbi Löw
once long ago brought to life
the clay Golem, it is here that
Arcimboldo created his opulent portraits from fruit and
vegetables, it was here that
masters of alchemy sought
the Philosopher’s Stone in
the court of Rudolf II, it was
here that Franz Kafka wrote
his dark and ominous works,
it was here that not only
Smetana and Dvořák, but
also Mozart and Liszt heard
the tumultuous applause of
an ecstatic audience, it was
here that the Church reformer
Jan Hus preached, it was
here that Copernicus, Kepler,
Galileo, Giordano Bruno, and
Tycho de Brahe peered into
their telescopes…
Genius Loci
To walk these streets today
means to be part of all the
magic and mysteries of the
past. Prague simply has an
atmosphere that no other city
in the world can offer. Even
the most succinct list of all
historical monuments, museums, and galleries, breathtaking places and buildings
would exceed the volume of
this entire booklet. To best
experience Prague, one must
meld with it, allow it to affect
you, become part of it, if only
for a while – perhaps then it
will reveal some of its secrets
to you too.
www.prague.eu
Prague – The Centre of
a Magic Labyrinth
No Czech city has had so
much written and recounted
about it as has Prague, the
country’s capital. To stand
on one of the most beautiful
stone bridges in the world,
Charles Bridge, and to gaze
past the silhouettes of silent
statues at the Prague Castle
and the St. Vitus Cathedral
gleaming on a hilltop, is an
experience that does not cease
to amaze even those who have
lived here their entire lives.
Don’t miss a tour of the
Castle Museum and its
unusual exhibits. You will
see a model of the castle
as it looked in the sixteenth
century, a lapidarium,
examples of life in olden
times, and even a cinema.
The museum is open yearround.
www.zamek-ceskykrumlov.eu
Prague – The Municipal House and the Powder Gate
Brno – Villa Tugendhat
Český Krumlov - A Medieval
Pearl on a Ribbon of a River
One of the most beautiful
historic European cities,
included on the UNESCO
World Heritage List, Český
Krumlov lies in southern
Bohemia, and from its ramparts, one can see the forests
of Šumava and the Czech sea
– the Lipno Dam.
This labyrinth of narrow
and mysterious medieval
streets developed in a gully
between cliff walls on a space
that would fit in the palm of
a well-intentioned giant. This
gothic town of alchemists
and stonemasons, jugglers
and proud nobility, crowned
with a beautiful Renaissance
castle, the Czech Republic’s
largest after the Prague Castle, is filled with wondrous
magic and secrets. Crooked
streets run from its picturesque square, their direction
governed by the ever-present
Vltava River, which winds
through the town, spanned in
a number of places by bridges
and walkways.
www.ckrumlov.cz
Pilsen – City of Beer and
Culture
Every Czech will proudly
declare that the best beer in
the world has been brewed
since 1842 in the largest city
in western Bohemia, Pilsen.
But this brewing metropolis is
also renowned for its rich cultural tradition, which resulted
in its being named European
Capital of Culture for 2015.
Pilsen
Olomouc
To be in Pilsen and not take
a tour of its brewery, to not
taste its world-famous Pilsner
beer, that would be an omission that cannot be forgiven.
But the same mistake would
be to not get to know the city’s
true spirit, which lives in the
walls of its buildings and its
streets and squares, and can
be felt literally with every
step. For Pilsen has an artistic
and joyous spirit, and it gives
it out by the handful.
www.plzen.eu
Litomyšl – A Renaissance
Jewel Full of Music
In the east of Bohemia,
nestled amid sunlit rolling
hills, lies the small town of
Litomyšl, surrounding a chateau that is on the UNESCO
World Heritage List. Here,
history left a remarkable
historical complex that elicits
wonder with its harmony and
picturesque appearance.
Warm air quivers under the
pillared arcades of Renaissance houses on Litomyšl’s
main square. Litomyšl is
a pearl set in a Renaissance
necklace. This impressive
complex of historical houses,
churches, and monasteries
culminates with a gorgeous,
fragile palace, the sun shining on its sgrafitto walls
and a fresh breeze blowing
through its arcades. Inside
lies concealed an enchanting
courtyard, a Baroque theatre, exquisite chambers, an
exhibition of historic pianos,
mysterious subterranean passages, and a palace tower that
rises to the sky. The palace is
surrounded by a breathtaking
its size, it is an intimate and
friendly city. Its dominant
features are the Gothic
Špilberk Castle and the NeoGothic Cathedral of St. Peter
and Paul – yet all of 650 years
separate these structures.
An Encounter Across the
Centuries
Valtice
We recommend a tour of
the Pilsner Urquell brewery,
or a visit to the Brewery
Museum, located in the
city centre. Experience the
story of beer from antiquity
to modern times!
www.prazdrojvisit.cz
Litomyšl
Brno is an excellent starting
point for discovering
noteworthy locations in
southern Moravia. You can
for example follow in the
footsteps of the Napoleonic
Wars! In 1805, the Battle
of the Three Emperors
took place near Slavkov
(Austerlitz), during which
the French army, led by
Napoleon, defeated the
allied armies of Russia and
Austria. The memorial to
the battle is located by
the village of Prace near
Slavkov. The Baroque
chateau in Slavkov where
a peace treaty was signed
is also worth a visit.
www.zamek-slavkov.cz
The Haná Region is
notable not only for its
favourable climate, but
also for regional delicacies
