Learn about Spina Bifida 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 Spina Bifida and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect where the spine and spinal cord do not develop properly, leaving a gap. Neurosurgical intervention for spina bifida is a critical procedure aimed at closing this opening in the spine to protect the spinal cord and nerves from damage and infection. The surgery, often performed shortly after birth, involves a neurosurgeon carefully repositioning the exposed spinal cord and tissues back into the spinal canal and closing the defect with muscle and skin. This procedure is essential to prevent neurological deterioration, reduce the risk of life-threatening infections like meningitis, and improve long-term outcomes for motor and bladder function. It is a foundational step in a multidisciplinary care plan for the child's lifelong health.

Key Highlights

    Protects the spinal cord from trauma and infection.Helps preserve existing neurological function.Reduces the risk of life-threatening meningitis.Often performed within the first 48 hours of life for optimal outcomes.Foundation for subsequent rehabilitative and supportive care.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of myelomeningocele, the most severe and common form of spina bifida.
  • Presence of an open neural tube defect with exposed spinal cord and meninges.
  • To prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and infection.
  • As part of fetal surgery for select cases of myelomeningocele, performed prenatally.

How to prepare

  • Detailed prenatal imaging (ultrasound, fetal MRI) to assess the defect.
  • Multidisciplinary consultation involving neurosurgery, neonatology, and genetics.
  • For postnatal surgery, stabilization of the newborn in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
  • Administration of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection.
  • Careful positioning of the infant to avoid pressure on the exposed sac.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection, including meningitis or wound infection.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage or the development of a pseudomeningocele.
  • Injury to neural structures, potentially worsening neurological deficits.
  • Bleeding or hematoma formation.
  • Wound healing problems or breakdown.
  • Development of hydrocephalus, requiring a shunt procedure.
  • Anesthesia-related risks.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial recovery in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for monitoring.
  • Infant positioned on stomach or side to avoid pressure on the surgical site.
  • Close monitoring for signs of infection, CSF leak, or hydrocephalus.
  • Pain management as needed.
  • Early involvement of physical and occupational therapy.
  • Long-term follow-up with neurosurgery, neurology, urology, and orthopedics for multidisciplinary care.
  • Parents receive education on caring for their child, including signs of shunt malfunction if present.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 10-21 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: Ongoing multidisciplinary management; initial surgical healing in 4-6 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering spina bifida 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 spina bifida compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
Turkey USD 19,045 – USD 60,943 10-21 days ~ Ongoing multidisciplinary management; initial surgical healing in 4-6 weeks Know More
India USD 2,629 – USD 8,412 10-21 days ~ Ongoing multidisciplinary management; initial surgical healing in 4-6 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Spina Bifida in Turkey

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

Liv Hospital Ankara

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon140 Doctors

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon38 Doctors
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Neurosurgeons for Spina Bifida

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

Dr. Erhan Arslan - Neurosurgeon at Liv Hospital Ankara with 21 years experience
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

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Dr. Akın Akakın - Neurosurgeon at Liv Hospital Ankara with 24 years experience
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

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Dr. Hakan Kına - Neurosurgeon at Liv Hospital Ankara with 14 years experience
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

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Dr. Baran Yilmaz - Neurosurgeon at Liv Hospital Ankara with 21 years experience
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish

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Dr. Tuncay Kaner - Neurosurgeon at Liv Hospital Ankara with 30 years experience
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

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Dr. Çağatay Çalıkoğlu - Neurosurgeon at Liv Hospital Ankara with 23 years experience
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish

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Dr. Savaş Ceylan - Neurosurgeon at Liv Hospital Ankara with 37 years experience
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish

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Dr. Mehmet Tokmak - Neurosurgeon at Liv Hospital Ankara with 25 years experience
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish

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Dr. Baran Yilmaz - Neurosurgeon at Liv Hospital Ankara with 21 years experience
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish

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Dr. Gökhan Akdemir - Neurosurgeon at Liv Hospital Ankara with 30 years experience
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

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