This is an alphabetical list of topics that you should know and study before you travel to Germany for your spine surgery. Please read all information carefully. If you have any questions concerning this Alphabetical List, please contact your personal ONZ liaison.
Patient Info Guide
A complete guide to take with you
Topics Covered
- Air Conditioning
- Alcohol
- Banks
- Bathrooms
- Baths, Showers, & Hot Tubs
- Blood Thinning Medication
- Bowel Movement
- Cafeteria
- Clocks / Watches
- Communication
- Computer / Wi-Fi
- Doctors & Medical Care
- Do’s After ADR Surgery
- Do NOTs After ADR Surgery
- Driving Post-Op
- Electricity
- Emergencies
- Flight Itineraries / Tickets
- Food and Drinks
- Hospitals (Hattingen & Recklinghausen)
- Hotels (General)
- Insurance Reimbursements
- Laundry
- Massage
- Medication / Pain Management
- Money / Cash and Credit Cards
- Pharmacy
- Phone Calls
- Physiotherapy
- Rehab Center (Medicos Auf Schalke)
- Retrograde Ejaculation
- Safe / Security
- Shopping
- Smoking
- Taxes
- Taxis
- Things to Bring
- Things NOT to Bring
- Tipping
- Tourist Info
- Weather Info
- Finally – Greetings in Germany
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I expect complete mobility again?
Regaining complete mobility is always the goal. The repair of the diseased spinal segments often results in an even better mobility. Our patients greatly benefit from short recuperation, returning to work or other activities earlier and have significantly less future problems like adjacent level disease.
When is the right time for surgical intervention?
A surgery is principally the last resort. However, particularly in the cervical spine early intervention is often advisable in order to prevent neurological deficits and multi-level degeneration.
Which brands/types of implants do you use, and why?
We offer many different brands / types of implants for various surgical solutions. When it comes to quality and applicability, not all implant types come into question. In fact, there are special criteria that demand diligent differentiation during the indication process, e.g. your individual pathology or anatomy. Understanding how and why the indications may differ is important and something to discuss with your senior surgeon.
Have the implants been extensively tested and researched?
In Germany, all medical devices (which includes spinal implants) must have undergone extensive scientific evaluation and have a proven track record. Using nonfusion technology, Germany has a long tradition of over 25 years. We only use surgical techniques that have been approved by the German authorities and provide an advantage to other methods.
Should I rather trust a senior neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon?
ONZ Spine department is a neurosurgical center specialized in spine. Our vertebrate spinal column provides intrinsic protection to the neural elements. Most spine diseases involve nerval structures including stenosis, disc herniations, adhesions, and scar tissue. Surgical solutions belong in the hands of experienced neurosurgeons. Principally, also orthopedic surgeons can specialize in lumbar spine surgery (as opposed to cervical interventions which are merely the field of neurosurgery) if surgeons are meticulous and precise.
Can I expect complete mobility again?
Regaining complete mobility is always the goal. The repair of the diseased spinal segments often results in an even better mobility. Patients with an indication for (even complex) motion preserving lumbar solutions generally return to a fully active lifestyle again. This includes strenuous professional or leisure time activities without restrictions.
What pain level should I expect after surgery?
Pain is subjective and individually different. There are basically three post-surgical stages: The immediate post op pain management may include epidural catheter, opiates, narcotics, and anti-inflammatory medication. During rehabilitation, the pain management needs to be adjusted according to the individual demand. During the third stage pain medication will be gradually tapered off. The ultimate goal is a life without pain medication. When this is achieved is also individually different and can be expected after 2 weeks to 6 months.
Am I a candidate for the ESP or M6 discs?
Not everyone is a good candidate for artificial disc replacement (ADR) with the ESP or M6 discs. When radiologic findings and symptoms correlate and conservative therapies have only resulted in more frustration, we may advise for a surgical solution. The ONZ team of specialists offer a wide range of surgeries with very high success rates. However, not all implant types come into question. Understanding how they may differ and which one is applicable for your anatomy is important and something to discuss with your senior surgeon.
Have the implants been extensively tested and researched?
In Germany, all medical devices (which includes spinal implants) must have undergone extensive scientific evaluation and have a proven track record. Germany has a long tradition of over 25 years using nonfusion technology. We only use surgical techniques that have been approved by the German authorities and provide an advantage to other methods.
