“Medical tourism” describes the increasing number of patients who travel outside their home country for medical treatment, often to less developed countries.

The most common procedures that people pursue overseas are cosmetic surgery, dentistry and cardiac or orthopedic surgery.

Traveling or flying after surgical procedures increases the risk of medical complications such as blood clots or pulmonary emboli.

Do your research and consult with your health care provider and travel health specialist before you consider traveling to another country for your medical care. Published guidelines and international standards are also available for reference.