Most times, taking medications could be all that is needed for schizophrenia illness. However, there are times when the case gets severe. And the surgical operation is all that is left on the table.
It’s often rare to see victims of this illness opt for surgical operations on their own accord. But, if it’s going to ease them of the discomfort they feel, then why not. Not all surgical procedures are for individuals with schizophrenia.
In this article, we will be taking a look at what surgical operations are meant for schizophrenia patients. And also, the chances of undergoing these operations in Ecuador.
Schizophrenia Surgery
For patients living with schizophrenia, medicine is usually your go-to. However, if the medications can no longer control the symptoms, then the surgery could be your next option. The one surgery done for schizophrenia patients is the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
The DBS is quite new. It uses electric pulses to enable your brain part to communicate better. When a patient receives the DBS treatment, the wires and electrodes and places in the brain. These electrodes and wires are connected to other devices that are sent under the skin to the chest to get signals.
What Happens in the Surgical Room?
In undergoing this surgery for DBS, two surgeries are carried out. The first is to place the electrodes and secondly to place the device that controls them.
Here is a step-by-step process of what goes on in the operating room.
● First, the patient’s head is placed in a frame to keep it fixed.
● An MRI is obtained. The MRI is a machine that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to get a detailed image of the brain. With these MRIs, your doctor knows where to place the electrode.
● A small hole is drilled into the skull by the surgeon and that puts a tiny wire with electrodes into a specific area of the brain. Meanwhile, before these procedures, a medicine is given to the patient so they feel anything.
● During these procedures, the patient is awake so they can communicate with the surgeon. You’re often asked to move your arm or leg. With your response, the surgeon can be sure the electrodes are in the right spot.
At this point, the first surgery is over and the second which is to fix the control device goes on immediately. In the course of the surgery, the patient is numbed so as not to feel pain.
After that, the device is placed under the skin through the collarbone. The connections will happen under the skin with the wires from the electrodes.
What Happens After Surgery?
When the surgery is over, the device is turned on. This is usually done a few weeks later. The patients go back to the doctor so that the device can be turned on for a good amount of electric stimulation to the brain.
Programming this device usually takes a while. This is just so that the doctor can be sure your symptoms are getting better. However, a remote will be given to you to turn on and off the device and check its battery power.
Treating schizophrenia illness will cost an average of $25,940 per year per patient. However, wherever you decide to receive surgery as a schizophrenia patient is up to you. Although, healthcare in Ecuador has a very standard system. Still, if you intend to undergo surgery, there are a few things to look out for. Some of them are:
Before performing any surgical operations in any hospital in Ecuador, you should endeavor to go with a specialist. This way you are certain you are in safe hands.
A specialist is a medical practitioner that focuses on one thing and has gained enough experience over the years regarding that field. It is very possible to hear from a specialist in schizophrenia surgeries in Ecuador.
Be sure you have carried out a proper diagnosis before coming for any surgical procedure. Although most hospitals prefer to run their diagnosis themselves even if you have one already. This will help them be certain that you do need an operation.
How do I mean? For schizophrenia patients having a little faith in your surgeon will go a great deal for you. It might also help in your recovery stage. There are well-equipped surgeons in Ecuador that are willing to give you the very best of care that you will possibly need.
Schizophrenia surgeries often take weeks to recover to a great extent. Hospitals in Ecuador are willing to give you the very best of their services and watch you recover.
If surgical operations will be your bailout with schizophrenia, then by all means. Having this surgery in Ecuador has a high possibility of success rate. This is a result of the good health care in Ecuador. Remember, the goal is to get your health and life back.
