Having Surgery in Italy: 5 Things That Surprised Me
- Su Guillory
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
I've had yet another adventure here in Italy: surgery.
A few months ago, my gynecologist found a cyst on my left ovary. She recommended I go to Rome to have it looked at. Why so far away? First of all, the healthcare system in the south is...shall we say, less technologically advanced. And second, Gemelli Hospital in Rome is world-renowned in the field of gynecology/oncology. So a trip was planned.
TLDR: I'm totally fine. The cyst was benign, and they removed the ovary. I'm now healing and ready to get back to life! But I wanted to share some things that might surprise you, like they did me, as someone from the U.S.
The Appointment System is Not Straightforward
I was told to show up Monday morning for blood work and appointments with the anesthesiologist and gyno. I did so and was given a number. When they called my number, I had blood drawn. Then they told me to go back to the waiting room and wait for my number to be called again for the next appointment. And again.
All in all, I waited about six hours to have all the exams and visits. It was just strange, not having a fixed time for each appointment like we're used to in the U.S.
When I asked when the surgery was going to be on the initial phone call, I was told they didn't know yet, and that they would inform me the week I was in Rome (oh...okay). On Monday, they called to say it would likely be Wednesday...but then they didn't call to confirm. I called twice before they finally scheduled it for Friday. It was so stressful just sitting and waiting!
Italian Hospital Food is NOT Better
I dunno, I hoped that in a country with such good food, I might actually enjoy eating in a hospital. That wasn't the case. Maybe because I was on a liquid diet for two days...I "enjoyed" pureed meat and veggies and broth.
The cafeteria wasn't great either, though the pizza was good. I was irritated because I couldn't order a piece of pizza a la carte and had to get a complete three-course meal I didn't want! (It cost €8. What am I complaining about??)
They Didn't Load Me Up With Pharmaceuticals
I am certain that if I had surgery in the U.S., they'd send me off with prescription painkillers and antibiotics. I received an antibiotic drip for a day and that was it. They told me to take Tachipirina (Acetaminophen) if I had pain.
And that was it! Other than...
You Know How to Inject Yourself, Right?
I thought it was a little odd when Mamma told me she gave an aunt injections when she needed them, but apparently DIY shots are a thing here. On my last day, the nurse gave me an anticoagulant shot and told me I'd need to do them myself for two weeks.
Uh...excuse me?? You want me to stick a needle in my arm for 14 days??
They sell the needles filled with medicine at the pharmacy! Something I've never seen in the U.S. I've only had nurses give me shots. I'm proud to say I'm being a big girl about it and injecting myself without crying.
Total Cost...
For two nights in the hospital, plus all the pre-op appointments (plus a bonus cardiologist visit), plus the surgery, guess how much I paid?
That's right. Zero. This is one of the amazing things about living in Italy. Healthcare that actually takes care of you. I don't have insurance. I simply have access to the national healthcare system, and it covered everything.
I calculated what it would cost in the U.S. for the same thing. While it would depend, based on insurance and deductible, I could pay as much as $10,000! I couldn't have afforded that, so I don't know what I would have done! Grazie, Italia!
There were lots of frustrating moments in the process, simply because I'm a foreigner. My Italian was good enough to get me through, but I was so sick of speaking to dozens of people every day in another language when all I wanted to do was sleep and heal.
It wasn't ideal to have to travel to Rome, but I'm glad that I was in good hands with a cutting-edge hospital. And I was so grateful to have Fra and Mamma with me. All in all, my experience was a positive one, so if you have to have surgery in Italy, never fear. You'll be fine.