Ask The Expert: Lipogems As An Alternative To Orthopedic Surgery
In order to get some insights on Lipogems, we have interviewed Andrius Šaikus, expert in the field of orthopaedic trauma surgery at Kardiolita Hospital in Lithuania, one of our top partner hospitals.
What is Lipogems®?
Lipogems® is an innovative procedure by which a patient’s own fat cells are used to help regenerate body tissues that have been damaged or infected.
Lipogems is a minimally-invasive procedure that may provide an alternative to surgical options. It can also be combined with arthroscopic surgery to promote healing.
How does Lipogems work?
During a Lipogems procedure, the patient will receive local or general anesthesia, depending on their conditions.
The surgeon will extract a little fat, usually from the abdominal area, via a small cannula.
The fat is transferred into a patented canister filled with a saline solution that will emulsify the tissue and remove inflammatory oils and blood, keeping the natural and regenerative properties of the fat tissue.
The surgeon will inject the resulting fat tissue into the injured area and damaged tissue.
The whole procedure lasts around one hour. The patient will start to feel better from one to three weeks after surgery.
Dr. Šaikus, who is the ideal candidate for Lipogems?
“Lipogems is recommended to those people who have damaged the cartilage of their joints and arthroscopic surgery would not be an option because of the long recovery process.”
Where can Lipogems be performed?
“At Kardiolita Hospital, I perform Lipogems on knee and hip joints.”
How long do the effects of Lipogems last?
“Every individual is different and as this technology is pretty new, it is still early to say how long results last.”
What recommendations do you give to your patients after a Lipogems procedure?
“We recommend that the patient take it easy for three days following Lipogems. The harvest areas will be sore and need time to heal internally. Moreover, strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided.”
What makes Lipogems successful?
“Treating musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. knee arthritis) through injections with a minimally invasive procedure is more appealing than undergoing arthroscopic surgery, which can take up to a year to recover.”
What has Lipogems to do with stem cell therapy?
“While some stem cells likely get knocked loose in the processing, data is showing that most of the stem cell separation from collagen likely happens from the liposuction procedure. Given the low number of cells and the fact that there is no evidence that this low stem cell content has a positive outcome, I would say that Lipogems is not a stem cell procedure.”
What should I consider if I have Lipogems abroad?
“If you decide to travel to get Lipogems, you should consider an overall stay of 3 to 5 days. During this time, you will have your first consultation with your doctor, your surgery, and the time to recover.”
Lipogems System: Step-by-step procedure
Below the step-by-step Lipogems procedure in pictures. All images courtesy of Kardiolita Hospital.
a. Fat is extracted with a small cannula, similarly to a liposuction procedure.
b. The extracted fat is transferred into the Lipogems canister.
c. The surgeon shakes the canister to allow the saline solution to purify the fat cells from blood, inflammatory cells and debris.
d. The regenerative fat tissue is collected.
e. The surgeon injects the fat tissue into the target areas.
Are you looking into Lipogems? We have a special offer at Kardiolita Hospital with MD Andrius Šaikus.
Patients booking through Qunomedical will get the discounted price of €2,600 per leg, or €3,500 for both legs (or two joints of the same leg), instead of the regular price of €2,900 and €3,700.
Our Lipogems package includes: ✓ Lipogems procedure ✓ Hospitalization ✓ Hotel Stay (Single room for one person) ✓ Transportation
Patients will only pay for their flights. Prices valid until September 1st 2018.
Book your appointment!
ABOUT MD ANDRIUS ŠAIKUS
MD Andrius Šaikus has worked as orthopedic trauma physician at Kardiolita Hospital since 2003. He is a member of the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopedics and Traumatology.
Fields of clinical and research activity: Injuries to knee articular ligaments, meniscus, and cartilage. Ligament reconstruction surgery Surgery for articular cartilage injuries. Professional experience: In 1987-1991 - orthopedic trauma physician at St. Jacob hospital in Vilnius. From 1991 – orthopedic trauma physician at Vilnius University Emergency hospital. Starting from 2003 - orthopedic trauma physician at Kardiolita UAB. Education: Graduated in Medicine at Kaunas Medical University in 1987. Internship at Vilnius clinical hospital in 1986-1987.
ABOUT KARDIOLITA HOSPITAL
Kardiolita Hospital has been acknowledged as the leading private general hospital in Lithuania, accredited by the JCI and working by the highest industry standards. Established in 1998, Kardiolita Hospital provides full range of medical services – from comprehensive diagnostics to various surgical treatments within many medical areas. Kardiolita Hospital employs 400+ highly qualified doctors with extensive international experience. Medical procedures performed include more than 45+ medical areas. The hospital has long-term experience in treating international patients.
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Disclaimer
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any treatments.
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