Our Story
Elite Surgery Abroad (ESA) was launched in January 2024 with a bold mission:
“To create a trusted, transparent, and patient-centred pathway to top rated surgical care in France.”
ESA was founded by Raoul Mkoh, a healthcare innovator who saw first hand how long waiting lists, high private care costs, and limited surgical options in the UK and North America were leaving patients in debilitating pain and long term uncertainty.
From the start, ESA’s vision has been clear. Patients should not have to endure years of discomfort while waiting for essential procedures such as hip surgery, knee surgery, or bunion surgery. ESA bridges the gap between patients in the UK, Canada, and the USA and accredited French hospitals, delivering high-quality care with experienced surgeons and end-to-end support from first point of contact to complete pain free recovery.
Key Information
WHY WE EXIST
Across the UK, Canada, and the USA, long waiting lists and limited access to orthopaedic care leave many living with pain and reduced mobility. ESA offers:
- Fast access to surgery abroad – Only 2 weeks wait rather than years
- All-inclusive, transparent care packages
- Personalised support throughout the entire journey
- Top rated surgical teams and accredited French hospital facilities, in partnership with Pauchet Santé Group
Patients can regain mobility and the quality of life they desire with one of the world’s leading healthcare destinations.
Free Consultation
Meet the Team
Dr Maxime-Louis Mencière
12 Years ExperienceDoctor in hip and knee replacement surgeries.
Dr Thomas Rouanet
12 Years ExperienceDoctor in hip and knee replacement surgeries.
Dr Eric Marrasse
20 Years ExperienceDoctor in hip, shoulder, knee and arthroscopic surgery.
Dr Thierry Aihonnou
20 Years ExperienceDoctor in hand and upper limb surgery
Dr Vladimir Rotari
10 Years ExperienceDoctor in hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder surgery.
Dr Vittorio Ferrari
10 Years ExperienceDoctor in hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder surgery.
Dr Maxime-Louis Mencière
12 Years ExperienceDoctor in hip and knee replacement surgeries.
Dr Thomas Rouanet
12 Years ExperienceDoctor in hip and knee replacement surgeries.
Dr Eric Marrasse
20 Years ExperienceDoctor in hip, shoulder, knee and arthroscopic surgery.
Dr Thierry Aihonnou
20 Years ExperienceDoctor in hand and upper limb surgery
Dr Vladimir Rotari
10 Years ExperienceDoctor in hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder surgery.
Dr Vittorio Ferrari
10 Years ExperienceDoctor in hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder surgery.
Orthopaedic Surgeons
Expert Surgery By World-Class Specialists
A team of expert orthopaedic surgeons providing advanced surgical care focused on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. Each surgeon and their teams bring extensive clinical experience, specialist training, and a strong record of delivering complex orthopaedic procedures with precision and care. Here, you’ll find detailed information about each surgeon and their qualifications.
Patient Testimonials
Read reviews about our services, learn about our patients, and explore their success stories.
View All“Thinking about the Elite Surgery Abroad experience, I can honestly say it exceeded our expectations. My hip replacement is a dual mobility hip – very difficult to dislocate and feels and moves like a natural hip. I am confident that this will not be my only joint replacement using Elite Surgery Abroad.”
Helen Court
Hip Replacement Surgery
“I would highly recommend Elite Surgery Abroad – I think their professionalism is outstanding, the surgeons are outstanding, and everybody who has looked at my scar on my knee, or has looked at the way I walk now – they are astounded by how good it is. I really can’t recommend them highly enough.”
Pam Sharp
Hip Replacement Surgery
“I found Elite Surgery Abroad, and began to look at them on the web. It seemed clear to me that the overall package that Elite Surgery Abroad offered, was potentially infinitely better than anything else I’d encountered.”
Dr Simon Murray
Hip Replacement Surgery
“Best in the world!
I first got in touch with ESA on 7th May ’25. 3rd June I was in Amiens for assessment and 6th June I had a total hip replacement.
The care and attention that I received from a whole host of wonderful unforgettable people here in France and Scotland must make the ESA setup unique and in my albeit biased view the best in the world.
Fast forward in Amiens to 19th June and a consultation with the surgeon shows all is good and I now look forward to getting out and about again with my new hip!
Thank you ESA and your brilliant people on the ground that met me at the airport and took me to my appointments in France for 17 days. Days that have changed my life. Thank you to your associate Clinique Victor PAUCHET with the Residence NAUVAGE. Thank you the surgeon and team. Thank you the nurses that changed the dressing and looked after me. Thank you the Physio team. Thank you the Residence restaurant Chef and team for the breakfast lunch and supper every day.
Thank you to Adriana my lovely wife X.”
“Elite Surgery Abroad gave me my life back.
Six months ago, I had a total knee replacement with them, and the results have been incredible. After months of being stuck on an NHS waiting list, unable to walk my dog and watching my world shrink, I finally found hope.
