Complication After Surgery Abroad: Medical Repatriation
A complication after an operation abroad, for example a surgical tourism trip, raises the question of the return home and of the follow-up by a team near home.
Some patients have an operation abroad, planned or urgent, and a complication appears afterwards: infection, bleeding, a wound that does not heal, a pain that worsens. The local team treats the emergency, and the patient or the family often wants to continue the care near home. Our coordinating physician reviews the operative report with the surgeon, assesses whether the patient can travel and organizes the transfer, directly to the receiving hospital where possible.
Our coordinating physician assesses each case together with the on-site medical team to determine the equipment required and the transport mode best suited to the patient's condition.
When we are called in
- Complication after a planned operation abroad, including a surgical tourism trip
- Postoperative infection, bleeding or wound problem needing care near home
- Transfer to the surgical or intensive-care team of a hospital at home
- Return home of a patient who cannot sit or who needs monitoring during the journey
How the transport is organized
Before the flight
- Collection of the operative report, the anesthesia report and the results of the tests
- Contact with the surgeon abroad and with the receiving hospital
- Assessment of fitness to fly by our coordinating physician
- Choice of the transport: air ambulance, stretcher or seat with a medical escort
On board
- Medical team adapted to the complication and to the level of monitoring needed
- Monitoring of vital signs, pain and, if needed, drains and dressings
- Oxygen, infusion pumps and, if needed, intensive-care equipment
- Cabin conditions managed according to the operation and the risk of complications
Fitness to fly and timing
The right moment depends on the operation, the complication and the stability of the patient. We discuss it directly with the surgeon abroad and with the receiving team. Gathering the operative report quickly often saves a lot of time. See also our article on complications after cosmetic surgery abroad.
Our team can work directly with the patient's insurer or assistance company to arrange fast coverage — see our dedicated page for insurers and assistance companies.
This page gives general information about how a medical transport is organized and is not medical advice. Every decision is taken by the treating physicians together with our coordinating physician, case by case.
Related services
Common questions
Often yes, once the treating team considers the patient stable enough to travel, and with a transport adapted to the case. The operative report is the key document.
Where possible, yes. We coordinate with the receiving hospital so that the patient is admitted directly, with the medical file already transmitted.
It depends on the insurance contracts and on the circumstances. Planned operations abroad are often excluded from travel insurance, so we advise checking the contract before any decision. We give a written quote before departure.
A medical situation abroad can't wait.
Our coordinators are available right now — every day, at any hour.