Pediatric Spina Bifida Treatment in Turkey
About Pediatric Spina Bifida
Key Highlights
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Performed early to protect the spinal cord from infection and further damage.Aims to preserve existing nerve function and prevent neurological deterioration.First step in a comprehensive, lifelong management plan for the child.Involves a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and neonatologists.Modern techniques focus on meticulous closure to support healthy wound healing.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida with an open sac containing spinal cord/nerves.
- Presence of a meningocele (sac containing only spinal fluid) that poses a risk of rupture or infection.
- To prevent infection of the central nervous system (meningitis or ventriculitis).
- To protect exposed neural elements from trauma and drying out.
- As part of a coordinated treatment plan, often before managing associated hydrocephalus with a shunt.
How to prepare
- Detailed prenatal imaging (ultrasound, fetal MRI) to assess the defect's size and location.
- Delivery planned at a tertiary care center with a dedicated neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric neurosurgery team.
- Immediate postnatal evaluation by a multidisciplinary team including neonatology, neurosurgery, and orthopedics.
- Administration of intravenous antibiotics to prevent infection prior to surgery.
- The infant is carefully positioned to avoid pressure on the spinal defect.
- Parental counseling to discuss the procedure, risks, and the long-term care journey.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection, including meningitis or wound infection.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from the repair site.
- Injury to the neural elements during repair, potentially worsening neurological function.
- Wound healing problems or breakdown.
- Development or worsening of hydrocephalus, requiring shunt placement.
- Anesthesia-related risks.
- Tethering of the spinal cord later in life, which may require additional surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for close monitoring of vital signs and neurological status.
- The infant is positioned on the stomach or side to avoid pressure on the surgical site.
- Careful monitoring for signs of infection, CSF leak, or increased intracranial pressure.
- Pain management with appropriate medications.
- Feeding support as needed.
- Parents are taught specialized care techniques for holding, positioning, and wound care.
- Planning begins for ongoing therapies (physical, occupational) and management of associated conditions like hydrocephalus or neurogenic bladder.
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Typical hospital stay:
14-21 days
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Expected recovery time:
Initial wound healing: 2-3 weeks; Full recovery and ongoing management is a lifelong process
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pediatric spina bifida in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for pediatric spina bifida in Turkey include Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, 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 pediatric spina bifida. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons 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 pediatric spina bifida 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 | 14-21 days | ~ Initial wound healing: 2-3 weeks; Full recovery and ongoing management is a lifelong process | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 20,131 – USD 48,315 | 14-21 days | ~ Initial wound healing: 2-3 weeks; Full recovery and ongoing management is a lifelong process | Know More |
Top hospitals for Pediatric Spina Bifida in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing pediatric spina bifida.
Istanbul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Follow-up visit for my cervical disc...
Follow-up visit for my cervical disc replacement. Dr. Dwivedi remembered my daughter's board exam results and asked about them first. His staff coordinated with insurance for my scans - clinical excellence matched by human touch.