Evaristo Matavele’s Journey from Mozambique to India for Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery

For Evaristo Matavele from Mozambique, knee trouble had slowly started taking away some of the freedom he once took for granted. Walking longer distances was becoming uncomfortable, and everyday movements required more care than before. Over time, the limitations became difficult to ignore, and the possibility of knee replacement surgery became a serious consideration.

Evaristo discussed his situation with his family and began looking at treatment options outside Mozambique. India attracted their attention as they searched for specialised orthopaedic care and modern approaches to knee replacement. His medical reports and investigations were shared with the treating team so that his condition could be reviewed before the journey.

The idea of a robotic knee replacement was new to Evaristo. He wanted to understand what made the procedure different from conventional knee replacement and whether the technology had a role in planning and performing his surgery. The consultations gave him an opportunity to ask practical questions about the operation, hospital stay, rehabilitation, and the restrictions he would need to follow afterwards.

Travelling from Mozambique to India was a major decision at his age. There was the distance itself, along with the uncertainty of receiving treatment far from home. Once he arrived at the hospital, the pre-operative evaluations and discussions helped him become familiar with the treatment process. Having a family member close by also made the new surroundings feel less unfamiliar.

As the surgery date approached, Evaristo experienced a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. He had already thought carefully about the procedure, but knowing that the operation was finally happening made the moment more real. His family waited nearby while he underwent surgery.

The recovery period brought a different challenge. Evaristo needed to spend time getting used to movement again and following the rehabilitation plan. A walker became part of his routine in the early days, and progress came gradually rather than all at once. Standing a little more comfortably, taking additional steps, and becoming more confident with movement became encouraging milestones.

His family remained involved throughout the recovery. Their help during the quieter moments, appointments, and daily activities gave him reassurance while he adjusted after surgery.

For Evaristo, the decision to travel from Mozambique to India was ultimately about addressing a knee problem that had begun affecting his independence. The journey required preparation and patience, but each stage—from the first consultation to rehabilitation—helped him move toward the next part of his life.

Looking back on his experience, Evaristo said:

“I had reached a point where I was planning my day around my knee. Even simple things took more effort, and I did not want that to become my normal life. I spent time discussing the surgery with my family before deciding to travel to India. The robotic procedure was something I wanted to understand properly, so I asked a lot of questions before going ahead. After surgery, I learned that recovery is its own journey. The first steps were not easy, but seeing myself become more comfortable with movement gave me encouragement to keep going.”

Thank You
Evaristo Matavele from Mozambique