Hydrocephalus Treatment Cost In Turkey

What is the Cost of Hydrocephalus Treatment in Turkey?

Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition in which there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. This arises due to complications during the formation, flow, and absorption of CSF.

Affecting approximately 85 people per 100,000 globally, hydrocephalus is prevalent among different age groups.

The cost of hydrocephalus treatment in Turkey ranges between USD 5000 and 8000.

What is Hydrocephalus?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the fluid present around the ventricles in the brain. It performs the following roles: 

By acting as a cushion, it protects the skull from head injury or trauma.

CSF makes the brain buoyant. As the brain floats in CSF, the effective weight of the brain is reduced from 1,500 grams to 50 grams.

The choroid plexus is a blood vessel that produces 500 mL of CSF every day at a rate of about 20 mL an hour. Arachnoid granulations constantly reabsorb this transcellular fluid, so only 125–150 mL is present in the brain at any one time. 

Sometimes, there is an abnormal accumulation of CSF in the cavities of the brain caused by genetic disorders or some brain infections. This surge in CSF volume and ultimately increased pressure inside the brain can cause intracranial haemorrhage and, ultimately, death. This clinical condition is known as hydrocephalus.

The common symptoms of hydrocephalus in newborns and infants are:

Abnormal bulging of fontanel and increase in head size

• Extreme sleepiness

• Frequent vomiting

• Difficulty in looking above while keeping head straight

• Idiopathic seizures

In adults, symptoms get worse over time, with dementia and difficulty in maintaining balance and coordination.

What are the Types of Hydrocephalus treatment?

Hydrocephalus occurs when there is an imbalance between the production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Some standard procedures performed by neurosurgeons are as follows:

CSF shunt

A shunt is a thin and flexible tube which is inserted into the area of increased CSF accumulation. Then, to control the amount of CSF being drained, a pressure valve and an anti-siphon device are attached to the shunt.

Excess accumulated fluid is diverted into the area, such as the chest or abdomen, where it can be absorbed.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)

This is a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure in which an alternative pathway or bypass is created. This drains excess CSF fluid in patients with hydrocephalus.

Choroid plexus catheterisation (CPC)

The choroid plexus is a brain tissue that forms and secretes CSF. By this procedure, two to four CSF-producing tissues are removed.

A tiny wire is placed at the base of the third ventricle. This wire generates a low electrical current. This current burns some of the choroid plexus tissue so that less CSF is produced.

The treatment methods check the excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and restore the equilibrium between its production and reabsorption within the brain.

What are the Key Factors Affecting the Hydrocephalus Treatment Cost in Turkey?

Once a child is born, hydrocephalus cannot be prevented. Hence, neurosurgeons suggest immediate removal of the excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and ensure that its production is regulated. 

Before the hydrocephalus treatment, let’s understand the factors influencing the cost of hydrocephalus treatment in Turkey. 

Type of treatment

A neurosurgeon decides on the treatment procedure based on the patient's health and severity of the condition of CSF fluid. The  treatment procedure involved impacts the overall cost. 

The cost of ETV/CPC, being a more extended procedure, is higher than that of CSF shunts.

Type of shunt used

Hydrocephalus is most commonly treated with the help of CSF shunts. Based on the organ to which excess CSF has to be diverted, the shunts are of the following types:

• A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is used to drain the excess CSF into the abdominal cavity.

• A ventriculoatrial shunt is used to drain the CSF to the heart chambers.

• A lumboperitoneal shunt drains the fluid towards the abdominal cavity.

The type of shunt used determines the cost of hydrocephalus treatment in Turkey.

Hospital’s infrastructure and the neurosurgeon’s expertise

Hospitals with advanced neurosurgical facilities and specialised paediatric and neonatal intensive care units may charge higher fees for hydrocephalus treatment. 

Similarly, highly experienced surgeons who deal with critical neurological conditions may have higher consultation fees, ensuring comprehensive care.

Additional stay at hospital/ICU

If the conditions get critical, the patient might need to extend their hospital or ICU stay for additional days to receive post-operative care. Thus, the additional hospital stay costs between USD 350 and USD 600.

What is the Cost of Hydrocephalus Treatment in Turkey Vs. Other Countries?

What Should be Aftercare for a Hydrocephalus Treatment Procedure?

After hydrocephalus treatment, effective aftercare of patients is crucial for long-term well-being. Some of the suggested measures to look after your health after hydrocephalus treatment are as follows:

Avoid Magnetic Objects

Shunts often have magnetic components that can be disrupted by external magnetic fields. Hence, it is advised to keep away from magnets, MRI machines, and other magnetic devices.

Monitor for Shunt Malfunction

Shunts may need adjustment or replacement over time. Hence, watch for signs of malfunction, such as headaches, vomiting, or vision changes, and report them immediately to your doctor.

Lifestyle Changes

To minimise complications, neurosurgeons recommend patients to:

• Quit smoking

• Maintain a healthy diet

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Ensure adequate sleep

By following these guidelines, you can optimise your recovery and improve your quality of life after hydrocephalus surgery.