International Patients Department (IPD)

Welcome Message from the Hospital Director

“Thank you for choosing Shahid Hasheminejad Educational, Research, and Treatment Center for your medical and diagnostic care. With our dedicated faculty of medical specialists and subspecialists, experienced clinical team, and advanced diagnostic and surgical infrastructure, we are committed to providing a safe, effective, and patient-centered healing environment grounded in dignity and respect. Our primary goal is your complete recovery and comfort throughout your stay, and we welcome your valuable feedback to continually enhance the quality of our international medical services.”

— Dr. Hosein Ebrahimipour, Hospital Director

Overview

The International Patients Department (IPD) at Shahid Hasheminejad Academic Hospital provides specialized surgical and inpatient services to international patients under an official license from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and National Grade-One Accreditation.

As a 460-bed tertiary general hospital housing 35 clinical wards, central and open-heart operating suites, 4 ICUs, and comprehensive paraclinical units, the IPD serves as a single point of coordination for international admissions, treatment scheduling, and inpatient recovery.

Clinical Scope for International Patients

1. General & Colorectal Surgery

• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Surgery)
• Hemorrhoidectomy
• Pilonidal Sinus Excision
• Hernia Repair
• Colorectal Surgery

2. Obstetrics & Gynecology

• Normal Vaginal Delivery
• Cesarean Section
• Hysterectomy (Abdominal & Vaginal Approaches)

3. Urological Surgeries

• Transurethral Lithotripsy (TUL for Ureteral Calculi)
• Varicocele Repair
• Hydrocele Repair
• Inguinal & Abdominal Hernia Repairs
• Resection of Bladder Tumors

4. Neurosurgery & Spine Procedures

• Lumbar Disc Surgery & Discectomy
• Cervical Disc Surgery
• Brain Tumor Resection
• Spinal Cord Injury Care

5. Plastic & Aesthetic Surgeries

• Abdominoplasty
• Mammoplasty
• Rhinoplasty

6. Ophthalmology & ENT Interventions

• Cataract Surgery
• Rhinoplasty

Admission Regulations & Hospital Guidelines

Registration & Case Submission

• Inpatient admission is granted exclusively upon presentation of a valid international passport and official identification card.
• International patients are advised to transmit recent diagnostic files—including X-rays, ultrasound reports, CT scans, MRIs, and laboratory results—prior to traveling to Iran, allowing attending specialists to review the clinical history and formulate an individualized care plan.
• Pre-Coordinated Admissions: Patients contacting the IPD office in advance will have their clinical profile and attending physician pre-registered. Upon hospital arrival and completion of administrative admission, the physician is notified immediately and the patient is escorted to the inpatient ward.
• Unscheduled / Emergency Admissions: For international patients presenting without prior coordination, the IPD coordinator facilitates prompt clinical triage, physician consultation, and administrative clearance.
• For all administrative questions or case inquiries during the stay, patients may consult directly with the assigned IPD coordinator.

Hospital Rules & Visiting Policies

• Visiting Hours: Regular in-person visiting hours are daily from 14:00 to 16:00 (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM). Outside normal visitation periods (such as infection prevention or epidemic restrictions), in-person visits may be suspended in favor of tele-visiting services.
• Patient Escorts: With prior coordination through the IPD office, an official entrance permit is issued for one accompanying family member.
• Infection Control: Bringing natural flowers and live potted plants into hospital buildings is strictly prohibited to maintain clinical hygiene standards.
• Fire & Safety Policy: Smoking and the use of any tobacco products are strictly forbidden throughout hospital wards and patient rooms due to central medical oxygen lines and fire safety systems.
• Personal Belongings: The hospital accepts no liability for cash, jewelry, or personal valuables; patients and companions are responsible for their personal possessions.
• Mobile Device Policy: Mobile phone usage is prohibited across all clinical wards and sections to prevent electromagnetic interference with sensitive medical equipment.

