Nerve Transplant Treatment in Turkey
About Nerve Transplant
Key Highlights
-
Restores motor function and sensation in limbs affected by severe nerve damage.Can significantly reduce chronic neuropathic pain caused by nerve injuries.Offers a solution when direct nerve repair (neurotrophy) is not feasible due to tissue loss.Utilizes the body's own tissue (autograft), minimizing rejection risks.Microsurgical techniques enhance precision, improving the chances of successful nerve regeneration.Helps prevent permanent muscle atrophy and disability by re-establishing neural connections./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Traumatic nerve injuries with a gap (e.g., from lacerations, crush injuries, gunshot wounds).
- Nerve damage following surgical resection of benign or malignant tumors.
- Brachial plexus injuries from accidents like motorcycle collisions.
- Nerve damage due to severe compression that has destroyed a nerve segment.
- Failed primary nerve repair requiring a secondary reconstructive procedure.
- Certain congenital nerve defects or birth injuries (e.g., obstetric brachial plexus palsy).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging (MRI, ultrasound) to map the exact extent of nerve damage.
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to assess the functional status of muscles and nerves.
- Discussion of surgical goals, potential donor nerve sites (e.g., sural nerve in calf), and realistic outcomes.
- Pre-operative blood tests and general health evaluation to ensure fitness for surgery.
- Cessation of blood-thinning medications (as advised by the surgeon) several days prior to surgery.
- Fasting as per hospital protocol before the procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical or donor site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Poor nerve regeneration or graft failure, leading to limited functional recovery.
- Formation of a painful neuroma (nerve tumor) at the donor site.
- Persistent numbness or sensory loss in the area supplied by the donor nerve.
- Scar tissue formation (fibrosis) that can impede nerve growth.
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia.
- Stiffness or reduced function in the limb during the prolonged recovery period.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for pain management, monitoring, and wound care.
- The affected limb is often immobilized in a splint or cast for 2-3 weeks to protect the delicate nerve repair.
- Strict wound care instructions to prevent infection at both the repair and donor sites.
- Gradual, supervised physiotherapy begins after immobilization to prevent joint stiffness and maintain muscle health.
- Occupational therapy to retrain fine motor skills and adapt to sensory changes.
- Nerve regeneration is slow (about 1 mm per day); significant functional improvement may take 6-18 months or longer.
- Regular follow-up visits with the neurosurgeon and rehabilitation team to monitor progress through clinical exams and repeat EMG studies.
-
Typical hospital stay:
3-7 days
-
Expected recovery time:
6-18 months for significant functional improvement
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering nerve transplant in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for nerve transplant 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 nerve transplant. 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 nerve transplant compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Nerve Transplant in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing nerve transplant.
Istanbul, Turkey
38 Doctors
James Shah, a 42-year-old software engineer...
James Shah, a 42-year-old software engineer and avid rock climber, suffered a devastating motorcycle accident two years ago. The crash severed the ulnar nerve in his right arm, leaving him with a 'claw hand' deformity, complete numbness in his pinky and ring fingers, and severe muscle wasting in his hand. He could no longer type efficiently, grip a climbing hold, or even hold a coffee mug securely. After extensive physical therapy and consultations, his neurosurgeon, Dr. Chen, recommended a nerve transplant using a sensory nerve graft from his leg to bridge the 4cm gap in his ulnar nerve. James was terrified of losing sensation in his leg and unsure if the complex surgery would work. The 7-hour procedure was successful. The initial months of recovery were grueling; his hand felt alien, and the nerve regeneration pain was intense. However, after 18 months of dedicated rehabilitation, he regained protective sensation and about 70% of his hand function. He can now type, drive, and has returned to easy climbing routes. Emotionally, he moved from a place of profound loss and frustration to one of cautious optimism and immense gratitude for the regained independence, calling the procedure 'a second chance at using my most important tool.'
Neurosurgeons for Nerve Transplant
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform nerve transplant and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 24 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 24 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 24 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 24 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon