Learn about Spinal Tuberculosis 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 Spinal Tuberculosis and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Spinal Tuberculosis

Spinal tuberculosis surgery, also known as Pott's disease surgery, is a specialized neurosurgical or orthopedic procedure performed to treat advanced spinal tuberculosis when conservative medical therapy fails. This condition, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leads to destruction of vertebral bodies, spinal deformity, and potential neurological deficits like paralysis. The surgical intervention aims to decompress the spinal cord and nerves, remove infected tissue (debridement), correct spinal instability, and restore alignment through spinal fusion with bone grafts and instrumentation. It is a critical procedure to prevent permanent neurological damage, severe kyphotic deformity, and chronic pain, allowing patients to regain function and halt disease progression. Modern techniques often involve minimally invasive approaches to reduce recovery time.

Key Highlights

    Halts progression of spinal infection and prevents further bone destruction.Decompresses the spinal cord and nerve roots to relieve pain and prevent paralysis.Corrects spinal deformity (kyphosis) to improve posture and alignment.Provides spinal stability through fusion, preventing pathological fractures.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques for reduced tissue trauma.Addresses cases where antibiotic therapy alone is insufficient./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Failure of conservative anti-tubercular drug therapy (ATT) after 4-6 weeks.
  • Progressive neurological deficits like weakness, numbness, or bowel/bladder dysfunction.
  • Severe spinal instability or risk of pathological fracture.
  • Significant spinal deformity (kyphosis) causing pain or respiratory compromise.
  • Large paravertebral abscesses not responding to drainage.
  • Diagnostic uncertainty requiring tissue biopsy for confirmation.
  • Intractable pain unresponsive to medications.

How to prepare

  • Complete course of pre-operative anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) as prescribed, typically for 2-4 weeks.
  • Comprehensive diagnostic imaging including MRI and CT scan of the spine.
  • Blood tests, ESR/CRP levels, and possibly a tuberculin skin test or IGRA.
  • Consultation with a pulmonologist to assess systemic tuberculosis involvement.
  • Nutritional optimization to improve healing, as TB often causes weight loss.
  • Pre-operative physiotherapy assessment and breathing exercises.
  • Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per anesthesia guidelines.

Risks & possible complications

  • General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), and anesthesia complications.
  • Neurological risks: nerve injury, worsening of deficits, or paralysis.
  • Instrumentation-related risks: hardware failure, loosening, or malposition.
  • Non-union or failure of the spinal fusion to heal properly.
  • Recurrence of tuberculosis infection if ATT is not completed post-operatively.
  • Adjacent segment disease or long-term spinal stiffness.
  • Persistent pain or the development of chronic pain syndromes.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological status and pain management.
  • Continuation of multi-drug anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) for 9-12 months post-surgery.
  • Use of a spinal brace or orthosis for several weeks to months for support.
  • Gradual mobilization with assistance from physiotherapists, starting with walking.
  • Restrictions on bending, lifting, and twisting for 3-6 months.
  • Regular follow-up visits for imaging (X-rays) to monitor fusion and alignment.
  • Nutritional support and a protein-rich diet to aid tissue healing and combat TB.
  • Long-term rehabilitation to regain strength, flexibility, and functional independence.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full recovery and fusion

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering spinal tuberculosis 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 spinal tuberculosis 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 7-14 days ~ 6-12 months for full recovery and fusion Know More
Turkey USD 20,131 – USD 64,420 7-14 days ~ 6-12 months for full recovery and fusion Know More

Top hospitals for Spinal Tuberculosis in Turkey

These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing spinal tuberculosis.

Liv Hospital Ankara

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon140 Doctors

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon38 Doctors
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