Costo de craneotomía en Turquía

What is the Cost of Craniotomy Surgery in Turkey?

With over 12,000 neurosurgeons practising at 50 neurosurgery training centres in Turkey, the demand for neurological surgeries in Turkey is increasing, craniotomy being one of them. 

The cost of craniotomy surgery in Turkey ranges between USD 12,000 and USD 19,000. The cost includes neurosurgeon fees, anaesthesia charges, OT charges, medical consumables, as well as hospital stays for a specified number of days.

¿Qué es la craneotomía?

Craniotomy is the surgical procedure to remove the bony flap portion of the skull to access the brain underneath, after which the bony flap is replaced with tiny plates and screws.

This procedure is done to treat brain tumours, brain blood clots, aneurysms, traumatic head injury, to remove foreign objects such as bullets or any other brain infection.

The procedure is known as craniectomy if the bony flap is not replaced.

¿Cuáles son los diferentes tipos de cirugías de craneotomía?

Craniotomy surgeries may vary in size and complexity. Small sized craniotomies are called burr holes and quarter size or larger are called keyhole craniotomies. 

Craniotomy can be categorised into the following types based on the approach employed are:

Keyhole (Minimally Invasive) Craniotomy

The keyhole craniotomy is a minimally invasive technique used for the treatment of small brain aneurysms, tumours, or for performing biopsies.

Since the incision and bone opening are small, there is less damage to surrounding tissue and muscle.

Endoscopic Craniotomy

Another minimal invasive approach, endoscopic craniotomy involves the use of an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera and light) to access and treat certain brain conditions such as tumours, cysts, or pituitary adenomas.

Craneotomía estereotáxica

This is a highly precise form of brain surgery where the surgeon uses advanced imaging techniques, such as CT or MRI scans, along with computer guidance. With this, the location of abnormalities in the brain is accurately determined.

Craneotomía despierto

In this technique, the patient remains conscious and responsive during part of the surgery. When tumours are located near critical brain areas that control functions such as speech, movement, or sensation, by keeping the patient awake, the surgeon can monitor neurological functions and avoid damaging vital areas of the brain during the procedure.

These procedures are widely used for the following purposes:

• To insert shunt
• To insert endoscope
• To insert deep brain stimulator (DBS)
• To insert an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor
• For brain biopsy
• For brain aspiration

Based on the location of the brain from where the bony flap has been removed, craniotomy surgeries can be classified as:

Craneotomía frontal

The bone flap is removed from the forehead to treat pathologies associated with the frontal part of the brain.

It is commonly performed for removing tumours, treating aneurysms etc.

Craneotomía parietal

In this approach, the mid and posterior part of the brain are exposed for removing parietal lobe tumours or treating vascular malformations, gliomas etc.

Craneotomía temporal 

The incision is made adjacent to the ear and next to the eyes.

With the temporal craniotomy, the middle cranial fossa is accessed and treated for vascular and infratemporal fossa lesions etc.

Occipital Craniotomy

It allows exposure to occipital lobe and its associated areas usually for removing occipital lobe tumours or addressing lesions in the area.

Orbital Craniotomy

It is performed to access the base of the skull near the eye to treat tumours or aneurysms located near that area.

The surgical approach chosen significantly affects the cost of craniotomy in Turkey due to various factors such as the complexity of the surgery.

What is the Average Cost of Craniotomy in Turkey Vs. Other Countries?

What are Pre-treatment and Post-treatment Expenses in Craniotomy in Turkey?

Since craniotomy involves the most crucial part of the human body, the brain, appropriate diagnostic tests and evaluations become essential. The costs involved must be considered as a part of the pre-treatment and post-treatment expenses.

• Pre-treatment expenses (imaging tests such as MRI, CT scans, blood tests) : USD 800 and USD 1000
• Post-treatment expenses (Follow-up and medications) : USD 350 and USD 500

What should be Post-treatment Care after Craniotomy?

Due to the complexity and delicate nature of the brain, craniotomy should be performed with precision and care.

After the craniotomy is over, recovery requires careful attention and planning to minimise complications and support overall well-being.

Some of the common measures for post-treatment care after craniotomy are as follows:

Revisiones regulares

Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon or neurologist should be regularly scheduled to monitor the recovery process.

Ajustes de estilo de vida

As part of your long-term recovery, you may need to make some lifestyle adjustments. These could include changes to your diet, sleep habits, and stress management techniques. 

Monitoreo regular de la salud

After a craniotomy, the patient has to monitor any neurological condition that may arise post-craniotomy closely. Any unexpected health complication should be immediately reported to the neurosurgeon.

Manejo del Dolor

Since the incision has been made in the skull, pain control becomes an essential part of recovery. You’ll likely be prescribed medications to manage pain, prevent seizures, and reduce swelling. It’s necessary to take these medications as directed by the neurosurgeon.

Prevención de infecciones

Antibiotics and other medications may be needed to prevent infections in the wound area. Maintaining a sterile environment around the surgical site and following hygiene guidelines are crucial to reduce the risk of infection.

Restricciones de actividad física

As you recover, avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Adhering to activity restrictions helps prevent complications and supports proper healing. Your healthcare provider will give you guidelines on when you can gradually return to normal activities.