About Cisternal Puncture
Key Highlights
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Provides direct access to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) near the brain when lumbar puncture is not feasible.Enables accurate diagnosis of central nervous system infections, bleeding, and malignancies.Allows for therapeutic administration of medications directly into the CSF space.Performed by a highly trained neurologist, often with imaging guidance for precision.Can be a definitive diagnostic step for complex neurological conditions.
Who is this surgery for?
- Suspected meningitis or encephalitis when lumbar puncture is contraindicated or unsuccessful.
- Evaluation of subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding around the brain).
- Diagnosis of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (cancer spread to the meninges).
- Measurement of CSF pressure in cases of suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus.
- Administration of intrathecal chemotherapy or antibiotics.
- Investigation of inflammatory neurological diseases like neurosarcoidosis.
How to prepare
- Detailed neurological examination and review of medical history and imaging (CT/MRI).
- Discussion of procedure risks, benefits, and alternatives, followed by informed consent.
- Fasting for several hours prior to the procedure as advised.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as per doctor's instructions.
- An intravenous (IV) line may be started for sedation or emergency access.
- The back of the neck (suboccipital area) will be shaved and cleaned.
Risks & possible complications
- Headache (post-dural puncture headache), which can be severe.
- Infection (meningitis) at the puncture site or in the CSF.
- Bleeding (hematoma) in the cisterna magna or brainstem area.
- Nerve injury, potentially affecting cranial nerves.
- Brainstem herniation in patients with significantly increased intracranial pressure.
- CSF leak from the puncture site.
- Rare but serious complications like cardiorespiratory arrest.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate post-procedure monitoring in a recovery area for several hours to watch for complications.
- Patient must lie flat for a prescribed period (often 4-6 hours) to reduce headache risk.
- Vital signs and neurological status are closely monitored.
- Pain medication may be provided for headache or neck discomfort.
- Instructions to avoid straining, heavy lifting, and bending for a few days.
- Follow-up with the neurologist to discuss CSF analysis results and next steps.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-7 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cisternal puncture in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cisternal puncture in Turkey include Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cisternal puncture. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cisternal puncture compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Cisternal Puncture in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cisternal puncture.
Had my gallbladder out last week....
Had my gallbladder out last week. The surgery itself was fine, but the first two days after were rough. Dr. Madhumitha was really on top of my pain meds, adjusting them a few times until it was manageable. She checked on me every morning and evening at MGM, which helped a lot. I'm home now and the recovery is going okay, just taking it slow.