* All three surgeons are very skilled and very experienced laparoscopic surgeons. They have logged thousands of hours in performing laparoscopic procedures.
* Dr. Harry Reich has been recognized as being the best laparoscopic surgeon in the world. He is also considered to be the most ambidextrous surgeon - a quality that sets him apart from other laparoscopic surgeons.
* All three surgeons are able to apply the NEW adhesion barrier, SprayGel, at the conclusion of a surgical procedure. SprayGel adhesion barrier was approved in November 2001 for use by surgeons in Europe. SprayGel has NOT been approved by the FDA in the United States; however, SprayGel clinical trials are taking place throughout the United States. It could take at least a year or more before the clinical trials have been concluded - and before Confluent Surgical will be ready to seek the approval of the FDA.
* All three surgeons perform a second look laparoscopy (SLL) about 7 days after the initial surgery. Adhesions are known to begin forming about 3 hours after the surgery has been completed - and will continue to form for up to 7 days. A SLL provides the surgeons with a chance to evaluate the results of the initial surgery; and also gives the surgeons a chance to lyse any adhesions that may have formed. At this early stage, adhesions are easily "swept down" - and cause little trauma.
Second look laparoscopies are NOT routinely offered in the United States - because the cost is prohibitive!!
* Dr. Kruschinski invented Gasless Laparoscopy, a procedure that helps prevent trauma (and trauma is a known cause of adhesions) to the organs in the abdominal/pelvic cavity. He and Dr. Reich will be using this procedure for their ARD patients. You can read about this procedure at: http://www.endogyn.com/ .
* It isn't as expensive to have surgery in Germany as one might think!! During tourist season, air fare is quite expensive; but from November 2002 to April 2003, air fare is considerably cheaper. When I went to Germany in January 2002, air fare was about 1/2 the cost of air fare purchased during the tourist season..
* Everything - regarding surgery and surgery-related expenses - is considerably less expensive in Germany - than in the United States!! Unbelieveable, but it is true!!
* Some medical insurance policies include a clause that states that they will pay for out-of-country medical care; however, neither Medicare or Medicare will pay for out-of-country medical care.
* Planning a trip to Germany for surgery is not as complicated as one might think!! Several people have already shared information from their experiences; and as a result, this information will answer many of the questions you have - when preparing go, during the time you're in Germany, and when you return home. This information - gleaned from the experience of others - will help take some of the fear out of actually traveling to Germany for surgery.
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X> I received the following message from Bev, a long-time Patient Advocate for adhesion-sufferers; and she has asked me to post it on the IAS Message Board::
" Dr. Reich will be at the Emma Clinic at the end of September 2002. Can you post to see if anyone is interested in securing his surgery? I can assist with expediting passports, if anyone is interested.
"This is the best scenario for adhesiolysis anywhere in the world!"
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If you are interested in considering a trip to Germany for surgery, I can provide you with information about "Planning a trip to Germany for surgery" and "The proper way to contact one of these surgeons."
-- Helen Dynda olddad66@runestone.net