Spine Surgery in Turkey | Spine Surgery Cost in Turkey

Turkey: A Sought-After Destination For Medical Tourists!

Visiting another country for your medical treatment could be an onus - physically, mentally and financially. But Turkey is one such country that lets you forget your worries by offering affordable and friendly medical treatment along with sight-seeing post-treatment. 

Turkey is like your second home, where your medical journey and vacation awaits. It is a country with stunning scenery and rich historic legacy. Turkey is not only about exploring fascinating destinations, but the country also offers pocket-friendly medical treatment in various medical specialties which makes a two-in-one thing for its medical tourists. 

Treating spinal disorders via spine surgery is one such specialty that attracts millions of medical tourists annually. Low treatment costs, success rate, highly-experienced surgeons and well-facilitated hospitals have made Turkey shine in the crowd for medical treatment. 

 

Spine Surgery: Why You May Need It?

You have back pain, but is it time to consider surgery? Well, let your doctor decide. The network of spine bone is quite complex with 24 mobile vertebrae and a web of nerves, joints, discs, muscles, and tendons. Therefore, when you even have minor back pain, things can go miserable if ignored. And if your spinal problems become worse, you may require surgery to cure it. 

However, like any other surgery, there are risks involved with spine surgery and the doctor considers it only when the benefits outweigh the risks associated. Surgery is the solution when there is severe damage to the spine and other treatments fail. So, let your surgeon decide when it is time to go for surgical treatment. But here are some indications when you may feel it is high time. 

• When Your Spine Aches: As you age, you should expect some immobility or ache in your body. However, if your spinal issue refrains you from functioning normally, it could be a sign of serious problems that can not be avoided. Such problems need appropriate treatment.

• When It Impacts Your Life: Some back problems cause pain, but they resolve on their own after some time. However, if spinal problems disturb your daily routine, then it’s time to consult a specialist.

• When Other Treatments Fail: A good doctor considers non-surgical treatments initially, but if the condition isn’t progressing, then you may need surgery.

• A Serious Injury: If you’re fortunate enough, you may get time to cure non-surgically or think about surgery. Most doctors initially avoid surgery, but this isn’t always the case. Some spine problems require surgery on short notice.

• Spinal Deformities: There are many spinal deformities such as scoliosis that involve excessive curvature of the spine. If the condition is at an early stage, then it can be treated with physical therapy and braces. However, at a later stage, it may need surgery.

• Other Spinal Problems: Every case is different, but if your spinal conditions keep on giving red signals such as
  - Same kind of pain after every two weeks
  - High fever
  - Functional problems
  - Tingling or numbness in arms/legs
  - A slipped disc that is not resolving on its own
  - A serious spine infection
  - A broken or dislocated spine
  - A tumor of the spinal cord
  Such conditions indicate that you may need surgery.

• Advanced Spinal Conditions: Progressive spinal problems such as osteoporosis tend to worsen over time. In such cases, consider a visit to your doctor and discuss whether you need surgery and it can be treated non-surgically. 

Not all back pain requires surgery, but if your back problem is advanced enough, consult with your surgeon. Some conditions get resolved by pain management, physical therapy or on its own after weeks. 

 

8 Benefits To Why Turkey Is The Best Tourist Destination For Spine Surgery

Turkey is currently a leading medical tourism destination for people around the globe. There are various factors contributing to make Turkey worthy of it and they are:

1. Experienced Medical Personnel: 
   - Neurosurgeons perform spine surgeries. Turkish hospitals have more than 1,200 highly-experienced, well-qualified neurosurgeons to correct different kinds of spinal problems.
   - These surgeons have attained educational qualifications and fellowships from prestigious institutes around the world. 
   - They are well-versed with the latest spinal treatments to provide solutions to various spinal problems. 
   - These surgeons are experts in performing various spinal surgeries such as lumbar spine surgery, spinal fusion surgery, discectomy, nucleoplasty, spinal decompression surgery and more.

2. Turkish Hospitals For Foreigners:
   - There are more than 50 JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited hospitals for foreigners that provide affordable and high-quality healthcare treatment.
   - The Turkish hospitals are well-equipped with the latest technology and advancements to treat various spinal conditions such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, sciatica, scoliosis, tumor, etc.
   - Also, there are many Turkish hospitals that are collaborated with international hospitals such as Anadolu Medical Center with John Hopkins Medicine International and more. This international collaboration has proven to be beneficial for hospitals as well as patients. Also, the Turkish hospitals keep abreast of the latest advancements and treatments to treat spinal problems.