Preoperative & Postoperative Clinical Instructions

1. General Preoperative Guidelines

(Applicable to General Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Urology, and Neurosurgery)

• Consume a light meal the evening before surgery and maintain strict fasting starting at 24:00 (midnight).
• Remove all cosmetic nail polish.
• Shave body hair across the designated operative area prior to surgery.
• Empty the bladder prior to transfer to the operating theater.
• Remove all jewelry, metal accessories, hair clips, and dentures before entering the operating theater. Inform clinical staff of any dental implants.
• Disclose any underlying medical history, allergies (food or drug), and current therapies to the attending nurse and physician. Hand over home medications to the nursing unit.
• Provide all necessary diagnostic records (ECG, ultrasound, laboratory reports) to the operating team.
• Inform the medical team of any anticoagulant medication use (aspirin, heparin, warfarin) and discontinue at least one week prior to surgery as directed by the treating physician.

2. General Postoperative Recovery

• Maintain fasting for the initial postoperative hours according to the physician’s instructions.
• Once oral intake is permitted, consume fluids, water, tea, and natural fruit juices.
• Mobilize only with assistance from a companion or nurse to prevent accidental falls.
• Hospital wound dressings are performed and managed exclusively by ward nursing staff.
• Following varicocele, hydrocele, or hernia procedures, wear supportive medical garments as prescribed.

3. Obstetrics & Gynecology Care

Preoperative Preparation

• Fast prior to scheduled delivery (avoid heavy meals such as milk, liver, and eggs).
• For scheduled cesarean section or hysterectomy, observe fasting from 24:00 (midnight) before surgery.
• Complete skin preparation, remove nail polish, empty bladder, and remove all jewelry and metal items.

Postpartum Care (Normal Delivery)

• Cleanse the perineal area with water from front to back after each voiding or bowel movement and dry thoroughly.
• Irrigate episiotomy/suture lines with sterile saline solution.
• Change sanitary pads frequently; ensure personal underwear is sun-dried or ironed.
• Promptly report any acute urinary retention (inability to void within 2 hours postpartum) to nursing staff.
• Ambulate out of bed within the first 24 hours postpartum.
• Nutrition: Ensure adequate intake of proteins (red and white meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes), complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, with 8 to 12 glasses of fluids daily (water, natural juices, soups).

Post-Cesarean Section Care

• Incision Hygiene: Daily showering is permitted from the third postoperative day; before bathing, inspect the incision daily, cleanse with antiseptic, and keep clean and dry.
• Mobilization: Ambulate early; on post-op day one, get out of bed at least 4 times with companion assistance; on post-op day two, walk safely within the ward.
• Nutrition: Avoid gas-producing foods (legumes, raw fruits and vegetables, commercial juices); eat small, frequent, light meals; drink at least 8 glasses of water daily; and consume prunes, dried figs, and olive oil to prevent constipation. If diagnosed with anemia, consume iron-rich foods (red meat, liver, green cereals, raisins).
• Warning Symptoms: Immediately report fever, dizziness, pallor, heavy vaginal bleeding, large blood clots, bilateral flank pain, foul-smelling or purulent suture drainage, escalating pain, wound redness, breast engorgement, or unilateral calf swelling.

Postoperative Care (Hysterectomy)

• Wound Care: Keep the surgical site dry whether performed via abdominal laparotomy or vaginal approach. The surgical dressing is removed after 24 to 48 hours. Absorbable sutures dissolve spontaneously; non-absorbable sutures are removed after 7 days.
• Bathing: Daily bathing is permitted from post-op day two once the primary dressing is removed; thoroughly dry the incision with a hairdryer after showering.
• Activity & Recovery: Abstain from sexual intercourse for 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid heavy domestic chores, strenuous sports, and heavy lifting for up to 6 weeks following open abdominal surgery (laparoscopic patients may resume light activities after a few days to one week).
• Nutrition: Avoid flatulent foods and commercial juices for 3 days; consume small meals and maintain hydration (at least 8 glasses of fluid daily) with prunes, figs, and olive oil.
• Warning Symptoms: Seek prompt clinical attention for fever, acute abdominal pain, inability to pass flatus or stool, persistent vomiting, abnormal vaginal bleeding, palpitations, or decreased urine output. Follow up with your surgeon for definitive pathology reports.

4. Ophthalmology (Cataract Surgery)

Preoperative Instructions

• Shower the day before surgery, wash eyelid margins thoroughly with baby shampoo, and brush teeth. Shave facial hair if necessary.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing; do not apply makeup or fragrances.
• Eat a light meal the night before surgery; fast on the morning of surgery.
• Take regular morning medications as prescribed, omitting only oral diabetes medications on the morning of surgery.

