Spine Surgery in Turkey 

Turkey attracts a large number of foreign patients and is currently the global hub for medical tourism. The treatment and diagnostic costs of spine surgery in Turkey are very affordable as compared to  US and Canada . The success rate of spine surgery is also very high in Turkey because of the latest and innovative technologies, highly experienced surgeons, and specialized medical teams, world-class health care facilities, and quality of medical services. Over 7,00,000 medical tourists came to Turkey for treatment every year and the numbers are expected to grow to 1 million in 2019.

Cost Comparison

The hospitals of Turkey offered a competitive price for spine surgery as compared to western and European countries. The cost of spine surgery varies from types of spine surgery or complications of the spinal column. Spinal fusion cost in Turkey is around USD18,000 while the cost of laminectomy surgery is USD 3,400-USD 18,000. There are so many factors that affect the cost of spinal surgery such as types of hospital facilities, surgeon’s consultation charges, diagnostics procedures, patient current health status, additional tests, and medication cost. After the surgery, the patient needs neurorehabilitation therapy which further adds to the overall cost of treatment. The duration of neurorehabilitation therapy also affects the cost of this surgery.

About the Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion surgery is a type of a spinal procedure used to join two or more bones permanently in the spine and to prevent movement between them. The bones that are joined are called as vertebrae. Spinal fusion surgery is performed along with other surgical procedures such as foraminotomy or laminectomy and after diskectomy in the neck. It is required if the patient has an injury or a fracture of the vertebrae. The spine will become weak due to an infection or tumors. Spinal fusion is also performed in abnormal curvatures that result from scoliosis or kyphosis.

How is Spinal Fusion performed?

This surgical procedure usually takes around three to four hours. The surgeon makes a surgical cut and views the spine. Surgeries such as a diskectomy, laminectomy, or a foraminotomy, are conducted first followed by spinal fusion.

Spinal fusion may be done on the back or neck or spine. The patient is made to lie with face down. The spine is exposed by separating the muscles and tissue. If surgery is on the lower back, the surgeon will use retractors to separate soft tissues and blood vessels. A graft is used to fuse the bones permanently. The surgeon gets the bone graft from other parts of the body, which is called autograft. Sometimes a bone substitute may also be used to fill in the space between the vertebrae and form a single long bone.

Recovery from Spinal Fusion

Pain medications will be given either by mouth or through an intravenous line. You will be taught the ways to stand properly, walk, sit and stand. You will not be able to eat for two to three days. Nutrients will be given through an intravenous route. You have to wear a bracelet after leaving the hospital. The surgeon will provide instructions to the patient regarding home care after surgery. Spinal fusion alleviates nerve pain by creating more space around the spinalcord and nerve roots. This surgery reduces post-decompressive deformity. The spine fusion surgery corrects any deformity which is present before surgery. The surgery ensures normal alignment of the spine. Laser spine institute can perform spinal fusion surgery in minimally invasive manner.

Sometimes spinal fusion can lead to more back pain and prolongs the recovery time. Inflammation and scaring is also possible after the surgery. Due to nerve irritation, pain or weakness can also occur. The fused segment may also cause stress near the fusion. Inform the doctor immediately in case you suffer from breathing problems or witness signs of infection.

Why opt for Spine Surgery in Turkey?

 Turkey is the leading country in the field of medical tourism. Reasons for this is that the hospitals in Turkey provide top of the line health care services, huge infrastructure, improved and refined technology, and service quality. There are various reasons for undergoing spine surgery in Turkey:

• More than 1200 neurosurgeons are practicing in Turkish hospitals
• Well experienced doctors and surgeons, latest innovative techniques, high-quality health services. Some hospitals also provide offer discounts for aesthetic procedures.
• The high success rate in the brain and spine surgery. Some hospital success rates reach up to 91% in brain and spine surgery.
• Turkey has various multispecialty hospitals. Most hospitals have received a quality certificate by joint commission international (JCI)
• Most of the Turkish doctors and hospital staff speak well in English
• Treatment and diagnostic cost are low as compared to developed countries.

• Turkish government attracts investors in the healthcare sector.

What are the types of Spine Surgeries conducted in Turkey?

There are following types of spine surgery conducted in Turkey:

Spine Fusion: Spine fusion is a surgical procedure in which two or more vertebra are fused permanently with healthy bone. Spine fusion surgery is performed to treat Spinal curve deformity, Spinal stenosis, Spinal disc herniation, Degenerative disc disease, and severe back pain.

Laminectomy:  Laminectomy is a decompression surgery in which a part of the spinal column (called as lamina) is removed and space is created. The main aim of this surgery is to create space in the spinal canal to remove pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Discectomy:  It is also a decompression surgery, herniated disc surgery, microdiscectomy, and percutaneous discectomy. In these types of spine surgery abnormal or damaged disc is removed which is compressing the nerves. Discectomy surgery is performed to treat leg weakness and numbness, herniated or ruptured disc and relieve pressure on the nerve or spinal cord.

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty:  Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are a similar spinal procedure, in which bone cement is injected through a tiny hole into a fractural vertebra. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty surgery are performed to treat vertebral compression, fractures of the spine, improve osteoporosis and tumor biopsy or cancer in bone.

What is the success rate of Spinal Fusion Surgery in Turkey?

The success rate of spinal fusion surgery is very high and is at par with developed countries. The success rate varies according to the type of spine surgery performed. For example, lumber herniated surgery has a 95% success rate while the brain and spinal cord surgery has a 91% success rate. Some hospitals also performed surgery through the latest spine  technology such as minimally invasive spine surgery which has the success rate of around 90%. Various reasons are depicted for high success rates such as good infrastructure, highly qualified surgeons or medical staffs, latest technologies, and quality of healthcare services.

How much is the average cost of Spine Surgery in Turkey?

The spine surgery cost in Turkey is lower than in  US and Canada . The average cost of spine surgery in Turkey varies according to the type of spine surgery. Surgeries such as spinal fusion costs around USD18,000, herniated disc surgery costs USD 2,500 -31,000, discectomy surgery (removal of lumbar disc) costs USD 6,600-20,000 and cost of laminectomy surgery is USD 3,400-18,000. There are various factors which affect the cost of spine surgery in Turkey such as:

• types of hospitals
• Hospitals facilities
• Location of hospitals
• Latest Innovative technologies
• Surgeons fees
• Availability of technologically advanced instruments for surgery
• Experienced surgeons and specialized medical team
• Diagnostic tests fees
• Patient health condition
• Duration of hospitals stay
• Types of spine surgery
• The success rate of the spine surgery
• Additional treatment procedure