How satisfied are your patients with their spine solution?
It is your body, and you owe it to yourself to know all you can about what is involved before you decide if a surgical procedure is right for you. Development in spine surgery is progressing rapidly and our experienced neurosurgeons remain on the forefront of state-of-the-art technology. Because of our dedication and ability to evolve with the technology, we have experienced a patient satisfaction rate that exceeds 95%.
More Questions? Talk with your expert liaison.
Things to Do
Tourist Information
No travel for surgery should ever be considered a pleasure trip, but if you wish to incorporate some vacation time in your travels, some patients are comfortable doing some light traveling / sight seeing before surgery or after they are discharged from Medicos rehab (before surgery is usually better). Remember, all surgery involves some degree of trauma / pain, and your focus will not likely be on pleasure, day tours in the days and weeks following surgery.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Cologne, Germany. Construction began in the year 1248 and the architecture and details are absolutely mesmerizing. If you can make it to Cologne, this is a must see attraction!
Hattingen, Germany
The Altstadt is within walking distance of the Hospital in Hattingen. The church square with St. George’s Church and its narrow entrances has been preserved in the medieval ground plan and probably one of the most beautiful in North Rhine-Westphalia. Admire lovingly restored half-timbered houses and old tombstones. The picturesque houses and the leaning tower of St. George’s Church is one of the most beautiful views in Hattingen. If you’re staying in Hattingen, be sure to visit the Altstadt and with it’s numerous restaurants and shops.
Koblenz, Germany
Just a few kilometers from the city center of Koblenz, high above the left bank of the Rhine, rises the castle Stolzenfels. In terms of art and cultural history, the castle, which was built in the 19th century from the ruins of a 13th-century castle and has a park and gardens, is one of the most notable achievements of Prussian Rhine romanticism. Tour the of 13th-century fortress rebuilt in neo-Gothic style by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV in 1842.
(Closed in December & January)
Koblenz, Germany
Take a cable car 118 meters above the Rhine river to the fortress for the most fantastic view of the town of Koblenz. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the second largest preserved fortress in Europe, was built in its present form between 1817 and 1828. Its origin dates back to the year 1000. Today, the fortress next to the State Museum Koblenz with its diverse exhibitions (eg the history of technology and archeology of the country, the fortress history with over 20 exciting stations, multimedia stagings and much more) also the memorial of the army and the youth hostel Koblenz.
Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Spend an extraordinary day and immerse yourself in exotic worlds. Let yourself be inspired by our more than 900 animals and experience an exclusive look behind the scenes of a modern zoological adventure world on an exciting adventure expedition. The ZOOM Erlebniswelt offers everything for body and soul. Covering an area of more than 30 hectares, the adventure worlds Alaska, Africa and Asia have emerged. The only consistently nature-oriented zoological adventure world in Europe offers more than 900 animals in over 100 species a lifelike home. The impressive landscape architecture of the districts with their almost invisible borders enables the most exciting encounters between humans and animals.
Cologne, Germany
The tour of the nine exhibition areas is a fantastic and unforgettable journey through the 4000 square meters of the culture and history of chocolate, starting at the old American cultures such as the Maya and the Aztecs, through the Baroque age and the industrialization up to the individual refinement of the noble chocolate of today. Everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate is located here.
Like a ship made of glass and metal, the chocolate museum is located on the Rhine river, directly in front of the old town, near the Cologne Cathedral. In medieval times in Cologne, the anchor and terminal were located here by the Rhine boatmen. Today the old swing bridge has been renovated to the new designed harbour quarter of the “Rheinauhafen.”
Wierschem, Germany
Experience the Eltz Middle Ages and pure nature! The family is proud of their stone fairytale and they’d love to show it to you! Burg Eltz is different. She survived all wars unscathed. It has been owned and cared for by a single family since its construction over 850 years ago until today. It has an incomparable architecture and original furnishings from eight centuries. It offers an armory and treasury of world-class gold and silver work. She stands on a rock and still lies in the valley. It is embedded in the Eltzer Wald, a nature reserve of great scenic beauty and full of rare plants and animals. It is also in the midst of an attractive hiking area, with the award-winning dream path “Eltzer Burgpanorama” and with other beautiful trails for every need.
Maps
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