Spinal Fusion Cost in Turkey

A. Turkey is the leading country in the field of medical tourism. Reasons for this are that the hospitals in Turkey provide top-of-the-line healthcare 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, the latest innovative techniques, and high-quality health services. Some hospitals also provide offer discounts for aesthetic procedures.
• The high success rate in 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 costs are low compared to developed countries.
• Turkish government attracts investors in the healthcare sector.

A. There are the following types of spine surgery conducted in Turkey:

1. Spine Fusion: Spine fusion is a surgical procedure in which two or more vertebrae 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.
2. Laminectomy: It is a decompression surgery in which a part of the spinal column (called a 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.
3. Discectomy: It is also a decompression surgery, herniated disc surgery, microdiscectomy, and percutaneous discectomy. In these types of spine surgery, the abnormal or damaged disc is removed which compresses the nerves. Discectomy surgery is performed to treat leg weakness and numbness, herniated or ruptured discs, and relieve pressure on the nerve or spinal cord.
4. 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, and fractures of the spine, improve osteoporosis, and tumor biopsy or cancer in bone.
5. In a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedure, the intervertebral disc is extracted through a back incision. To promote fusion, a cage or bone graft material is inserted into the area between the vertebrae.
6. An anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) requires making an abdominal incision to reach the spine. After the disc is removed, the space between the vertebrae is filled with a cage or bone graft.
7. Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): This procedure is comparable to PLIF, but instead of making an incision from the side, the disc is taken out of the foramen, which is where the nerves leave the spine. A cage or graft is placed to stabilize the spin.
8. Posterior Cervical Fusion: This procedure involves making an incision at the back of the neck and fusing the damaged vertebrae with screws, plates, or bone transplants.
9. The anterior neck is cut open during an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). After the injured disc is removed, the vertebrae are fused using an implant or bone transplant.
10. Thoracic Fusion: To access the thoracic spine, a back or chest incision is done. Discs or sections of vertebrae may be removed during the treatment, and hardware or grafts may be placed in their place.

A. There are several advantages to spinal fusion surgery, especially for those who are severely pained or have functional limits as a result of spinal problems. The following are some of the main benefits:

• Discomfort Relief: Relieving persistent back or neck discomfort resulting from degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or herniated discs is one of the main objectives of spinal fusion. The pain resulting from instability or aberrant movement can be lessened or eliminated through fused vertebrae.
• Stability: By permanently joining two or more vertebrae, spinal fusion stabilizes the spine. This can shield the surrounding structures and nerves from further strain or injury, as well as aid in stopping additional damage to the spinal column.
• Correcting Deformities: Spinal fusion can assist in stabilizing or correcting the curvature of the spine in situations of spinal deformities like kyphosis or scoliosis, hence enhancing posture and alignment.
• Prevention of Progression: Spinal fusion can help stop some spinal disorders from getting worse by stabilizing the spine. This could help avoid more serious consequences or the need for subsequent procedures.
• Decreased Medication Need: By treating the underlying cause of pain, a successful spinal fusion procedure might help some patients become less dependent on opioids and other painkillers.
• Improved Quality of Life: Many patients report an overall improvement in their quality of life, which includes better sleep, an expanded capacity for hobbies and interests, and an improvement in their mental well-being, as a result of pain reduction and improved spine function.

A. In certain cases, one-level spinal fusion is advised when a single vertebral segment is seriously creating problems. The following are some typical situations in which this process might be necessary:

1. Degenerative Disc Disease: Fusion of the afflicted segment can help stabilize the spine and relieve symptoms when a single disc in the spine deteriorates, causing discomfort, instability, or nerve compression.
2. Herniated Disc: If a disc herniates and results in excruciating pain or neurological symptoms (such as numbness or weakness) that are limited to one disc level and do not get better with conservative measures, spinal fusion may be an option.
3. Spinal Stenosis: Fusion can stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves in situations where spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, affects only one segment and conservative treatments have not worked.
4. Spondylolisthesis: Fusion can help realign and stabilize the vertebrae when one slips forward over the one below it (usually as a result of a deformity or fracture) and the disease affects only one level.
5. Fractures: Fusion surgery may be required to restore spinal stability for some types of spinal fractures, particularly those that do not heal properly or cause instability at a single level.
6. Post-Surgical Stabilization: A fusion of the nearby vertebrae may be necessary following the removal of a troublesome disc or vertebra for stability.

A. Even while spinal fusion surgery is frequently successful, there are several dangers and possible side effects. These can change based on the kind of surgery, the general health of the patient, and other variables. The following are some typical dangers connected to spinal fusion surgery:

• Infection: There is always a chance of infection, either at the site of the incision or beyond into the surgical area.
• Blood Clots: If a patient is motionless for an extended period, they may develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Bleeding: Blood transfusions may be necessary if there is significant bleeding during or after surgery.
• Nerve Damage: During surgery, there is a chance that the nerves will sustain damage that could result in numbness, tingling, or weakening.
• Pain: Postoperative pain is possible, and it may differ from preoperative pain in that it may last longer in some cases.
• Non-Union or Pseudarthrosis: If the vertebrae do not fuse as intended, pain may persist and more surgery may be required.
• Adjacent Segment Disease: Over time, degenerative changes and greater stress may occur in the segments of the spine above or below the fused portion.
• Loss of Range of Motion: Fusion causes the spine to become less flexible, which may have an impact on a person's total range of motion and function.

