Learn about Lipomeningomyelocele Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Lipomeningomyelocele and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Lipomeningomyelocele

Lipomeningomyelocele is a complex neurosurgical procedure performed to correct a rare congenital spinal condition where a fatty mass (lipoma) is attached to the spinal cord and its coverings (meninges), often causing tethering. This condition is a form of closed neural tube defect. The primary goal of the surgery is to carefully detach the lipoma from the spinal cord and nerve roots, release the tethering to prevent further neurological damage, and reconstruct the protective layers. It is a delicate microsurgical operation aimed at preserving existing neurological function, preventing progressive deficits like leg weakness or bladder/bowel problems, and reducing the risk of future complications. Early intervention is often recommended, especially in children, to optimize long-term outcomes.

Key Highlights

    Aims to untether the spinal cord to prevent progressive neurological damage.Performed using high-powered microscopes for precision and to minimize nerve injury.Can help stabilize or improve symptoms like leg weakness, numbness, or bladder dysfunction.Reduces the risk of future complications associated with a tethered spinal cord.Often performed in childhood to optimize long-term neurological development and function.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Confirmed diagnosis of a lipomyelomeningocele or spinal lipoma with cord tethering.
  • Progressive neurological symptoms such as worsening leg weakness, foot deformities, or gait changes.
  • Urological dysfunction like urinary incontinence, recurrent infections, or an abnormal urodynamic study.
  • Orthopedic issues such as scoliosis or clubfoot linked to the spinal condition.
  • Preventive surgery in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic young children to avoid future deterioration.
  • Back or leg pain directly attributable to the tethered cord.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive neurological and urological evaluations to establish a baseline function.
  • Advanced imaging: MRI of the entire spine to map the exact anatomy of the lipoma and neural structures.
  • Pre-operative counseling with the neurosurgical team to discuss goals, risks, and the surgical plan.
  • Possible bowel preparation regimen to reduce infection risk.
  • Fasting as instructed (typically 6-8 hours for solids) prior to the scheduled surgery.
  • Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection of the surgical site or meningitis.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which may require additional treatment.
  • Injury to nerve roots or the spinal cord, potentially leading to new or worsened weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel dysfunction.
  • Bleeding (hematoma) causing compression.
  • Recurrence of tethering (retethering) requiring future surgery.
  • Risks associated with general anesthesia.
  • Persistent pain at the surgical site.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological function, pain management, and wound care.
  • Patients must often lie flat or at a specific angle for 24-48 hours to prevent CSF leak.
  • Incision care instructions to keep the area clean and dry; stitches or staples are removed after 10-14 days.
  • Activity restrictions: no heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for several weeks to months.
  • Gradual return to normal activities as approved by the neurosurgeon.
  • Regular follow-up appointments for neurological assessment and imaging (MRI) to monitor for retethering.
  • Ongoing physical therapy or urological management may be needed based on individual recovery.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full neurological recovery may take several months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering lipomeningomyelocele in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for lipomeningomyelocele compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 2,719 – USD 6,526 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full neurological recovery may take several months Know More
Turkey USD 20,131 – USD 48,315 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full neurological recovery may take several months Know More

Top hospitals for Lipomeningomyelocele in Turkey

These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing lipomeningomyelocele.

Liv Hospital Ankara

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon140 Doctors

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon38 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

At my age, you worry about...

At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.

Neurosurgeons for Lipomeningomyelocele

Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform lipomeningomyelocele and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.

Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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