Naltrexone Implant Procedure
Are you considering having a Naltrexone implant procedure?
Preparations for Naltrexone implant fitting
First of all, it is recommended to read and understand information in regards to Naltrexone procedure and therapy before making a final decision. On this website you can find full information on Naltrexone implants and Naltrexone procedure. Should you still have unanswered questions, feel free to contact our Naltrexone specialists.
Secondly, please be aware of urine testing. Before the subcutaneous administration of Naltrexone blocker, we must be sure that a patient is clean from opiate and opioid drugs. In other words, codeine, heroin, and tramadol MUST NOT be used for more than 10 (ten) days. Methadone, Buprenorphine, Supstidol, Oxycodone, and other long-acting opioids may not be taken for more than 20 days. It is also necessary to refrain from alcohol, cocaine, crack for at least three days. If necessary, detox yourself from all these substances before your implant appointment.
Before you arrive at our Naltrexone implant clinic
Make sure you eat and drink enough fluids on the day you travel, as you do on typical days. Take a light bag with your essentials on board. Avoid large and heavy luggage.
When boarding your flight, please write to us that you will depart on time.
After landing in Belgrade, hurry to passport control and exit.
Naltrexone consultation and paperwork
Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient gives a fresh urine sample for the opiate test.
- They attentively listen to the doctor's information about Naltrexone implant therapy and receive the doctor's answers to their questions. Patient is also informed in detail about the prevention of infection, allergic and rejection reactions to the Naltrexone implant.
2. Patient signs Naltrexone maintenance request for Naltrexone implant placement.
3. Payment takes place (cash only).
Surgical Naltrexone implant procedure
Before entering the surgical area, you will take off your outer clothing, put on overshoes on your shoes and lie down comfortably on the surgical table.
Naltrexone implant fitting procedure takes only a few minutes. The surgeon will select a suitable place in the lower abdomen and prepare the surgical site: shave (if necessary) and treat with a disinfectant solution.
This is our surgical room where Naltrexone and Disulfiram implants are safely fitted.
Step by step process of your Naltrexone implant procedure
1. Preparation of the operative field: shaving and application of antiseptic solution.
2. Administration of local anaesthetic using lidocaine solution.
3. A skin incision of 2.5–3 cm is made.
4. Formation of the subcutaneous channel for the implant up to 8 centimeters deep.
5. Introduction of Naltrexone pellets into subcutaneous channel.
6. Imposition of 3 stitches.
7. Fixation of the sterile dressing.
It is very important for patients to remain still and keep completely motionless throughout the procedure, and to keep their hands away from the wound. If you feel unsure or anxious, please ask our staff for assistance. After the implant procedure, patients are able to get up and walk short distances normally.
Naltrexone implant aftercare
Antibiotics and antiallergic medicines with instructions are handed to take home. Also, the patient receives written medical recommendations for the further period, conditions for the postoperative observation, and contact with a doctor.
After the Naltrexone procedure, the patient can walk normally. However, it is rather important to restrict active movements and rest sitting or lying down for 3 to 4 hours.
Naltrexone begins to enter the body almost immediately after implantation. Its full effect on receptors develops in a few hours. Because of that patients usually don't notice anything special. Rarely, they may feel short-term dizziness, nausea, relaxation.
Naltrexone pellets, like any foreign body under the skin, are gradually covered with a fibrinous membrane. It is produced by connective tissue cells for implant protection. This capsule is permeable to Naltrexone molecules. At the same time, it protects the implant inside the body.
The membrane formation process takes at least a month. That is why during this period one must be especially careful and attentive. Try not to damage the formation of this tissue protection: avoid muscle activity, friction, and pressure in the area of the implant (sports, running, swimming, lifting weights, intense movements involving the abdominal muscles). Avoid alcohol, especially in the first month.
Who carries out the naltrexone procedure?
Professor Dr. Velko Djukic has been administering Naltrexone and Disulfiram implants for over 15 years.
He is a full professor at the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade. Prof. Dr. Dukic is a specialist in General and Vascular Surgery. He completed his General Surgery specialization at the First Surgical Clinic in Belgrade, and his Vascular Surgery training in London, Prague, and Moscow. He has spent his entire career working as a surgeon. At the faculty, he has taught not only medical students but also postgraduate students and doctors undergoing specialist training. He has been invited as a visiting professor at several European universities. Prof. Djukic is a member of the Medical Academy of the Serbian Medical Society and a full member of the Serbian Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts.
Please, learn more about Naltrexone implant maintenance here:
If you still have any questions after reading, please feel free to contact our implant specialists via ask@refindyourway.com. Notice: we prefer written conversations to avoid any misunderstanding and fogotten points. Phone calls are available just for our first acquaintance.