A. Apart from the actual surgery period, there are numerous steps you must take throughout your stay in the operating room. The actual spinal fusion procedure may require one to five hours to complete. The best person to estimate how long your operation might take is your physician, as the duration of the procedure can vary based on your unique needs and circumstances.

A. Here is an overview of what to expect, while recovery durations and experiences can vary based on the individual and the particular type of fusion performed:

1. Hospital Stay: Depending on the intricacy of the surgery and each patient's recuperation, patients usually remain in the hospital for one to four days following surgery.
2. Pain Management: Pain is treated with medications, starting with opioids and moving on to non-opioid painkillers as the patient's healing advances.
3. Mobility: To enhance circulation and avoid issues like blood clots, patients are advised to get moving as soon as feasible. Physical therapists can help with low-impact exercises and motions.
4. Wound Care: It's important to maintain a dry and clean surgical site. Observe for indications of infection and take wound care instructions from your surgeon attentively.
5. Physical Therapy: Four to six weeks following surgery is usually when an organized physical therapy program starts. The main goals of therapy are to teach good body mechanics, increase flexibility, and strengthen the back.
6. Fusion Process: It can take many months to a year to complete the fusion process. The course of bone healing can be tracked by X-rays or other imaging tests.
7. Frequent follow-up appointments keep an eye on the overall health of the spine as well as the fusion process. Changes in therapy or activity levels may be necessary depending on the patient's development and any new symptoms.

A. 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 brain and spinal cord surgery has a 91% success rate. Some hospitals also perform the surgery through the latest spine technology such as minimally invasive spine surgery which has a success rate of around 90%. Various reasons are depicted for high success rates such as good infrastructure, highly qualified surgeons or medical staff, the latest technologies, and quality of healthcare services.

A. The spine surgery cost in Turkey is lower than in Western and European countries. The average cost of spine surgery in Turkey varies according to the type of spine surgery. Surgeries such as spinal fusion cost around 10,000, herniated disc surgery costs USD 2,500 -31,000, discectomy surgery (removal of lumbar disc) costs USD 6,600-20,000 and the cost of laminectomy surgery is USD 3,400-18,000. Various factors 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 hospital stay
• Types of spine surgery
• The success rate of the spine surgery
• Additional treatment procedure

Some of the best hospitals for spinal fusion in Turkey are:

1. Acibadem Taksim, Istanbul, Turkey
2. Anadolu Medical Center, Gebze/Kocaeli, Turkey
3. Medipol Mega University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
4. Memorial Ankara Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
5. Hisar Intercontinental Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
6. NP Istanbul Brain Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
7. LIV Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
8. Kadikoy Florence Nightingale Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
9. Istanbul Memorial Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
10. Acibadem University Atakent Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
11. Spine Surgeons Memorial Ankara Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

A. The best cities in Turkey for spine surgery are the following:

• Istanbul
• Ankara
• Antalya
• Bodrum

Most of the hospitals for spine surgery in Turkey are situated in Istanbul and Ankara. Ankara is the capital of Turkey and Istanbul is the most populous city as well as its cultural and financial hub. Most of the hospitals in these cities have world-class healthcare facilities, internationally well-trained surgeons experienced medical staff teams, and the latest technology.

A. Following are some of the top spine surgeons in Turkey:

1. Emre Acaroglu, Spine Surgeons Memorial Ankara Hospital, (Ankara) Turkey
2. Dr. Aylin Özturk, Neurologist, Liv Hospital Group (Istanbul) Turkey
3. Ali Zırh, Neurologist Medipol Mega Hastaneler Kompleksi (Istanbul) Turkey
4. Okan Bölükbaş, Neurologist Okan University Hospital, (Istanbul) Turkey
5. Erdal Karaöz, Neurologist Liv Hospital,(Istanbul) Turkey
6. Yaşar Kütükçü, NeurologistAnadolu Medical Center, (Istanbul) Turkey
7. Kursad Aydin, Neurologist Medipol Mega Hastaneler Kompleksi (Istanbul) Turkey
8. Sinan Çomu, Neurologist Memorial Şişli Hospital (Istanbul) Turkey
9. Lutfi Hanoglu, Neurologist Medipol Mega Hastaneler Kompleksi (Istanbul) Turkey
10. Serdar Baki Albayrak, Neurologist, Medical Park Hospitals Group (Istanbul) Turkey
11. Serdar Baki Albayrak, neurologist, Medical Park Hospitals Group (Istanbul) Turkey

A. Joint Commission International (JCI) is the major healthcare accrediting body in Turkey. All the accredited hospitals in Turkey are bound to ensure top-quality medical care and adhere to international standards set by the accreditation body. The standards act as a framework for hospitals to meet international healthcare standards and focus on the quality of care and patient safety. The standards require continuous monitoring of critical events and a comprehensive corrective action plan to ensure quality.

A. Turkey houses the best doctors in the world who strive to ensure quality medical care and complete patient satisfaction. They have received quality education at premier institutions and have comprehensive training. Doctors in Turkey have deep subject knowledge and their skill set and area of expertise are vast. Doctors in Turkey are highly experienced and board-certified and ensure top-quality care to their patients.

A. Hospitals in Turkey offer all modern facilities to patients to ensure that get treatment in a comfortable environment. To improve patient experience, hospitals in Turkey offer excellent facilities, such as visa assistance, travel arrangements, airport transfers, coordination of all medical appointments, accommodations for patients and companions, international staff translators, shopping and recreational options, Internet with wi-fi, mobile sim cards, lockers, and multiple food options. Hospitals in Turkey help international patients at all stages of their treatment journey, right from queries, to preparations for their travel, arrival, visit to the hospital, and follow-up care.