Dr. Juan Aquino — Orthopaedic Surgeon and Spine Surgeon
Brazilian medical registration: CRM-RJ 52.99624-6 | RQE 28310.
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Considering endoscopic spine surgery in Brazil? Dr. Juan Aquino offers consultations in English, Spanish and Portuguese, with in-person appointments in Botafogo and Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro.
Start by discussing your symptoms, available imaging and treatment goals. An initial online assessment may help plan the next steps before you travel, subject to suitability and arrangements for your country of residence.
Meet Dr. Juan Aquino
Dr. Juan Aquino is an orthopaedic spine surgeon based in Rio de Janeiro. He speaks fluent English and provides consultations in Spanish and Portuguese, helping patients understand their assessment and treatment choices.
His Brazilian medical registration and specialist registration are listed above. Read his professional background (Portuguese).
Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Is It Right for You?
The first decision is whether surgery is appropriate. A consultation may lead to nonsurgical care, further investigation, an in-person examination or discussion of an operation.
Endoscopic surgery, other decompression techniques and fusion may be discussed according to the individual diagnosis. The choice is based on symptoms, examination and imaging, rather than travel plans or a preferred technique. Read the endoscopic spine surgery guide (Portuguese).
Spine Surgery Second Opinion
Already received a surgical recommendation? A second opinion can help you discuss the diagnosis, treatment alternatives and questions to resolve before deciding. You do not need to commit to travel or surgery. Read about spine surgery second opinions with Dr. Juan Aquino.
Your Care Journey
- 1. Contact: tell the team your country, city, time zone, preferred language and whether you need an initial assessment or second opinion.
- 2. Prepare: gather imaging reports and access to the full images, medication and allergy lists, previous treatment details and any surgical records.
- 3. Assessment: discuss the available information and which questions require an in-person examination. Ask the team for the appropriate channel for medical documents.
- 4. Plan: if travel is appropriate, confirm appointments, the proposed hospital, preoperative assessment and an individual estimate before booking.
- 5. Treatment: confirm the treatment decision after the required assessments and discuss risks, alternatives and expected recovery.
- 6. Return home: agree on travel clearance, follow-up and local care arrangements.
An online consultation does not confirm surgery or guarantee an outcome. Availability and the appropriate form of remote care must be checked for your location.
Travel, Accommodation and Your Companion
The team has concierge support for transfers and hotel quotations. Availability, services and costs are agreed in advance. Ask what can be arranged for your dates and whether each item is included or separately charged.
Choose accommodation around the confirmed hospital or appointment location, with suitable accessibility and room for a companion. Confirm hospital companion arrangements directly, including any separate rules for intensive care.
There is no fixed stay that suits every spine operation. Allow flexibility for assessment, recovery and review. Hospital discharge and fitness to fly are separate decisions. Discuss the length of your flight and medical clearance before booking the return journey.
Individual Costs and Insurance
Request an itemized estimate after assessment. Clarify surgeon and team fees, anesthesia, hospital care, implants or other materials, tests and follow-up. Check exclusions and how additional care or an extended stay would be charged.
Insurance reimbursement is not guaranteed. Before committing to treatment, ask your insurer about overseas elective care, preauthorization, required records and any exclusions. Ask the team which documents and translations can be supplied.
Follow-Up After Returning Home
Agree on which reviews can be remote and which require an in-person examination. When rehabilitation is indicated, discuss how instructions can be shared with a local physiotherapist, with your consent.
Before departure, obtain your discharge summary, medication and wound-care instructions, follow-up plan and team contact details. Identify where to seek local care if a problem occurs. Remote appointments cannot replace emergency assessment.
If you develop a suspected complication, seek medical care where you are rather than waiting for a message reply. Plan who will provide and pay for additional care before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to travel for the first appointment?
An initial online assessment may be possible. Tell the team where you will be located so they can confirm availability and appropriate arrangements.
Can I speak to Dr. Aquino in English?
Yes. Dr. Aquino speaks fluent English and also provides consultations in Spanish and Portuguese. Tell the team your preferred language when requesting an appointment.
Can I request a second opinion without committing to surgery?
Yes. You may seek an assessment to understand a recommendation and discuss alternatives. Booking a consultation does not commit you to an operation.
Which scans should I send?
Prepare available reports and the complete imaging files or viewing access, with examination dates. Ask the team how to provide them before sending medical records.
Will I be offered endoscopic surgery?
The technique depends on the individual assessment. Endoscopy is not suitable for every condition, and an in-person examination may change the proposed plan.
Which hospital will be used?
The proposed hospital is confirmed during individual planning. Ask about the facilities needed for your procedure, admission arrangements and companion accommodation before booking travel.
How many days should I stay in Rio?
The estimate depends on the planned treatment, your health and recovery. It must include any assessments and reviews needed before you leave.
Are hotels and transfers included?
Concierge support is available for transfer arrangements and hotel quotations. Confirm availability, booking responsibilities and costs separately; do not assume they are included in medical fees.
When can I fly home?
Only after individual clearance. The team will consider your procedure, recovery and journey. Do not use the discharge date as an automatic flight date.
Can follow-up take place in my country?
Discuss a combination of suitable remote reviews and local in-person care. Rehabilitation and any additional examinations should be planned according to your needs.
What if my insurer does not reimburse treatment?
Confirm your financial responsibilities before proceeding. Request a written estimate and ask your insurer for its decision and documentation requirements.
How do I request an appointment?
Use the contact button and provide your country, city, time zone and preferred language. The team will confirm scheduling and consultation arrangements.
Plan Your Assessment
Start with your questions, not a flight booking. Contact the team to discuss consultation availability and what to prepare.
Read More
These detailed guides are in Portuguese.
Patient Reviews
Read patient feedback below. Reviews may appear in their original language. Individual experiences do not predict another patient’s result.
Further Guidance
CDC Yellow Book — Medical Tourism: planning follow-up, records, travel and care for complications.
This page provides general information. Diagnosis, treatment and travel clearance require individual medical assessment.