Spinal Tumor Treatment in Turkey
About Spinal Tumor
Key Highlights
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Alleviates debilitating pain, weakness, numbness, or paralysis caused by spinal cord compression.Prevents further neurological deterioration and potential permanent disability.Provides a definitive tissue diagnosis to guide further treatment (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy).Utilizes advanced technology like intraoperative neuromonitoring and neuronavigation for enhanced safety and precision.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques in select cases, leading to smaller incisions and potentially faster recovery.Aims to improve or stabilize neurological function and overall quality of life./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Progressive neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel/bladder control.
- Severe, intractable back or radicular pain unresponsive to conservative management.
- Spinal instability or pathological fracture due to tumor erosion of the vertebrae.
- Need for a definitive histological diagnosis of the tumor type.
- Known primary cancer with a solitary or symptomatic metastasis to the spine.
- Tumor growth observed on serial MRI or CT scans.
- Significant spinal cord or nerve root compression causing myelopathy or radiculopathy.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and detailed review of medical history.
- Advanced imaging studies, typically MRI of the spine with and without contrast, and sometimes a CT scan.
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for anesthesia.
- Consultation with the neurosurgeon, anesthesiologist, and possibly an oncologist to discuss the surgical plan and risks.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin) as advised by the doctor.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery.
- Arranging for post-operative support and care at home during recovery.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or deeper (meningitis).
- Bleeding (hematoma) causing increased pressure on the spinal cord.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
- Damage to spinal nerves or the spinal cord, potentially leading to worsened weakness, numbness, paralysis, or loss of bowel/bladder function.
- Incomplete tumor resection, especially if it is intricately attached to neural structures.
- Spinal instability requiring a subsequent fusion surgery.
- General risks of major surgery and anesthesia, such as blood clots (DVT/PE), pneumonia, or heart issues.
- Recurrence of the tumor.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital's ICU or neurosurgical ward for close monitoring of neurological status.
- Pain is managed effectively with medications.
- Early mobilization with assistance from physiotherapists to prevent complications and regain strength.
- Instructions on proper body mechanics (log rolling, avoiding twisting) to protect the spine.
- Incision care to keep the wound clean and dry, with follow-up for stitch or staple removal.
- Gradual increase in activity at home; heavy lifting and strenuous activities are restricted for several weeks to months.
- Participation in a structured rehabilitation program (physical and occupational therapy) to optimize functional recovery.
- Regular follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon and imaging (MRI) to monitor for healing and tumor recurrence.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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Expected recovery time:
6 weeks to 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering spinal tumor in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for spinal tumor in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, 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 spinal tumor. 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 spinal tumor compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Spinal Tumor in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing spinal tumor.
Istanbul, Turkey
38 Doctors
Sneha Williams, a 42-year-old elementary school...
Sneha Williams, a 42-year-old elementary school teacher and mother of two, had always been active. Over six months, she developed persistent, worsening mid-back pain she initially attributed to stress and long hours. It progressed to sharp, electric shock-like pains shooting down her left leg, causing foot numbness and occasional stumbling. Her primary doctor ordered an MRI, revealing a 3 cm benign meningioma compressing her thoracic spinal cord. The neurosurgeon, Dr. Chen, explained the tumor was operable and that surgery was necessary to prevent permanent nerve damage and paralysis. Sneha underwent a posterior thoracic laminectomy for tumor resection. The 5-hour surgery was successful, with complete removal confirmed by intraoperative imaging. Her post-op recovery in the hospital was challenging, with pain managed by medication and initial difficulty moving. After two weeks of inpatient rehab focusing on walking and core strength, she returned home. Three months later, her leg pain and numbness were 90% resolved. She could walk her children to school again, though she still attended physical therapy for residual stiffness. Emotionally, Sneha was terrified before surgery, fearing she wouldn't be able to care for her family. The diagnosis made her feel her body had betrayed her. Afterward, she felt profound gratitude for her surgical team and a renewed appreciation for her health, though she grappled with anxiety before each follow-up scan.
Neurosurgeons for Spinal Tumor
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform spinal tumor and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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