I travelled to this clinic in September 2025 for spinal surgery after experiencing significant issues with my spine (L4/L5/S1). I chose the clinic largely based on the cost of treatment. Prior to travelling, I had been advised by the UK NHS and a spinal specialist in Germany that a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) procedure would likely be required based on my MRI results.
However, after I had signed the agreement and paid my deposit, I received a call approximately one week before travelling to Poland informing me that the surgeon had reviewed my MRI again and that the clinic now recommended a DIAM (Dynamic Stabilisation) procedure instead. I felt uncertain about the change and asked to speak with the surgeon. I was told that the DIAM procedure was more modern and less invasive, and that the final decision could be discussed once I arrived in Poland after a new MRI scan.
When I arrived at the clinic, I underwent several pre-operative tests across different departments. During this process, I experienced long waiting periods, often around two hours at a time, while seated in corridors without updates on timelines. I had been fasting since 10 pm the previous night, and this testing process continued from around 7 am until approximately 4:30 pm.
When I attended the clinic the following day, I again waited for approximately two hours before meeting the surgeon, who confirmed that I was fit to proceed with the surgery scheduled for Thursday. Later that day I was informed that the surgery would instead take place on Friday due to scheduling issues.
On Thursday evening, I received a call at around 8 pm asking me to come to the hospital immediately because my surgery had been moved again to Friday morning. Ultimately, the surgery took place at approximately 1 pm on Friday.
After the operation, I woke up at around 4 pm and asked for food, as I had been fasting since the previous evening. I was given a yoghurt, but I was told that there were no other meals available because the kitchen had not prepared food for me due to the earlier scheduling changes. I eventually arranged food through a delivery service with the assistance of a nurse.
The following morning at around 7 am I was informed that I would need to leave the hospital by 9 am and take a taxi back to my hotel. I was also advised to collect my prescribed pain medication from a local pharmacy myself. I was surprised by this as the surgery had taken place less than 12 hours earlier, and I had only walked a few steps to the bathroom at that point. I was informed that the hospital would be closing at midday and that discharge was therefore required.
When I returned to the UK, I initially experienced some improvement for approximately two months. However, my symptoms began to worsen again. I attempted to arrange follow-up communication with the surgeon and physiotherapy team through scheduled video calls, but on multiple occasions, the calls did not take place.
Following advice from my international coordinator, I submitted a formal letter of complaint on 26 October. As of February 2026, I have not yet received a response to this complaint. I was advised that if I wished to pursue further assessment I would need to travel back to Poland at my own expense for flights, accommodation, new MRI scans, and any additional treatment that might be required.
Since submitting the complaint, I have contacted the clinic regularly for updates but have not yet received a detailed response. This has been disappointing as I had hoped for clearer communication and guidance regarding my ongoing symptoms.
Unfortunately, my spine has shown limited long-term improvement since the surgery, and my condition has begun to deteriorate again. Based on my current experience, I would encourage anyone considering treatment abroad to carefully research their options and ensure that all treatment plans, aftercare arrangements, and communication channels are clearly established before travelling.
Poland itself was a very pleasant country to visit, and I found the local people to be friendly and welcoming. However, my medical experience has been challenging and has had a significant impact on my recovery journey.
