Untethering Cord Treatment in Turkey
About Untethering Cord
Key Highlights
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Relieves abnormal tension on the spinal cord to prevent progressive neurological damage.Can alleviate chronic pain, weakness, numbness, and bladder or bowel control issues.Helps halt the progression of symptoms associated with tethered cord syndrome.Performed using advanced microsurgical techniques for precision and safety.Aims to improve mobility, function, and overall quality of life for the patient.
Who is this surgery for?
- Tethered cord syndrome confirmed by MRI, with symptoms like back or leg pain that worsens with activity.
- Progressive neurological deficits such as leg weakness, foot deformities, or changes in gait.
- Bladder dysfunction (incontinence, frequent infections) or bowel control problems.
- Scoliosis or other spinal curvature linked to a tethered cord.
- History of spina bifida (myelomeningocele or occulta) where tethering is present.
- Presence of a spinal lipoma or other lesion causing cord tethering.
- Deterioration of neurological function in a previously stable patient with a known spinal condition.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging, typically a spinal MRI, to confirm diagnosis and plan surgery.
- Pre-operative consultations with the neurosurgeon, anesthesiologist, and possibly other specialists.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the medical team.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
- Informed consent process discussing the procedure, goals, risks, and alternatives.
- 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.
- Bleeding or formation of a hematoma.
- Injury to spinal nerves, potentially leading to worsened or new numbness, weakness, or pain.
- Bladder, bowel, or sexual function complications.
- Recurrence of tethering requiring future surgery.
- Risks associated with general anesthesia.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological function, pain management, and wound care.
- Activity restrictions: no heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for several weeks to protect the spine.
- Incision care instructions to keep the area clean and dry, watching for signs of infection.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications, transitioning to over-the-counter options as healing progresses.
- Gradual return to normal activities as approved by the neurosurgeon, often starting with short walks.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and neurological status, and to remove sutures/staples if needed.
- Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen core and back muscles and improve mobility.
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Typical hospital stay:
3-7 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering untethering cord in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for untethering cord 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 untethering 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 untethering cord compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 2,753 – USD 6,607 | 3-7 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 20,489 – USD 49,174 | 3-7 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Untethering Cord in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing untethering cord.
Istanbul, Turkey
38 Doctors
Anika Shah is a 28-year-old software...
Anika Shah is a 28-year-old software engineer who was born with spina bifida and had a shunt placed as an infant. For years, she managed well, but over the last 18 months, she began experiencing a creeping numbness in her left leg and a persistent, burning pain in her lower back that worsened when she bent forward. Her gait became slightly unsteady, and she started having occasional bladder accidents, which was devastating for her active, independent lifestyle. Her neurosurgeon, after reviewing a new MRI, explained that her spinal cord was tethered by scar tissue from her childhood surgeries, stretching with each movement. He recommended an untethering procedure to release the cord, prevent further neurological decline, and potentially alleviate her new symptoms. Anika underwent a 5-hour microsurgical laminectomy. The surgery was intense, and the first few days of recovery in the hospital were painful, requiring careful log-rolling. However, within a week, the burning back pain was gone. Over six months of dedicated physical therapy, the numbness in her leg improved significantly and her bladder control returned fully. Emotionally, Anika was terrified before surgery, fearing the operation could make things worse and grieving the loss of her hard-won normalcy. Afterward, she felt profound relief and empowerment. She describes the surgery as 'reclaiming her body' and is now planning a hiking trip, something she thought she'd never do again.
Neurosurgeons for Untethering Cord
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