Patient TestimonialsUpdated: 25 Sept 2026Published: 18 Nov 2019

Sitta Macasuba from Sierra Leone get Knee Replacement Surgery in India

By Dr. Kavreen Arora
“A small staircase was like a mountain for me'' says Sitta.

Sitta Macasuba from Sierra Leone sharing her experience about Total Knee Replacement Surgery in India

Sitta Macasuba, who is Sierra Leone had stopped moving completely just before she decided to get it treated surgically. She could not stand for more than a few minutes or climb stairs. “My knees would hurt terribly. A small staircase was like a mountain to me. This is when I decided to visit India and get my knee replaced.”

Sitta / knee replacement / Sierra Leone

Hunting for the right hospital

While she was digging into the internet to look for the most eminent orthopaedic surgeons, she stumbled upon the website of Vaidam Health, where she posted a query. Soon she received a call back from one of the case managers Dr Shruti Rastogi. She took the reports and shared them with renowned doctors. Within a day or two, she shared the doctor’s opinion with the cost estimate. She also shared detailed profiles of doctors and hospitals with Sitta. Finally, she decided to visit BLK Hospital, New Delhi.

Visa application

The case manager arranged a Visa Invitation Letter from the hospital. The medical visa was also applied by another team member. Sitta received her visa with 72 hours of the application. Finally, she arrived in India on August 12, 2019. At the airport, she was received by another team member and taken to the hotel. Her hotel was booked before her arrival as per her preferences. 

Experience in India

Sitta was assisted from the airport to the hotel. In a little while, her appointment was scheduled with Dr Shivam Tiwari. Dr Shivam is one of the top orthopaedic surgeons in India, who has performed several knee surgeries so far. During her appointment, she gave a detailed case history related to her knee pain. After having the knee x-ray done, the doctor confirmed that she needed knee replacement surgery. Shortly, the date of the surgery was scheduled.

The patient was quite nervous before the surgery, however, she was made to relax by the hospital staff. Also, the doctor met her and assured that she was going to be absolutely fine. On the scheduled day, her preoperative tests were conducted. After the reports, she was taken to the operation theatre. The surgery was carried out for nearly 3 hours. Soon after the surgery, the patient was shifted to the ward. She was made to stay in the hospital for the next few days for the recovery. Eventually, she got discharged and flew back home.

Sitta Macasuba is living a happy and pain-free life. She goes out for a walk, exercises and does everything she wants to. Vaidam team wishes her a healthy life ahead.

Written by

D

Dr. Kavreen Arora

Vaidam Health · Updated 25 Sept 2026

Content meets the Vaidam Policy and is medically reviewed

Dr. Shivam Tiwari

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Shivam TiwariHip Specialist

Dr. Shivam Tiwari is an Orthopedist and Joint Replacement Surgeon with 9+ years of experience. He has performed more than 2000 knee and hip replacement (primary, revision and complex) surgeries and has assisted more than 3000 joint replacement surgeries as the first assistant. He was awarded a certificate of appreciation by STRYKER in “Surgeon to Surgeon Visitation Program” on the primary knee and hip replacement course. He has organized more than 50 camps for the underprivileged section of society during the past two years and has conducted free OPD services for underprivileged section of society. Dr. Tiwari has actively participated in National Service Scheme under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Govt. of India in the year 2008 and 2009. He was selected for Gold Medal Paper Presentation in “International Congress for Joint Reconstruction” in Hawaii, USA.

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