The surgery was arranged rapidly to fit in with my travel schedule. Dr Jamora was away and things were a little chaotic, but everything fell into place in the end. It would have been nice to have somewhat fuller information in good time - for example, that a "cardio-clearance" was required, and what exactly it consisted of. The important thing, the surgery, was expertly carried out with no hitches, and the wound is healing very well, with very little scarring, even though I have failed to apply the anti-scar ointment consistently. My total cost was about US$1600, including hotel accommodation for two nights and air-travel from General Santos City to Manila return, and the "cardio-clearance", which involved blood tests, a chest x-ray and an ECG, as well as a consultation with an internist - no cardiologist was available on a Saturday afternoon. It appeared that I could have had accommodation in Medical City, but I was not informed of that in advance.