We discovered Elite Surgery Abroad through a Facebook advert. At first, it seemed too good to be true, but after thorough research and reassuring Zoom calls with the team and surgeon, we knew it was the right choice. Not only was it £6,000 cheaper than our local private hospital, but it also included far better aftercare and physiotherapy.
Today, I’m walking 5–6 miles a day in the New Forest with my husband and our dog — something I never thought I’d do again. The team were professional, supportive, and genuinely life-changing. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering surgery.”
“My surgery for right hip replacement on 1st April went well. The aftercare was excellent and now three months on I have regained my mobility. I have even managed to ride pillion on my husbands motorbike. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone in need of hip or knee surgery.”
“I can’t recommend Elite Surgery Abroad enough. Just a short flight (which is particularly helpful on the return home), a slick process from start to finish and wonderful care. The icing on the cake has been the GP support once home which other providers don’t offer. A big thank you to everyone involved in my care but in particular to Dr Rouanet, Susan the guide who I would have been lost without, Carol and Emilie the nurses, Benoit and Jose the brilliant physios, all the drivers but especially Raoul for always being there to look after the process from start to finish and to solve any issues quickly and efficiently. I would highly recommend this service to anyone considering it. It is personalised and caring and you feel like you are being well looked after both before during and after your surgery.”
“My experience of ESA: I have to say that this has been an excellent experience from start to finish. I had the advantage of knowing someone who had already been, who was also very praising of the whole package and everyone involved. He set my expectations well and those expectations have been fully met and at times, exceeded. The preparation and operation was totally professional and looks (x-ray) first class! The aftercare in hospital equally professional and the same in the accommodation – the daily nurse visits and daily physio were great and got me moving well in a very short time. For me it was one of my best decisions and I am now excited about what is going to be possible in just a few months, when my sporting life seemed all but over, just a few weeks ago.”
“I had my knee replacement on the 4th July 2025
The experience from start to finish , has been fantastic! I came on my own as well, but the people I met at the residence have been amazing!
From the 1st meeting with Raoul, to the end result has been second to none! From the driver who met me at the airport, to Susan who met me at the hospital, to the surgeon, the nurses, the staff at the residence, the physiotherapists and everyone else involved, I can’t thank you enough!
Nothing was ever too much trouble!
I’m coming back for knee number 2 within the next year!
Thankyou all again ❤️”
Get advice from 500+ patients in our Facebook group
Ask questions and gain real insight before your consultation.
Gain exclusive access to our private patient community — a safe, supportive space where you can ask questions and receive fast, honest answers from a large network of former patients who have already experienced the process.
You’re Never Alone on This Journey
Speak with past patients privately to hear real stories, learn what to expect, and receive practical advice that only someone who has been through it can give.
Real experiences. Real support. Real reassurance.
Share your concerns, ease your fears, and benefit from continuous encouragement and insider tips throughout every stage of your journey. Our dedicated team is also present within the group to provide guidance and ensure you always receive reliable, accurate information.
Partners in Excellence, Certified at the Highest Standards
ESA’s credibility is reinforced by its exclusive partnership with Pauchet Santé Group, a leading French healthcare network with over a century of clinical excellence. Every surgery is performed in accredited facilities with experienced surgical teams, ensuring world-class quality, safety, and surgical outcomes, backed by 6 month insurance cover.
Free Consultation
ESA IS BUILT ON THESE CORE PRINCIPLES:
Access for All
Patients in the UK, Canada, and USA can access timely, high-quality hip, knee, and bunion surgery in France, avoiding long waits and compromised care.
Personalised Support
From the first enquiry to post-operative follow-up, ESA coordinates every detail; clinical consultations, travel guidance, accommodation, rehabilitation, and aftercare.
Making international surgery smooth and stress-free.
Comprehensive Surgical Care
Our services include:
- Hip surgery abroad (hip replacements and orthopaedic procedures)
- Knee surgery abroad (knee replacements, ACL reconstruction, and more)
- Bunion surgery
- Other specialist procedures, including digestive and ophthalmic surgeries, all performed in modern French hospitals by experienced surgeons.
WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED SO FAR
Since our January 2024 launch, ESA has made remarkable progress:
National and International Media Recognition
ESA’s innovative surgical services have been featured in leading news outlets, reinforcing our credibility and impact:
OUR AMBITION: NORTH AMERICAN EXPANSION IN 2026
ESA is set to expand to Canada and the USA in 2026, enabling patients across North America to benefit from the same world-class surgical care in France.
Our goal is to provide fast access, expert surgeons, and fully supported care pathways for patients needing hip surgery, knee surgery, bunion surgery, and other essential procedures abroad. This expansion reinforces ESA’s mission to make high quality French healthcare accessible globally, helping more people regain mobility, comfort, and pain free independence.
Free Consultation
LOOKING FORWARD
ESA isn’t just about surgery today — it’s about reshaping access to quality healthcare for tomorrow. We remain focused on:
- Expanding orthopaedic and specialist surgical procedures
- Growing our reach internationally to reduce long waiting times
- Strengthening partnerships with trusted healthcare providers
- Continuously improving patient outcomes and experience
Take the First Step to Better Health Today
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