Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find the most frequently asked questions about our SFDM surgery for Cerebral Palsy treatment, as well as questions about how the process of coming to our CP clinic for treatment works.
Questions About SFDM Surgery
How to determine if SFDM surgery is necessary for a patient diagnosed with CP?
Our international patients come from all around the world, so to determine if the patient is a candidate for SFDM surgery, we utilize telemedicine technology.
As our cerebral palsy treatment is designed to address mobility disabilities, we request videos of the patient to be submitted. These videos must demonstrate the various mobility difficulties and limitations they are suffering from.
In addition, the patient or an authorized person will need to fill out a basic medical questionnaire about the patient’s condition and history.
We welcome the submission of any relevant medical reports, test results, and analyses that can help us better understand and evaluate the patient’s condition.
How will patients benefit from SFDM surgery?
SFDM surgery is designed to significantly improve mobility and minimize disability in children and adults who suffer from cerebral palsy.
As a result of undergoing this surgery, patients can experience the following benefits:
- Elimination or minimization of muscle spasticity
- Improvements in motor functions, including skills and range
- Reduction in the frequency and intensity of seizures
- Prevention of bone and posture deformities with early intervention, or correction/management of these deformities in later stages
- Improvement in balance and posture
These effects can increase the patient’s ability to move independently, broaden their interaction with the world, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Children with mild CP are practically indistinguishable from healthy children after undergoing SFDM surgery and its rehabilitation.
From what age can a cerebral palsy patient undergo SFDM surgery?
Our golden rule is: the earlier we can operate, the better results we can achieve. However, a patient can be considered for surgery if they are 24 months of age or older.
What is the maximum allowed age for a cerebral palsy patient who wants to undergo SFDM surgery?
Besides the presence of any condition rendering the patient unfit for surgery, we haven’t rejected any eligible candidate due to age.
Our oldest CP patient who underwent SFDM was almost 60 years old!
Once you decide the patient is a candidate for SFDM, what other medical tests are required?
To operate on a patient, the following examinations must be carried out within 1 month before traveling to us for surgery:
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiography
Our specialists might request additional medical tests in some cases.
Additional tests will be conducted before the surgery itself. These include:
Complete blood count, coagulation tests, blood type and Rh factor determination, blood glucose analysis, urinalysis, HIV screening, Hepatitis B, C, and Syphilis.
How soon can patients start their rehabilitation after SFDM surgery?
Generally, rehabilitation can begin after 2-3 days from surgery for upper limbs, and after 7-8 days for lower limbs.
Professor Tovmasian might advise on starting it sooner or later, on a case-by-case basis, depending on the complexity of the patient’s condition and surgery.
Where will the patient stay during treatment?
Our CP clinic is part of Tovmed Medical Center, which includes a restaurant and a modern hotel.
Patients and their companions will stay at our hotel, where our medical staff can attend to their needs during post-operative recovery.
All meals will be prepared by our restaurant chefs in accordance with doctor recommendations.
How long do patients need to stay at the CP clinic for SFDM surgery?
SFDM is an outpatient surgery, allowing patients to leave the clinic the same day, typically within 12 hours after surgery. However, for international patients, we recommend a stay duration of 4 days, with departure on the 5th day.
The schedule is organized as follows:
- Day 1: Arrival
- Day 2: Intake, surgeon consultation and examination, pre-surgical tests and analysis
- Day 3: Surgery
- Day 4: Bandages removal, recovery, post-operative consultation, and a comprehensive conversation with Professor Tovmasian about patient post-operative care, rehabilitation program, advice on future steps, and final medical report.
- Day 5: Departure
This can be adjusted on an individual basis, in accordance with the patient’s condition.
What kind of rehabilitation is needed after SFDM surgery and for how long?
After undergoing SFDM surgery, patients follow a specialized comprehensive rehabilitation program aimed at improving motor skills and functions. Depending on their condition, the program may include physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
The SFDM post-operative rehabilitation program is always individualized for each patient, considering their condition, age, mobility disabilities, needs, capabilities, and mental capacity.
The common primary goal of rehabilitation is to enhance independence and improve the patient’s quality of life.
It is essential to note that rehabilitation may take a considerable amount of time and will require ongoing effort.
Who will operate on the patient?
Professor Vigein Tovmasian, the pioneer of SFDM surgery and the head surgeon at our clinic, will be your operating surgeon and primary consulting physician.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with Professor Tovmasian’s background and expertise.
Are there any potential risks or complications that can result from SFDM surgery?
As with any other surgical intervention, this surgery carries some potential risks and complications. These may include:
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Fever
- Allergic reactions to anesthesia
- Inadequate improvement in function after surgery, or others.
It’s important to discuss these risks with the medical team and ask any necessary questions.
The risks may vary depending on the type of surgery and individual circumstances.
We do our best to screen for any potential risk factors that may lead to post-surgical complications.
Do you provide other surgeries for cerebral palsy patients?
No.
Our CP Clinic specializes exclusively in Selective Fibrotomy of Damaged Muscles (SFDM) surgery.
This procedure has shown to make the most significant impact on our patients in our practice, with minimal risks due to its minimally invasive nature.
Recovery and rehabilitation are easily manageable and rarely require specialized equipment.
General Questions
Where is the CP Clinic located?
In Ukraine.
Our CP Clinic is one of Tovmed Medical Center’s clinics, situated in the city of Vinnytsia, Ukraine.
Do you provide visa support?
Yes, we do provide medical invitations for qualified patients and their companions.
Are you still operating during the current events in Ukraine?
Yes, we are!
Our CP Clinic and Tovmed Medical Center are continuing their operations without any issues.
Is it safe to come to Ukraine now?
Although we can’t issue any travel safety advice, we can share our opinion that the city of Vinnytsia is safe enough for us to continue operating our facilities.