produced in a healthy
natural environment. Its
most famous local culinary
product is a cheese called
Olomoucké tvarůžky. This
delicious low-fat cheese
with a pungent aroma is
offered by local restaurants
in all manner of variations,
and is even available from
unique vending machine in
the information centre at
Olomouc City Hall.
www.tvaruzky.cz
English park and a French
garden. And there is music
everywhere. In 1824, Bedřich
Smetana was born here,
one of the most important
Czech composers, and the
town, proud of its famous
native son, has been hosting
the prestigious Smetana’s
Litomyšl opera festival for six
decades now.
www.litomysl.cz
Brno – A Living Treasure
Trove of Architecture
The Czech Republic’s second
largest city lies in the fertile
lowlands of southern Moravia. In the past, this Moravian
metropolis has played an
important role in the life of
the Czech Republic, and continues to do so today – each
era left its shining architectural mark. Its most noteworthy structure is not even
a hundred years old yet.
Brno is a place where one
never feels lost, for despite
And so it is a magical experience to encounter ornate
Baroque churches alongside
modernist exhibition halls
(for Brno is the Czech Republic’s foremost trade fair location), marble columns, fountains, and nobles’ palaces,
a monumental Neo-Renaissance theater, and many
jewels of functionalist architecture, with the most invaluable one at the fore – one of
the most notable villas in the
world, built in 1930 according
to a design by world-famous
architect Ludwig Mies van
der Rohe, a sovereign jewel
of modern architecture protected by UNESCO – Villa
Tugendhat.
www.gotobrno.cz
Olomouc – Moravia’s
Millennial Spiritual Centre
A visit to Olomouc is like
meeting a wise and respected
old man who has passed
over many roads, and his
each word is worth a stack
of books. At each step, one
is taken aback by the unexpected number of important
and magnificent historical
architecture – imposing
cathedrals, charming chapels, sumptuous burghers’
mansions, monumental
monasteries. The breathtaking Romanesque Bishop’s
Palace, a supreme work of
European Romanesque architecture, a Gothic cathedral
and churches, Renaissance
palaces with richly decorated
facades, but above all – Olomouc Baroque. Gorgeous
fountains, the Archbishop’s
Palace, the Hradisko Convent,
called the “Moravian Escorial”, a basilica on the Svatý
Kopeček (Holy Hill) pilgrimage site, and above all – the
imposing plague column, the
largest Baroque sculpture in
Central Europe, protected by
UNESCO. Plus one curiosity
– a proletarian astronomical
clock from 1955.
tourism.olomouc.eu
In the very heart of Moravia,
amid the most fertile fields
in the country, located in
a region called Haná, proudly
stands the old city of Olomouc, from times immemorial one of the most important
seats of the Kingdom of Bohemia. It is imbued with a peculiar solemnity and spiritual
force, and is a city full of history, a city of Baroque beauty
and respect for God.
Contemplation
amidst
celestial calm
We relished our solitude
while soaking in a hot bath
and emerged thoroughly
rejuvenated. After relaxing spa
treatments that washed away
our stresses, aches and fatigue,
we found inner peace nestled
in the arms of nature. Perhaps
that’s just what the ancient
hermits were hoping to find in
these mountains.
www.czechtourism.com
Beskid Mountains
If you would like to receive additional or particular
information about any of the following:
medical
treatment
stays and your
country’s related
visa requirements
for a visit to the
Czech Republic
healthcare
services
availability in the
Czech Republic
GERMANY
Lázně Libverda
POLAND
Lázně Kundratice
Teplice
Jáchymov
Klášterec nad Ohří
Karlovy Vary
Mšené-lázně
Lázně Kynžvart
Lázně Bělohrad
Velichovky
Lázně Toušeň
Mariánské Lázně
Mladá Boleslav
Janské Lázně
PRAHA
Poděbrady
Kolín
Konstantinovy Lázně
Lázně Bohdaneč
Kostelec
nad Orlicí
Jeseník
Karlova Studánka
Velké Losiny
Litomyšl Bludov
Kutná Hora
Ostrava
Plzeň
contact
information for
particular medical
facilities and/or
hospitals in the
Czech Republic
Please contact:
medical
treatment
options for
your diagnosed
medical condition
and/or a planned
surgery in the
Czech Republic
Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, Tel: +420 224 972 573, E-mail: [email protected]
Klimkovice
Žďár nad Sázavou
Chotoviny
Vráž
Olomouc
Slatinice
Telč
Holašovice
Teplice nad Bečvou
Prostějov
Bechyně
GERMANY
Karviná
Třebíč
Brno
Kroměříž Kostelec u Zlína
Zlín
Buchlovice
Luhačovice
Ostrožská Nová Ves
Třeboň
Český Krumlov
AUSTRIA
Hodonín
Lázně Lednice
Lednicko-valtický areál
SLOVAKIA
Lázně Darkov
Medical Tourism in the Czech Republic
Published by the Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism
CzechTourism, Vinohradská 46, 120 41 Praha 2
[email protected]
www.czechtourism.com
Prague 2015, 1st edition ©
Medical information consultant: MUDr. Oldřich Pospíšil, Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic
Text: Tomáš Tulinger
Photos: CzechTourism archive, Pavel Hroch, COex.cz, Milan Jaroš,
Libor Sváček, Ladislav Renner, www.fotky-foto.cz, cz.dollarphotoclub.com
Typesetting, graphic design: Grafické studio GTN, www.gtn.cz
We take great care in ensuring that the information offered is accurate.
Despite these efforts, errors may still occur.
www.czechtourism.com/medicaltourism
An official tourist presentation of the Czech Republic
ISBN: 978-80-7513-058-7

Medical Tourism

Transcription

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