Private Hydrocelectomy 

/0 Comments/in , /by

Private Hydrocelectomy 

Hydrocelectomy is a surgery to remove a fluid filled sac inside the scrotum.  It can happen on one or both sides of the scrotum.  These can from due to an injury or inflammation caused by infection.  Typically, a hydrocele goes away on it’s own within 6-12 months, however, if it does not resolve on its own, then surgical repair is necessary to prevent further complications. It is a relatively minor surgery and most people return home the same day.  Unfortunately, urology surgeries like this are considered elective and almost always have a wait time.  

In 1993, the average wait time from urology specialist to surgery was 4.2 weeks.  This has more than doubled with the new average at 10.6 weeks in 2022.  Leaving a hydrocele not attended to when surgery is required can cause an inguinal hernia or tumor.  Keep in mind that you will have already had it for 6-12 months in the hopes it resolves on it’s own.  Not having it dealt with in a timely manner could result in more issues down the road, not to mention the daily swelling and pain they cause.

Hydrocelectomy can be done on a private basis in Canada and in the US.  The pricing in the US starts at $5750 USD with a $200 USD consultation fee and $5500 CAD with a $750 consultation fee.  Consultations can be set up within a week or 2 of medical records being received and a surgery date within a couple weeks after that.  *The Canadian facility can be more like 6-8 weeks.  Pricing is for unilateral.  Bilateral will be additional.

If you are on the wait list for this procedure and would like to explore your options, contact Health Vantis at info@healthvantis.com or 877-344-3544.

 

Health Vantis

www.healthvantis.com

877-344-3544

info@healthvantis.com

Private Penile Implants

/0 Comments/in , /by

Private Penile Implants

One of the more common inquires we get is a private surgery for a penile implant.  These are surgically implanted to allow men with erectile dysfunction to get an erection.  Penile Implants are typically recommended after other treatments for erectile dysfunction have failed.  Wait times to get this surgery are almost always far into the future and men will seek private surgery to speed things up.

There are 2 different types of penile implants: Inflatable implants and semirigid rods.  Inflatable implants, the most common type, has a 3-piece and 2-piece option.  A 3-piece implant uses a fluid filled reservoir implanted under the abdominal wall, a pump and release valve that is in the scrotum.  There are 2 inflatable cylinders inside the penis.  Fluid, which is salt water, is pumped from the reservoir to the inflatable cylinders.  The 2-piece is similar in how it works, however, the fluid reservoir is implanted in the scrotum.  The semirigid rods keep the penis firm all of the time.  It can be bent away from the body for sexual activity and moved towards the body for concealment.  

Most penile implants start at $20,000 whether done in the US or Canada. Consultation fees to have medical records reviewed are in the $200-$750 range depending on the facility. Not everyone will be a candidate.  Also keep in mind that you are required to have a responsible companion/adult travel with you whether it is at a facility in the US or Canada.  You cannot go home with an Uber or taxi driver.

If you are waiting for a penile implant and wish to consider private options, contact Health Vantis to assist you at info@healthvantis.com or 877-344-3544.

 

Health Vantis

www.healthvantis.ca

877-344-3455

info@healthvantis.com

Private Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy Surgery  What Are My Options?

/0 Comments/in , /by

Private Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy Surgery

What Are My Options?

Tonsils are pieces of tissue located in the back of the mouth on either side of the throat.  Adenoids are similar, however, located in the back of the nasal cavity.  It is not uncommon for these to be enlarged or inflamed, which can cause frequent infections.  This is seen mostly in children, however, can also occur in adulthood.  

Tonsils and adenoids are part of your immune system.  They contain a lot of white blood cells, which in turn stop germs from entering the body through the mouth and nose.  If you have larger or inflamed tonsils and adenoids, infections can grow making it hard for them to do their job.  This can cause recurrent infections, bleeding, trouble swallowing as well as trouble breathing or sleep apnea.

While tonsils and adenoids are important in fighting off germs, you can also live without them.  Your immune system will still work and you will still be able to fight off infection just fine.  The downside to needing a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in Canada is the waiting time to have the surgery.  It can take several months to even see an ENT specialist, let alone get scheduled for your surgery.

There are private options available, however, not for children within Canada.  You would need to travel to the US to have the surgery.  The wait time is only a couple weeks after a phone consultation and the price is reasonable.  A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A) would cost  a tad bit under $5,000 USD should you decide to proceed.

If you or your child is on the wait list to have a T & A and would like to explore your private options, contact Health Vantis to assist you.  You can reach us toll free at 877-344-3544 or info@healthvantis.com.

 

Health Vantis

www.healthvantis.ca

877-344-3544

info@healthvantis.com

GYN Wait times in the Maritimes

/0 Comments/in , , /by

GYN Wait times in the Maritimes

Most Canadians have experienced wait times within the health care system.  It is something they have had to accept as part of their health insurance.  Wait times have grown by 195% since 1993 when the average wait was only 9.3 weeks.  Today, the median wait time across all specialties is 27.4 weeks.  That is a tad over half a year.  In Novas Scotia, the median wait time is 58.2 weeks, which is more than a year.  GYN wait times are far greater, coming in at 110.7 weeks!  That is almost 2 years!

In some of the other Maritimes provinces, the wait is much greater.  For example, PEI has a wait list of 104 weeks to see a GYN specialist and then an additional 26 weeks for treatment.  That is approaching 3 years wait time, which is outrageous and unacceptable.  *It is important to note that if there is any kind of GYN cancer involved, the treatments are fast tracked.

Women in need of a GYN surgery, such as a hysterectomy, have significant, life impacting symptoms. Some of those include heavy periods, pelvic pain, prolapse of the uterus and/or cancer of the ovaries, womb or cervix.  The wait time to just see a specialist in Nova Scotia to treat these symptoms is 52 weeks.  Imagine bleeding continuously or having major pelvic pain for a year with no relief.  This can create other issues such as anemia, which in turn can cause weakness, tiredness, shortness of breath or irregular heartbeat.  It makes it incredibly hard for a female in distress like this to function in a normal manner with regards to family life and career.

What can be done to address this?  Unfortunately, not much unless you are willing to take things into your own hands.  The problem?  There are no private GYN’s in Canada.  This is one of those specialties that does not offer an option to pay out of pocket.  What can be done is to contact a medical facilitator, such as Health Vantis, who is connected to private GYN surgeons in the US that can help.  They can get you a consultation within a week or 2 and surgery within 2 weeks after the consultation in most cases.  Pricing is fair and affordable.

If you have been experiencing a long wait for a hysterectomy or other GYN surgery, contact us to find out your private options at info@healthvantis.com or 877-344-3544.

 

Health Vantis

www.healthvantis.ca

877-344-3544

info@healthvantis.com