Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in Romania

Ear, nose, and throat, ENT for short or Otolaryngology, is a medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the ears, nose, and throat. Physicians who specialized in ENT are called otolaryngologists or ENT doctors and are qualified and trained in both the medical and surgical management of the following conditions:

• Conditions of the ear – ENT doctors can help with ear disorders or other issues, such as ear infections, hearing impairment, ear noise (tinnitus), balance disorders, nerve pain, as well as facial and cranial nerve disorders. They can also manage congenital disorders (disorders that are present since birth) of the inner and outer ear. 
• Conditions of the nose – one of the primary skills of ENT doctors in the care of the nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses. They can diagnose, treat, and manage allergies, deviated septum, smell disorders, sinusitis, polyps, and nasal obstruction because of a deviated septum. They can also perform rhinoplasty surgery to correct the appearance of the nose.
• Conditions of the throat – disorders, and conditions that affect the throat, larynx (voice box), and the esophagus or upper aero-digestive tract can be diagnosed and treated by ENT doctors, including voice and swallowing disorders. 
• ENT-related conditions of the head and neck – ENT doctors are trained to treat infectious diseases, tumors, trauma, and deformities of the head, face, and neck. They can also manage problems with the nerves in these areas that control smelling, sight, hearing, and facial movements. In addition, they can perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to the head and neck area.

The procedures that ENT doctors perform include, but are not limited to:

• Tympanostomy
• Myringoplasty
• Tympanoplasty
• Stapedectomy
• Tympanomastoidectomy
• Laryngoplasty
• Esophagoscopy
• Laryngoscopy
• Microlaryngoscopy
• Septoplasty
• Nasal valve reconstruction
• Nasal fracture reduction
• Rhinoplasty
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
• Parotidectomy
• Neck mass biopsy
• Submandibular gland removal
• Airway reconstruction
• Tonsillectomy
• Adenoidectomy
• Thyroidectomy
• Parathyroidectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Romania?

Your length of stay depends on your condition and the type of treatment you underwent. For surgical procedures, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or you can leave the hospital immediately. However, it is advisable that you stay in Romania for at least 2 weeks or until your ENT doctor says it is safe to travel home. This is because the change in the aircraft’s cabin pressure can cause problems with the surgical site. During your stay, you also need to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor will remove the stitches (if necessary) and monitor your healing progress.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your ENT doctor will give you a specific recovery timeline, including when you can resume your normal activity and return to work. In general, you need to avoid all activities that may increase blood pressure in your head area for at least 3 weeks. You also need to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your ENT doctor will give you instructions on how to protect the health of your ear, nose, and throat, as well as how to prevent your disease from reoccurring or complications. Make sure to follow all the instructions closely. Depending on your specific condition, you may be required to attend regular checkups. In most cases, you have the choice to have regular checkups with your local doctor at home or with your ENT doctor in Romania.

What's the Success Rate?

The continuous advancement of ENT has increased the success rate of ENT procedures. While there are no general statistics for all ENT procedures, most procedures are proven to be safe and highly successful. For example, the success rate of tympanoplasty is around 90%. Risks and side effects of ENT procedures depend on the specific procedure and the health status of the patient. All surgical procedures generally carry the risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to the anesthetic.

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, there is no alternative to ENT when you have problems with your ear, nose, and throat. However, depending on your condition, your ENT doctor may work with or refer you to a relevant specialist.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in and around Romania

Introduction

Situated at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country of contrasts. From its medieval towns and castles, nature, and wildlife, to its rich cultural heritage and amazing food, this country continues to amaze its visitors. In recent years, Romania has become a flourishing medical tourism destination. Due to its low prices, well-trained medical staff, highly skilled doctors, and amazing medical centers, the country attracts an ever-increasing number of international medical tourists. Dental work is the number one reason medical tourists travel to this country, closely followed by cosmetic surgeries. Most medical tourists come from other European countries, such as the UK, Germany, other Western European countries, and the US.

Popular Cities and Regions in Romania

Almost every city in Romania has its fair share of amazing tourist attractions and skilled specialists. The most popular one is the capital of the country, Bucharest. This dynamic city boasts excellent museums, trendy cafes, and beautiful parks. Tourists usually flock to the Palace of Parliament, the Statue of Emperor Trajan, Cişmigiu Garden, the Romanian Athenaeum, and the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. Besides Bucharest, one of the most popular cities in the country is Brasov which is located in Transylvania; tourists usually come to this city as their base for trips to “Dracula’s castle.” The city is filled with charming medieval streets, great hiking spots, and a beautiful historic center. The second-largest city in Romania, Cluj-Napoca, is also famous for its bohemian cafes, amazing medical centers, and music festivals. 

Transport in Romania

Henri Coandă International Airport is the busiest airport in Romania. It serves flights to various major cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Getting around Romania with domestic flights is fast, but can be expensive. The most common way to travel is by bus and maxi taxi (minibus), which reaches even the smallest towns. 

Visas in Romania

While Romania is not yet part of the Schengen Area, the country’s visa policy is based on the Schengen acquis. Therefore, citizens of 62 countries, including the US and Australia, can visit and stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of other countries will need a visa to enter. Those who already have a Schengen visa may enter the country.

Weather in Romania

Spring from March to May has fairly mild temperatures and pleasant weather. Summer, starting from June to August, is usually dry, sunny and sweltering. Autumn comes in September and ends in November. It brings enjoyable temperatures, but it is also the rainy season in the country. Winter, from December to February, can get quite cold and harsh with frequent snowfall. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The currency is the Romanian leu (RON). 1 USD is approx. 4.7 RON.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found in major cities and smaller towns. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and hotels. Tipping is expected in restaurants, hotels, etc. 
3. Local Language: There are several spoken languages in Romania. However, Romanian is the most spoken language. English is also spoken by around 31% of the population.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Romania is a secular state with no state religion. However, Christianity is the biggest religion. Islam, Paganism, and other religions are also present.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Descent of the Holy Spirit, National Day, and Christmas Day are some of the most celebrated public holidays.