Spinal Embolization Treatment in Turkey
About Spinal Embolization
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with no large surgical incision required.Precise targeting of abnormal spinal blood vessels using real-time imaging.Primary goal is to prevent life-threatening bleeding or spinal cord compression.Often serves as an alternative or adjunct to more invasive open spinal surgery.Typically involves a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.Can effectively manage pain and neurological symptoms caused by vascular lesions./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) - tangled, abnormal blood vessels.
- Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVF) - abnormal connections between arteries and veins.
- Certain vascular spinal tumors (e.g., hemangioblastomas) to reduce bleeding risk during surgery.
- To control or prevent hemorrhage (bleeding) from a spinal vascular lesion.
- To alleviate symptoms like progressive weakness, numbness, pain, or bowel/bladder dysfunction caused by the lesion.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging studies (MRI, MRA, or spinal angiography) to map the vascular abnormality.
- Review of medical history, allergies (especially to contrast dye), and current medications.
- Blood tests to check clotting function (INR, platelet count).
- Instructions to stop certain blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) for a specified period before the procedure, as directed by the doctor.
- Fasting for several hours (typically 6-8 hours) before the procedure.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure's benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, bruising, or infection at the catheter insertion site in the groin or wrist.
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during imaging.
- Inadvertent embolization of normal arteries, potentially leading to spinal cord injury (stroke of the spinal cord) and new neurological deficits.
- Nerve root irritation or damage.
- Post-embolization syndrome, which may include fever, pain, and nausea.
- Recurrence of the lesion if not fully treated.
- Kidney injury from contrast dye in patients with pre-existing kidney problems.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery involves lying flat for several hours to prevent bleeding from the catheter site.
- Vital signs and neurological function (movement, sensation) are closely monitored.
- Pain at the puncture site is common and managed with medication.
- Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast dye from the body.
- Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 1-2 weeks.
- Follow-up imaging (MRI/MRA) is typically scheduled to assess the success of the embolization.
- Ongoing neurological rehabilitation may be recommended to address any residual symptoms.
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Typical hospital stay:
2-4 days
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Expected recovery time:
1-3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering spinal embolization in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for spinal embolization in Turkey include Liv Hospital Ankara, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Bahçelievler, 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 spinal embolization. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists 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 spinal embolization compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Spinal Embolization in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing spinal embolization.
Instabul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Sai Patel, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Sai Patel, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had been living with worsening back pain for over a year. An avid runner, he first dismissed it as a muscle strain, but the pain became sharp, localized, and unrelenting, often waking him at night. An MRI revealed a spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in his thoracic spine, a tangle of abnormal blood vessels. His neurologist, Dr. Sharma, explained that the AVM was like a faulty electrical circuit, stealing blood flow and putting pressure on his spinal cord, risking permanent nerve damage or paralysis if it bled. Dr. Sharma recommended spinal embolization, a minimally invasive procedure to block off the abnormal vessels. Terrified of surgery and the potential of being unable to play with his children, Sai agreed. The procedure, done under local anesthesia, involved threading a tiny catheter through his arteries to the AVM and injecting a medical glue. He felt pressure but no pain. After a night in the hospital for observation, Sai was discharged. Over the next six weeks, his debilitating pain steadily faded. A follow-up MRI showed the AVM was successfully occluded. Emotionally, Sai journeyed from fear and frustration, feeling his body was betraying him, to profound relief and gratitude. He regained his active life, his anxiety replaced by a cautious optimism for a future free of that constant, gnawing pain.