Dr. Michael Colgan’s Hip Resurfacing with Dr. De Gendt 2007

Everything was even better than I expected.

On 20 November 2007 I received a superb hip replacement, using the latest prosthesis design, from Dr Frank de Gendt at St Rembert’s Hospital in Torhout. I had no problems whatsoever.

St Rembert’s is the cleanest hospital that I have ever seen. The first-class two-patient room that housed me, and the attentive and good humoured nurses and other staff are among the best that I have ever encountered in my 33-year practice of sports medicine, involving patients in many hospitals around the world. The skill of the surgeons at St Rembert’s is world-class, and their knowledge of hip replacement appears more advanced than what I have seen in many larger hospitals in the United States and Canada. As a medical professional, I noted that their operating theaters and other equipment facilities employed the latest technology.

The total absence of infections, such as MRSA, at St Rembert’s is a tremendous added bonus, not found in Canadian or American hospitals. The 24-hour daily after care I received from the nurses, and the daily sessions with the physiotherapist and the occupational therapist, were of the same high standard that I use in my own practice.

The hotel-like room in the hospital assigned to my wife, and permitting her to eat at the hospital cafeteria and to take me there also, and to visit me at any time at my hospital bed, were all brilliant strategies that I have not seen elsewhere, that made the whole experience so much easier.

The hospital administrator, Mr Philip Boussauw was the epitome of kindness, and even arranged for me to have a tour of the historic city of Bruges, the day before we left. I could not have wished for better. I am mystified how all that we received could be offered at such a reasonable price, between $US10,000 and $US15,000 less than charged for the equivalent in the United States.

I arrived back home in Canada, three days ago. It is now 14 days after surgery, and I am taking full care of myself, have excellent mobility including reaching my feet, dressing, showering, walking easily with only one crutch, driving, shopping, going out to dinner at restaurants, and doing a normal working day, without any significant pain or disability. Apart from crutches, I have not had to use any aids, such as raised toilet seats, special chairs, dressing devices or walking frames. I know that is a much faster recovery than for most cases here in Canada, and much faster than I or my own doctor had anticipated, (even though I spent some time in strength and fitness training and nutritional supplementation in order to prepare for the surgery).

If having surgery can ever be called a wonderful experience, then that is what I received at St Rembert’s. Thank you again for your efficient and friendly assistance in making it possible.

Sincerely.
Dr Michael Colgan