Common answers.
The questions we most often get in administrative inquiries. If your question is not here, writing to us through the contact form is the most efficient way: the administrative team replies within 24 business hours.
How long does the first in-person consultation take?
The first in-person consultation usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. It includes the history, a review of any studies the patient brings, a clinical examination and a conversation about diagnostic or treatment options. The length of the consultation is not conditioned by the type of coverage.
Is a second opinion possible without traveling?
Yes. For patients from abroad (and, in selected cases, for local patients) we offer an asynchronous second opinion. You upload your studies through a secure channel, the director or an associate reviews the case and issues a written opinion with a short video summary within 72 business hours. No commitment to travel until the indication is clear.
What are the waiting times to schedule surgery?
For local patients with authorized coverage, surgery is usually scheduled within two to four weeks. For international patients, the total time from the first evaluation to surgery depends on the procedure and on the patient’s travel availability; the international coordinator proposes a specific schedule once the clinical plan is accepted.
Why robotic surgery and not traditional open surgery?
Robotic surgery reduces bleeding, postoperative pain and hospital stay compared with open surgery in most contemporary urological procedures. It is not always the right indication: there are cases where open surgery or the endoscopic approach are superior. The indication is decided case by case.
What do the procedures cost?
We do not publish generic prices per procedure because costs vary with the complexity of the case, anesthetic requirements, estimated surgical time and coverage. With the Hospital Alemán Medical Plan (PMHA) care is direct; with the other health insurers and prepaid plans, it is on a reimbursement basis. For private and international patients, a detailed estimate is prepared case by case and presented transparently.
Does the team speak English or other languages?
The director and several associates speak English with clinical fluency. The international coordinator speaks Spanish and English. For patients who need Portuguese or other languages, we arrange a professional interpreter for the in-person consultations at no additional cost.
What is the postoperative follow-up like?
The minimum institutional follow-up covers the 90 days after surgery, with in-person or video consultations at 7, 30 and 90 days. For oncologic procedures, follow-up extends according to the protocol for the condition. Reports are generated for the patient and, when applicable, for the local treating physician.
What is recovery like after a prostatectomy?
As a general guide: the catheter is removed at around 7 days; returning to work and driving is usually possible near the first week; sexual activity resumes at around 3 weeks; and significant exertion is postponed for about a month, although climbing stairs is allowed from 48 hours. These are general guidelines: the timelines are adjusted during follow-up according to each patient’s progress.
Does UMIBA treat female urological conditions?
Yes. Urogynecology and female conditions of the urinary tract are part of the center’s scope. Oncologic bladder surgery and reconstructive pelvic-floor surgery treat both sexes.
If your inquiry is administrative, write to us through the form and we reply within 24 business hours. If it requires a specific clinical evaluation, the form is also the first step for the team to reply with the right information.