Learn about Spondylolisthesis Surgery 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 Spondylolisthesis Surgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Spondylolisthesis Surgery

Spondylolisthesis surgery is a specialized spinal procedure performed to correct the forward slippage of one vertebra over another, most commonly occurring in the lumbar spine. This condition can compress nerves, causing chronic pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. The primary surgical goal is to decompress the neural elements, stabilize the affected spinal segment, and restore proper alignment. Common techniques include spinal decompression (laminectomy) and spinal fusion, often using implants like rods, screws, and bone grafts to permanently fuse the vertebrae together. This surgery aims to relieve pain, improve neurological function, and enhance spinal stability, allowing patients to return to a more active, pain-free life. It is typically recommended when conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections have failed to provide adequate relief.

Key Highlights

    Directly addresses the root cause of nerve compression and spinal instability.Can provide significant and long-lasting relief from chronic back and leg pain.Aims to restore spinal alignment and prevent further slippage of the vertebrae.Improves neurological function, potentially alleviating numbness, tingling, or weakness.Enhances overall mobility and quality of life, enabling a return to daily activities.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Severe, disabling pain in the lower back and legs (sciatica) that does not improve with 3-6 months of non-surgical treatment.
  • Progressive neurological deficits, such as worsening leg weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel/bladder control (cauda equina syndrome).li>
  • Visible progression of the vertebral slippage (instability) on sequential X-rays.
  • Spondylolisthesis causing significant spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
  • High-grade slippage (Grade III or IV) where the vertebra has moved more than 50% over the one below it.

How to prepare

  • Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, ECG, and imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, CT scan).
  • Discuss all current medications with your surgeon; you may need to stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) several days prior.
  • Cease smoking, as it significantly impairs bone healing and increases surgical risks.
  • Arrange for help at home for the initial weeks of recovery, including transportation and daily chores.
  • Follow pre-operative fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight before surgery).

Risks & possible complications

  • General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
  • Nerve injury, which could lead to persistent pain, weakness, numbness, or, rarely, paralysis.
  • Failure of the bone to fuse properly (pseudarthrosis), potentially requiring revision surgery.
  • Damage to adjacent structures, such as blood vessels or organs.
  • Hardware-related issues: Implant breakage, loosening, or discomfort.
  • Adjacent segment disease, where spinal levels above or below the fusion degenerate faster.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital Stay: Typically 3-5 days for monitoring, pain management, and initial mobilization with physical therapy.
  • Initial Weeks: Activity is restricted; no bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects (more than 5-10 lbs). A back brace may be prescribed for support.
  • Physical Therapy: A structured program usually begins 6-12 weeks post-surgery to rebuild core strength, flexibility, and proper movement patterns.
  • Return to Work: Desk jobs may be resumed in 4-6 weeks; physically demanding jobs may require 3-6 months or more.
  • Long-term: Full fusion and maximum benefit can take 6-12 months. Follow-up X-rays are needed to monitor healing.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full recovery and fusion

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering spondylolisthesis surgery 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 spondylolisthesis surgery compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 3,807 – USD 8,701 3-5 days ~ 6-12 months for full recovery and fusion Know More
Turkey USD 28,184 – USD 64,420 3-5 days ~ 6-12 months for full recovery and fusion Know More

Top hospitals for Spondylolisthesis Surgery in Turkey

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

Liv Hospital Ankara

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon140 Doctors

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon38 Doctors
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