Far Lateral Approach Treatment in Turkey
About Far Lateral Approach
Key Highlights
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Provides direct, angled access to the anterior and lateral brainstem and craniocervical junction.Minimizes the need for brain retraction, potentially reducing post-operative neurological deficits.Allows for precise visualization and treatment of complex vascular lesions and tumors.Can be combined with other skull base approaches for extensive lesions.Performed using advanced microsurgical techniques and often intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring.
Who is this surgery for?
- Vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms (e.g., posterior inferior cerebellar artery - PICA aneurysms).
- Tumors in the foramen magnum region (e.g., meningiomas, schwannomas, chordomas).
- Vascular malformations (e.g., arteriovenous malformations - AVMs) of the brainstem or upper cervical cord.
- Selected cases of basilar invagination or other craniocervical junction abnormalities.
- Certain skull base tumors extending into the lower clivus and anterior to the brainstem.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and detailed imaging studies (MRI, MRA, CTA, or cerebral angiography).
- Pre-operative counseling with the neurosurgeon to discuss goals, risks, and the surgical plan.
- Routine pre-anesthetic check-up, including blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the doctor.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery. Hair may be shaved around the surgical site.
- Possible placement of an arterial line and central venous catheter for monitoring and access.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection, bleeding (hematoma), or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
- Injury to cranial nerves (IX, X, XI, XII) potentially causing swallowing difficulties, hoarseness, shoulder weakness, or tongue deviation.
- Stroke or injury to the brainstem or spinal cord, leading to weakness, sensory loss, or breathing problems.
- Meningitis or hydrocephalus (build-up of CSF in the brain).
- Persistent neck pain or instability, potentially requiring fusion surgery.
- General anesthesia risks, including blood clots, pneumonia, or adverse reactions.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the Neuro-ICU for close monitoring of neurological status and vital signs.
- Pain management with medications. Gradual mobilization with assistance to prevent complications.
- Monitoring for signs of infection, CSF leak, or cranial nerve deficits (e.g., difficulty swallowing).
- Speech and swallow therapy may be initiated if cranial nerves are affected.
- Post-operative imaging (CT or MRI) to assess the surgical outcome.
- Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon for wound check and neurological assessment.
- Avoidance of strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and driving for the period specified by the surgeon.
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Typical hospital stay:
7-14 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering far lateral approach in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for far lateral approach in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, 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 far lateral approach. 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 far lateral approach compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 3,854 – USD 8,809 | 7-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 28,685 – USD 65,565 | 7-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Far Lateral Approach in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing far lateral approach.
Istanbul, Turkey
38 Doctors
Amit Malhotra, a 42-year-old software architect...
Amit Malhotra, a 42-year-old software architect and father of two, had always been active. For over a year, he endured a relentless, sharp pain that radiated from the back of his head down his neck and into his right shoulder. It was worse when he turned his head to check his blind spot while driving. Conservative treatments, physical therapy, medications, nerve blocks, provided only fleeting relief. An MRI revealed a large, calcified disc fragment compressing his C2 nerve root, high in his cervical spine. His neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, explained that the standard posterior approach wouldn't safely reach this particular fragment. He recommended a Far Lateral Approach, a more technically demanding procedure that would allow access from the side of the spine to remove the fragment without manipulating the spinal cord. Amit was terrified; surgery near the brainstem sounded perilous. The procedure lasted five hours. Waking up, his first sensation was the absence of that searing nerve pain. Recovery in the hospital was challenging, with neck stiffness and careful movement, but the surgical pain was manageable. At his six-week follow-up, Amit was back to working from home and playing gently with his children. The emotional relief was profound. He described the journey as "trading a constant, invisible torment for a manageable, healing discomfort." He felt he had regained control of his life.
Neurosurgeons for Far Lateral Approach
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform far lateral approach and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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