Private Surgery
The Benefits of Private Surgery
Dr. MacKenzie offers private hip surgery to Canadians. The benefits of private hip replacement/resurfacing include:
Less wait time
Private surgery can bypass the wait times of the public health system.
Pain alleviation
Hip surgery can be a more permanent solution to arthritis pain.
Continuity of care
Consultation, surgery, and follow-up care are all provided by Dr. MacKenzie.
Increased mobility
Hip surgery can lead to patients being able to resume normal activity.
Who should consider traveling for surgery?
Patients who are considered candidates for travel surgery have appropriate indications for a hip resurfacing or hip replacement in addition to the following:
General Health
You need to be relatively healthy, with any ongoing health issues properly controlled and stable. Any potential issues that might delay your discharge from the surgery centre need to be addressed.
You should not have any cognitive impairment e.g: Alzheimers disease or poor short term memory.
Patients cannot be significantly over-weight, additonally, their BMI needs to be less than 40.
If you have diabetes, your blood sugars need to be well controlled and your Hemoglobin A1c should be in the normal range.
Patients should not be on blood thinners (low dose Aspirin is ok). You should not have Atrial Fib or history of DVT or embolism.
Mobility
Patients need to have relatively good mobility. You will need to get on and off an airplane and negotiate around an airport very soon after surgery.
Travel Companion
You must have a travel companion, and you will need someone to travel with and ideally be able to assist you with bathroom needs.
Patience & Flexibility
Travel plans need to be flexible. You should be prepared to change your plans if any complication or delay arises, such as needing an extra day of recovery before you are well enough to travel. Sometimes staffing or equipment issues can lead to surgical delays.
You should purchase airplane tickets that allow you to change the date without large penalty. Ideally, you should sit near the front of the plane or be in premium economy of business class for extra leg room, however, you will not be allowed in an Exit row. Your travel companion can likely travel at a reduced rate.
Procedures
Hip Surgeries
Hip arthritis leads to pain and disability. Nonsurgical treatments are meant to decrease pain and/or to allow someone to do more of their normal activities, while surgical treatment is more permanent.
The Process
Canadians willing to pay for care are able to avoid the long wait times in the public system. Dr. MacKenzie performs surgery out-of-province and post-operative care is provided back in Alberta or virtually.
Initial consultation and assessment in Alberta or through virtual consultation
Travel out of your home province to receive surgical care from Dr. MacKenzie
Receive surgical care and post-operative attention from Dr. MacKenzie
Return home and receive follow-up care from Dr. MacKenzie (in person or virtually)
What Next?
Please ensure you have read the above section ‘Who Should Consider Traveling for Surgery’, then complete the form below. You do not need a referral to proceed.
Gateway Surgery are responsible for scheduling consults & surgeries – you should hear back from them within a few business days.
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