About Spina Bifida
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay: 10-21 days
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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.
Popular choices for 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 spina bifida. 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 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 8,701 | 10-21 days | ~ Ongoing multidisciplinary management; initial surgical healing in 4-6 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 20,131 – USD 64,420 | 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.
At my age, you worry about...
At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.
Neurosurgeons for Spina Bifida
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform spina bifida and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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- 21 Years Experience
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- 37 Years Experience
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- 37 Years Experience
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- 37 Years Experience
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Liv Hospital Ankara
- 37 Years Experience
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- 24 Years Experience
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Liv Hospital Ankara