Lipomeningomyelocele Treatment in Turkey
About Lipomeningomyelocele
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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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.
Popular choices for lipomeningomyelocele 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 lipomeningomyelocele. 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 lipomeningomyelocele compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 2,753 – USD 6,607 | 5-10 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full neurological recovery may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 20,489 – USD 49,174 | 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.
Istanbul, Turkey
38 Doctors
Ayaan Shah is a 3-month-old infant,...
Ayaan Shah is a 3-month-old infant, the first child of young parents who had an uncomplicated pregnancy. During a routine well-baby check, their pediatrician noticed a subtle, soft, fatty lump just above Ayaan's buttocks in the midline of his lower back, covered by normal skin. There was no open wound. An ultrasound confirmed it was a lipoma, and a subsequent MRI revealed it was a lipomeningomyelocele, a fatty mass tethered to his spinal cord. The neurosurgeon explained that while Ayaan was currently asymptomatic, the tethering would likely cause progressive nerve damage as he grew, leading to potential leg weakness, foot deformities, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and scoliosis. She strongly recommended prophylactic surgery to untether the cord and remove the lipoma to prevent future neurological deficits. The surgery was performed at 5 months old. It was a long, meticulous procedure under general anesthesia to carefully dissect the fatty tissue from the neural elements. Post-surgery, Ayaan spent two nights in the PICU for monitoring before moving to the regular ward. His recovery was smooth, with the incision healing well. At his 6-month follow-up, he was hitting all developmental milestones, kicking his legs equally, showing normal sensation. His parents' emotional journey was one of initial shock and fear upon diagnosis, followed by anxiety in the lead-up to surgery. Post-procedure, they feel immense relief and gratitude for the proactive care, now watching him grow without the shadow of impending disability.
Neurosurgeons for Lipomeningomyelocele
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform lipomeningomyelocele and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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