Encephalocele Treatment in Turkey
About Encephalocele
Key Highlights
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Corrects a serious congenital skull defect to protect the brain.Aims to preserve and improve neurological function and development.Prevents life-threatening complications like infection (meningitis) or CSF leakage.Improves cranial and facial appearance and symmetry.Performed by highly specialized pediatric neurosurgeons with a multidisciplinary team approach.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of an encephalocele (protrusion of brain/meninges) confirmed by imaging (ultrasound, MRI, CT).
- Presence of a skull defect (cranium bifidum) with herniated contents.
- Risk of or existing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
- High risk of infection, such as meningitis.
- To support normal neurological development and prevent further damage to brain tissue.
- To improve cosmetic appearance and cranial contour.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive prenatal or postnatal imaging (MRI/CT) to map the encephalocele's size, location, and involved structures.
- Multidisciplinary evaluation involving neurosurgery, neurology, genetics, and sometimes plastic surgery.
- Management of any associated conditions (e.g., hydrocephalus) which may require treatment before or during the main surgery.
- Pre-operative blood tests and general health assessment to ensure the infant is fit for anesthesia and surgery.
- Detailed discussion with the family about the surgical plan, risks, benefits, and long-term expectations.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection, including meningitis at the surgical site.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Damage to surrounding brain tissue, potentially leading to neurological deficits (e.g., vision problems, developmental delays, seizures).
- Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain) requiring a shunt procedure.
- Anesthesia-related risks.
- Incomplete closure or recurrence of the defect.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in a neonatal or pediatric intensive care unit (NICU/PICU) for close monitoring of vital signs and neurological status.
- Management of pain and prevention of infection with medications.
- Monitoring for signs of CSF leakage, infection, or increased intracranial pressure.
- Careful wound care and positioning of the infant's head.
- Long-term follow-up with neurosurgery, neurology, and developmental specialists to monitor growth, neurological development, and manage any complications like hydrocephalus.
- Possible need for physical, occupational, or speech therapy depending on the child's specific needs.
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Typical hospital stay:
7-21 days
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Expected recovery time:
Several months to years for full developmental assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering encephalocele in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for encephalocele in Turkey include Liv Hospital Ankara, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, Medical Park Bahçelievler, 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 encephalocele. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons 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 encephalocele compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Encephalocele in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing encephalocele.
Instabul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Sara Roy, a 28-year-old graphic designer,...
Sara Roy, a 28-year-old graphic designer, had lived with a small, soft lump at the bridge of her nose since birth, diagnosed as a small frontonasal encephalocele. It had never caused issues beyond minor self-consciousness. However, six months ago, she began experiencing persistent headaches, a clear nasal discharge, and episodes of confusion. An MRI revealed the encephalocele had enlarged, containing cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue, and was now causing a CSF leak and pressure effects. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Lee, recommended surgical repair to remove the sac, preserve neural tissue, and close the skull defect to prevent meningitis and relieve her symptoms. Sara was terrified of brain surgery but understood the risks of inaction. The procedure, performed through a small incision inside her nose (endoscopic), was successful. Her recovery involved a brief hospital stay to monitor for infection or leak, and she had to avoid straining or blowing her nose for weeks. The headaches and confusion resolved completely. Emotionally, Sara moved from fear of the unknown to profound relief. She no longer worried about the hidden condition or its sudden complications, feeling a new sense of security in her own body.
Neurosurgeons for Encephalocele
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