Tethered Spinal Cord Treatment in Turkey
About Tethered Spinal Cord
Key Highlights
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Relieves tension on the spinal cord to prevent progressive neurological damage.Can halt or reverse symptoms like leg weakness, pain, and bladder/bowel dysfunction.Performed with high-precision microsurgical or endoscopic techniques for safety.Aims to improve quality of life and functional mobility.Often prevents the need for more complex surgeries later in life.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of a tethered cord via MRI, often with a low-lying conus medullaris.
- Progressive neurological symptoms such as leg weakness, numbness, or foot deformities.
- Chronic back or leg pain, especially radiating to the perineum or legs.
- Bladder dysfunction (neurogenic bladder) or bowel incontinence.
- Scoliosis or other spinal deformities linked to cord tethering.
- History of spina bifida occulta, lipomyelomeningocele, or previous spinal surgery causing scar tissue (secondary tethering).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging (MRI) to confirm tethering and plan surgery.
- Pre-operative consultations with the neurosurgeon, anesthesiologist, and possibly a urologist.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the doctor.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per anesthesia protocol.
- Arranging for post-operative support and transportation for discharge.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or meningitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which may require additional treatment.
- Injury to nerve roots, potentially causing new weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel issues.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Recurrence of tethering due to scar tissue formation (retethering).
- Risks associated with general anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological function and pain management.
- Incision care instructions to keep the wound clean and dry.
- Activity restrictions: avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for several weeks.
- Gradual return to normal activities as tolerated, often with physical therapy guidance.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing, neurological status, and check for signs of retethering.
- Management of any persistent bladder or bowel symptoms, possibly with specialist referral.
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Typical hospital stay:
3-7 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tethered spinal cord in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for tethered spinal cord in Turkey include Liv Hospital Ankara, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, 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 tethered spinal cord. 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 tethered spinal cord compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Tethered Spinal Cord in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing tethered spinal cord.
Instabul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Aarav Patel is a bright and...
Aarav Patel is a bright and active 8-year-old boy who loves cricket and robotics. He was born with a small dimple at the base of his spine, which was monitored since infancy. Over the past year, his parents noticed he was becoming clumsier, often tripping over his own feet, and complaining of occasional back and leg pain after playing. His handwriting, once neat, became messy, and he started having occasional daytime wetting accidents, which embarrassed him deeply. His pediatrician, concerned about the neurological changes, referred him to a pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma. After a detailed examination and an MRI, Dr. Sharma diagnosed Aarav with a tethered spinal cord, explaining that the cord was abnormally attached, stretching and causing his symptoms. He recommended a tethered cord release surgery to prevent further damage. Aarav was scared of the idea of 'spine surgery' but the child-life specialists used dolls and drawings to explain the procedure. The surgery went smoothly. Post-op, Aarav spent a few days in the hospital learning to move carefully. The leg pain vanished almost immediately. Over six months of gentle physiotherapy, his coordination improved dramatically, the wetting accidents stopped, and he regained his confidence. The emotional journey was profound: from a confused, embarrassed boy who was withdrawing from sports, to a relieved, joyful child eagerly back on the cricket pitch, his smile brighter than ever.
Neurosurgeons for Tethered Spinal Cord
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