Obstructive Hydrocephalus Treatment in Turkey
About Obstructive Hydrocephalus
Key Highlights
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Effectively reduces dangerous pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure).Can prevent permanent brain damage and neurological deficits if performed timely.Often leads to rapid improvement of symptoms like severe headache, nausea, and vision problems.Endoscopic procedures like ETV are minimally invasive, avoiding the need for a permanent implanted device.Shunt systems provide a long-term solution for chronic CSF flow problems.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of obstructive (non-communicating) hydrocephalus via imaging (CT or MRI).
- Progressive symptoms of increased intracranial pressure: persistent headache, nausea/vomiting, vision blurring or double vision.
- Neurological decline such as gait disturbance, cognitive impairment, or urinary incontinence.
- Conditions causing obstruction like aqueductal stenosis, brain tumors, cysts, or post-hemorrhagic/ post-infectious scarring.
- Failure of conservative management or in cases where the condition is life-threatening.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging studies (MRI/CT) to confirm the obstruction site.
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess overall fitness for anesthesia.
- Discussion of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives (ETV vs. Shunt) with the neurosurgeon.
- Informed consent process detailing the specific planned surgery.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure as per anesthesia guidelines.
- Shaving of a small area of the scalp if required.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the doctor.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: infection, bleeding (hemorrhage), or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Shunt-specific risks: malfunction (under-drainage or over-drainage), blockage, infection, or need for revision surgery.
- ETV-specific risks: failure of the stoma (hole) to remain open, injury to nearby brain structures, or bleeding.
- Potential for CSF leak from the incision site.
- Rare complications like seizures, stroke, or damage to neurological function.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial monitoring in a neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) for 1-2 days to watch for complications.
- Pain at the incision site is managed with medication.
- Mobilization is encouraged gradually, starting the day after surgery.
- Patients with shunts will receive instructions on identifying signs of shunt malfunction (headache, vomiting, drowsiness).
- Stitches or staples are typically removed 7-10 days post-surgery.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and contact sports for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon for clinical assessment and possibly imaging to check shunt function or ETV patency.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-7 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering obstructive hydrocephalus in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for obstructive hydrocephalus 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 obstructive hydrocephalus. 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 obstructive hydrocephalus compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Obstructive Hydrocephalus in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing obstructive hydrocephalus.
Istanbul, Turkey
38 Doctors
Rohan Kumar, a 68-year-old retired school...
Rohan Kumar, a 68-year-old retired school principal from Bangalore, had always been active and sharp. Over six months, his family noticed subtle changes: he became uncharacteristically forgetful, his walking grew unsteady, and he complained of constant, dull headaches. His daughter, a doctor, grew concerned when he began having urinary incontinence, a classic 'wet' symptom. An MRI revealed obstructive hydrocephalus caused by an aqueductal stenosis, blocking cerebrospinal fluid flow. The neurosurgeon, Dr. Mehta, recommended an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV), explaining it as creating a new drainage pathway inside the brain to bypass the blockage, avoiding a permanent shunt. Rohan was anxious about brain surgery but trusted his daughter and doctor. The minimally invasive ETV was successful. Post-op, he had a brief period of confusion and fatigue, but within weeks, the 'triad' of symptoms reversed dramatically. His balance improved, his headaches vanished, and his sharp memory returned. The emotional journey was profound: from fearing he had early dementia and losing his independence, to feeling 'like myself again,' filled with gratitude and a renewed zest for life with his grandchildren.
Neurosurgeons for Obstructive Hydrocephalus
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform obstructive hydrocephalus and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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