Postoperative Instructions

• Sleep on your back; do not sleep prone or on the operated eye.
• Perform daily prayers seated; avoid bending (ruku) and prostration (sujud) for one month.
• Wear the protective eye shield continuously for the first week post-surgery, removing it solely to administer prescribed eye drops.
• Avoid head lowering, heavy lifting, vigorous sneezing, or straining during bowel movements for one month.
• Avoid head washing and prevent water or soap from entering the eye during the first week.
• Seek immediate medical evaluation for reduced vision, severe ocular pain, eye redness, purulent discharge, or persistent headache. Resume driving only after clearance from the ophthalmologist.

5. Plastic Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Preoperative Preparation

• Inform the physician of any history of nasal obstruction, bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia), or prior surgeries.
• Complete routine preoperative screening including laboratory panels.
• Discontinue smoking prior to surgery, as smoking impairs wound healing and increases infection risk.
• Fast completely for at least 8 hours prior to the procedure.
• Vitamin C, iron, and mineral supplementation is recommended starting two weeks before surgery.

Postoperative Instructions

• Breathe through the mouth while anterior nasal packing remains in place.
• Apply cold compresses for the first 30 hours, followed by warm compresses for one week to minimize bruising and edema.
• Apply 1% ophthalmic tetracycline ointment to nasal sutures every 2 hours.
• Keep the head elevated during sleep for up to 2 months.
• After nasal pack removal (day 2 or 3), irrigate the nasal cavities with sterile saline every 4 hours.
• Return every 4 days for splint and adhesive re-taping. Before adhesive replacement visits, shower with lukewarm water and soap to loosen tape.
• Avoid nose blowing; gently wipe secretions with a soft tissue.
• The external nasal splint remains in place for approximately 7 days until clinical removal. Keep it dry.
• Avoid prolonged telephone conversations or intense social activity for 10 days.
• Do not rest eyeglasses or sunglasses on the nasal bridge for at least 4 weeks. Sneeze with an open mouth to minimize nasal pressure.

6. Neurosurgery (Spine & Brain Interventions)

Lumbar Disc Surgery Recovery

• Bathing is permitted 48 hours post-surgery provided the dressing remains clean and dry.
• Moist heat and gentle massage help relieve secondary muscle spasms.
• Strict bed rest on a firm orthopedic mattress is recommended for two weeks.
• Keep the incision clean, dry, and covered with sterile dressings.
• Log-roll when turning in bed: keep the spine aligned, place a pillow between the knees, and rotate the whole body as a single unit.
• Avoid bending, twisting, or lifting for 4 weeks. If a back brace/orthosis is prescribed, fasten it securely before standing.
• Consume a balanced diet with lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, dairy, and vitamin C; restrict starchy foods (white rice, potatoes) to prevent immobility-related weight gain.
• Report fever, incision redness, drainage, new numbness or muscle weakness, or severe headache with clear nasal or wound drainage (suspicious for CSF leak) immediately.

Cervical Disc Surgery Recovery

• Change dressings daily and inspect the incision for bleeding or swelling.
• Wear the rigid cervical collar continuously for 12 weeks as instructed.
• Avoid sitting or standing continuously for more than 10 minutes; keep the head in a neutral position.
• Sleep on a firm mattress; wear flat shoes. Avoid long-distance driving.
• Remove the collar twice daily to wash and dry the neck with mild soap and water while keeping the head steady.
• Rotate the head and torso together in an unbroken line. Consume soft pureed foods if experiencing temporary throat soreness or dysphagia.
• Attend clinic two weeks post-surgery for suture removal.

Brain Tumor Surgery Recovery

• Strictly adhere to prescribed medications, especially anticonvulsants and antibiotics.
• Benign tumors require no adjuvant therapy once fully resected; cases showing malignant features will be referred for multidisciplinary oncology care (radiation therapy and chemotherapy).
• Report marked wound swelling, redness, fever, or drainage immediately.
• In skull base / pituitary surgeries, report any clear watery fluid leaking from the nose immediately.
• Ambulate with assistance during the initial postoperative week; follow formal physical therapy recommendations.
• Keep wound dry and attend outpatient follow-up for suture removal as directed.

IPD Contact Information