Coming to Tunisia for a cranioplasty: steps, documents, timing

A custom implant is designed before surgery, from a recent CT scan of the skull. This work is done remotely: your file moves forward while you are still at home.

1. 01Have a CT scan of the whole skull in thin slices (1 mm or less), after the last operation, and obtain the complete DICOM files, not just images or a report.
2. 02Gather the reports: craniectomy, other operations, hospital stays, current treatments.
3. 03Send the file to the neurosurgeon who will operate in Tunisia: they are the one who contacts the implant manufacturer.
4. 04The surgeon and the engineer study feasibility; the hospital then sends you its proposal and quote.

At IME TECH, nothing is manufactured without the surgeon’s written approval: the implant is designed and made while you prepare the trip.

• a passport valid for the whole stay;
• the DICOM files of the CT scan on a USB stick or CD, in addition to the remote transfer;
• operation and hospital reports;
• a list of medicines, with doses, and allergies;
• recent test results, if the team asks for them;
• the accepted quote and the hospital’s contact details.

Nationals of many countries, including Algeria and Libya, do not need a visa for a stay of less than three months ^[1]. Rules change: check them with the Tunisian consulate before booking.

Expect a consultation with the surgeon and the anaesthetist before surgery, then a hospital stay of a few days in general. The total length of the trip depends mainly on the post-operative check and clearance to travel.

The Tunisian press estimates care to cost 40 to 60% less than in Europe ^[3]. The cost of a full stay still varies with the hospital, the implant and the length of stay: ask for written details of what the quote includes.

After intracranial surgery, air can remain inside the skull for a few days; at altitude it expands. This is the main reason neurosurgeons advise against flying for a while after surgery ^[2].

There is no standard delay: in a survey of 66 UK consultant neurosurgeons, 61 advised against flying for a period ranging from under 2 weeks to over 8 weeks depending on the surgeon ^[2]. Your surgeon sets the date, sometimes after a follow-up scan.

Returning by road to a neighbouring country should also be discussed with the team: fatigue, journey time and access to care along the way all matter.

Before leaving, make sure you take:

• the operation report and the discharge letter;
• the implant identification: manufacturer, material, reference;
• the images of the follow-up scan;
• written instructions: scar, medicines, activities, warning signs;
• the Tunisian team’s contact details for questions after you return.

Plan a visit to a doctor in your country in the days after returning, to check the scar and remove the stitches if needed.

IME TECH designs and manufactures the implant on the surgeon’s prescription. Organising the stay is a matter for the patient and the hospital.