Question 1

Does every disc herniation need surgery?

Accepted Answer

No. More than 80% of disc herniations improve with conservative treatment: medication, physiotherapy, and sometimes image-guided injections. Surgery becomes necessary when there is muscle weakness in the limb, persistent numbness, pain that has not responded within 6 to 12 weeks, or severe nerve compression.

Question 2

My MRI shows a herniation but I have no pain. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Nothing. A disc herniation on MRI without symptoms is very common and becomes more common with age even in people who have never complained. We treat the patient, not the picture. Intervention begins only when symptoms match what the imaging shows.

Question 3

How do I know my case genuinely needs surgery?

Accepted Answer

Some signs cannot wait: clear weakness in a muscle, increasing numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or pain that responds to no painkiller. Otherwise the practical marker is failure of consistent conservative treatment after 6 to 12 weeks while daily life stays disrupted.

Question 4

Is minimally invasive surgery right for everyone?

Accepted Answer

Not for every case. It suits many disc, arthroscopic and straightforward joint replacement cases, but complex cases or major deformities may need open surgery to achieve a safer, better result. The decision follows examination and imaging review.

Question 5

Can I get a second opinion?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is encouraged for any major surgical decision. The clinic sees many patients specifically for second opinions and provides a written report with the diagnosis and proposed plan.

Question 6

What should I bring to my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Bring any previous imaging (MRI, plain X-rays or CT) with the reports, a list of medications you take regularly, and recent blood work if available. If you have chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, bring your latest follow-up notes.

Question 7

Do I need tests before surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. These usually include a full blood count, kidney and liver function, clotting profile, fasting glucose and an ECG. Patients over sixty or with chronic conditions may need a medical or cardiac review before anaesthesia.

Question 8

Should I stop my medications before the operation?

Accepted Answer

Some only, and never stop any medication on your own. Blood thinners such as aspirin and warfarin have a specific stopping schedule that varies by drug and procedure. Blood pressure medication is usually continued.

Question 9

How many days will I stay in hospital?

Accepted Answer

Joint arthroscopy is usually same-day discharge, microdiscectomy one night, joint replacement 2 to 3 days, and spinal fusion 3 to 4 days. Deformity correction surgery may need longer.

Question 10

What kind of anaesthesia is used?

Accepted Answer

It varies with the procedure and general health. Joint replacement is usually done under spinal anaesthesia with a local block, which is safer for older patients. Spinal surgery requires general anaesthesia.

Question 11

How long is recovery after knee replacement?

Accepted Answer

You stand and walk with assistance the day after surgery and usually leave hospital within 2 to 3 days. Most patients walk without a crutch within 4 to 6 weeks and reach the final result in 3 to 6 months with consistent physiotherapy.

Question 12

Is physiotherapy after surgery compulsory?

Accepted Answer

In practice, yes. Surgery fixes the mechanical problem, but range of movement and muscle strength come back through rehabilitation. The difference is obvious by month three and can be permanent.

Question 13

When can I drive and go back to work?

Accepted Answer

Driving requires a full emergency stop without pain, usually 3 to 6 weeks depending on the procedure. Desk work starts at 2 to 4 weeks, while jobs involving lifting or prolonged standing need 8 to 12 weeks.

Question 14

How long does an artificial joint last?

Accepted Answer

Over 90% of knee and hip implants are still working well at 15 years and many pass 20. The most important factor is the accuracy of limb alignment during surgery, followed by weight and activity level.

Question 15

Will follow-up continue after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Post-operative follow-up is part of the plan, not a new booking. Appointments are scheduled at two weeks, six weeks, then 3, 6 and 12 months, with WhatsApp access in between.

Question 16

What does a consultation cost and are follow-ups charged?

Accepted Answer

The first consultation fee is fixed and published and includes reading your imaging and setting a treatment plan. Follow-up within two weeks of that visit is free of charge.

Question 17

How is the cost of surgery decided?

Accepted Answer

It is quoted in writing and in detail after examination and imaging review, covering the surgical team, hospital, theatre and stay, and the implant or hardware used. There are no open items added later.

Question 18

Does the clinic accept medical insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the clinic works with several major medical insurance providers in Egypt. Send the insurer name and policy number on WhatsApp before booking so coverage can be confirmed and pre-approvals arranged.

Question 19

Are instalment plans available for surgery?

Accepted Answer

Payment options vary with the hospital where surgery takes place, and some offer instalment schemes through finance providers. Ask clinic reception when scheduling the operation.

Question 20

Is surgery done at the clinic or in a hospital?

Accepted Answer

Always in an accredited hospital. The clinic is for consultation, diagnosis, simple injections and follow-up only.