Planning sheet 01 · Dr. Vishnu Baburaj

Records for a useful first review

You can bring or share copies you already have. Tell the team what is missing so they can help identify what needs to be obtained. A missing implant sticker should not prevent the first discussion.

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History and current problemA short account of the symptoms, affected side and main treatment goalCurrent medicines, allergies and important medical conditionsRelevant clinic letters and previous treatmentRecent imaging reports and the complete original images where requested

If there has been an earlier operationOperation notes and discharge summaries, if availableImplant card, stickers or exact implant details, if availableEarlier and recent X-rays for comparisonRelevant infection tests, culture results and antibiotic history

A short operation and symptom timeline

Use approximate dates if the exact day is unknown. Include a later infection, fall, dislocation or another operation where relevant.

Date or yearOperation or eventHospital / record available

Date or yearOperation or eventHospital / available record

Records still missing and who will help obtain them

Use the transfer method agreed with the team. Keep required passwords and access restrictions in place, and confirm that the intended reviewer can open the files. Do not post medical records publicly.

Planning sheet 02 · Dr. Vishnu Baburaj

The complete treatment-trip budget

Use one currency throughout. Add your actual written quote and travel arrangements. This calculator does not provide a treatment quotation or predict complication costs.

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Currency for every amount

Changing this label does not convert the amounts. Use one currency and record any exchange rate and date in your notes.

Confirmed costsWritten hospital estimateBooked travelConfirmed accommodationOther confirmed costs

Expected additional costsPlanned rehabilitation outside admissionMeals and local transportExpected additional accommodation or reviewsOther expected costs

Contingency reserveFunds available if the agreed plan changes

Expected treatment-trip budgetEnter your amountsConfirmed costs + expected additional costs

Funds to have availableEnter your amountsExpected treatment-trip budget + contingency reserve

Illustration only: confirmed costs of USD 4,000 plus expected additional costs of USD 1,000 give an expected budget of USD 5,000. A separate USD 1,000 reserve means USD 6,000 available. These are fictional example figures, not a package price or a recommended reserve.

Items still to be quoted, exclusions or possible changes to discuss

Related guides: The true cost of surgery abroad

Planning sheet 03 · Dr. Vishnu Baburaj

Going home with a clear handover

Complete this with the treating team before departure. It records your individual instructions; it does not supply a standard exercise programme, medicine dose or travel-clearance date.

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Operation, side and dateImplant details and where the labels are keptPermitted weight-bearing, brace and movement restrictionsWound plan and who will examine itMedicines and clot-prevention instructions: attach the prescriptionPlanned review and travel reassessmentLocal clinician and physiotherapist: accepted handover and appointmentsOperating team routine contact and agreed response arrangements

Documents to leave with

Discharge summary and operation noteImplant record where relevantRelevant imaging and investigation resultsMedicine list, wound plan and rehabilitation instructions

A short physiotherapy progress update

The therapist can record the measurement or test used, rather than a result without context.

Date, swelling, pain and walking aidExtension and flexion: measurement and methodCurrent restrictions and completed testsCurrent goal, progress and next review

Planned video review supports the handover. A new or urgent problem still needs local hands-on assessment. Use the getting-help sheet for the agreed contacts.

Planning sheet 04 · Dr. Vishnu Baburaj

Know where to get help

Keep this with the discharge instructions. Use local services for urgent assessment wherever you are. A message to the operating team is useful for sharing information, but should not delay care.

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Seek emergency help now

Sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain or collapse, particularly with leg pain or swelling.^[1]
Sudden severe limb pain, or a newly cold or pale foot, or new marked weakness or loss of sensation. Do not wait for several symptoms to appear.^[3]
After hip replacement, sudden severe hip pain with inability to put weight through the leg, even if it does not look deformed.^[6]
Coughing up more than a few spots or streaks of blood, or blood with difficulty breathing, a very fast heartbeat, or chest or upper-back pain.^[5]
A visibly deformed limb or a severe injury with an open wound.^[4]

Call local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a remote reply or drive yourself when seriously unwell.

Arrange local assessment today

New one-sided calf or leg pain and swelling, fever or shivering after surgery, wound discharge, or redness and pain that are increasing need prompt local clinical assessment. A few small spots, flecks or streaks of coughed-up blood also need urgent assessment today. More blood or any accompanying emergency symptoms belong in the action above.^[1][2][5]

Use the agreed routine review

For non-urgent progress updates and questions about the plan, use the arranged appointment or routine contact. If symptoms change or you are unsure how urgent they are, seek local clinical advice.

Local emergency number and nearest emergency departmentLocal clinician / wound-review contactOperating team routine contactCompanion contact and where the medicine list is kept

Supporting English patient guidance, checked 24 October 2026:

NHS: DVT and pulmonary embolism.
NHS: Complications after knee replacement.
Society for Vascular Surgery: Acute limb ischemia.
NHS: Broken leg.
NHS: Coughing up blood.
South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre: Total hip replacement booklet, p. 34.

Related guides: A new problem after returning home

Planning sheet 05 · Dr. Vishnu Baburaj

Check the room, not just the distance

Use current photographs or a direct check of the exact room and route. Describe your expected walking aid and restrictions. This checklist does not certify a property as accessible or endorse a hotel.

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The full vehicle-to-room routeVehicle drop-off and pickup are easy to reachSteps, thresholds, slopes and uneven surfaces have been checkedA suitable lift is available if needed, including any steps before the liftDoorways and corridors fit the expected walking aid

Bathroom and bedroomToilet and bathing arrangements suit the instructions from the clinical teamThe floor, lighting and route to the toilet allow safe movementBed and chair height allow the advised transfersThere is room for the companion and prescribed exercises

Practical arrangementsUsual hospital travel time and pickup point are knownTransport can be arranged for reviews and urgent problemsMeals, medicines and any storage needs are coveredExtension and cancellation terms are recorded in writing

Property and exact room category; date and method of access checkChanges needed, who will confirm them and remaining questions