3. Affordable Pricing:
   - The ‘cost’ has an important role in encouraging medical tourism in Turkey.
   - Turkey offers medical treatment of top quality keeping in mind the cost of medical treatment as compared to developed parts of the globe.
   - Although there are various factors that affect the cost of spine surgery, but Turkish medical tourism never burdens its medical tourists.
   - For example, the cost of spinal fusion is around 104, 381 TRY (18,000 USD), while herniated disc surgery costs around 312,83 TRY (5,300 USD).
   - Also, the diagnostic fee is also low as compared to developed countries.

4. ‘No’ Language Barrier:
   - Whether its airport, hospital or any medical tourist destination, tourists won’t find any difficulty in communicating.
   - In hospitals, there is a specialized ‘help’ desk to guide people coming from different parts of the world.
   - There are language translators across the hospitals and country who are well-known with different languages such as Arabic, French, Russian, German, and more.
   - The staff and doctors in hospitals are fluent in English as well.

5. Success Rate:
   - The success rate is one of the important factors people come to Turkey for their medical treatment.
   - Be it is spine surgery, heart surgery, or any surgery, Turkish hospitals guarantee the highest success rate.
   - This has been possible due to hard-working, qualified surgeons and medical staff.
   - World-class healthcare services, improved infrastructure, refined technology and high-quality care contribute to the maximum number of successful surgeries in Turkey.

6. Role Of Turkish Government:
   - Efforts by the Turkish government are applauding. The government attracts investors to invest in the healthcare industry.
   - The government has made remarkable advancements in the healthcare industry. Improved infrastructure, well-equipped hospitals are its examples.

7. Ease Of Visa Processing:
   - Visa processing is quite easy and simple to visit Turkey.
   - You need to submit all the required documents. Once they are verified, the visa stamp of Turkey on your passport is done.
   - The only condition is your passport must be valid for 90 days before you plan to travel. Other conditions may vary depending on your country of origin.

8. Turkey’s Best Cities For Spine Surgery:
   - The best cities for spine surgery in Turkey are Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and Bodrum. Most hospitals are situated in Ankara and Istanbul.
   - While Ankara is Turkey’s capital, Istanbul is a populous city because of its rich culture. These cities have hospitals with high infrastructure providing world-class healthcare facilities and well-trained medical staff as well as specialists.
    

What Is The Success Rate Of Spine Surgery In Turkey?

• Spine contributes to the strongest part of the human body. It balances the entire body weight, therefore, it goes through continuous wear and tear throughout your life. 

• If you suffer from the advanced spinal problems and non-surgical treatments fail, then your surgeon may recommend surgery. 

• There are various kinds of spinal surgeries available according to the type of spinal problem you have.

• Hence, the success rate of spinal surgery also varies depending on the type of spinal surgery. 

• For example, the success rate of lumbar herniated surgery is 95 percent. Some hospitals also correct spinal problems using the latest technique - minimally invasive spine surgery having a 90 percent success rate.  

• The success rate of spinal surgery in Turkey is very high and at par. 

• Good infrastructure, highly-qualified surgeons, qualitative healthcare services, latest advancements have made spine surgeries successful. 

 

Types Of Spine Surgeries

If you have a back problem such as herniated disc or spinal stenosis and it can be corrected, then surgery may be an option worth considering it, especially when other conventional treatments fail to relieve pain. Surgery is also an option for other spinal problems such as a tumor or serious infection. There are following types of spine surgeries that doctors may opt depending on the type of spinal problem. 

1. Spinal Fusion: It is a surgical treatment that involves the fusion of two or more vertebrae permanently with a healthy bone. This treatment treats spine curve deformity, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spinal disc herniation, and serious back pain.

2. Laminectomy: It is a decompression surgery that demands the removal of a part of the spinal column (called lamina) and creates space. The created space in the spinal canal removes pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

3. Discectomy: It removes herniated disc causing pain and other serious symptoms. It can be done in two ways:
   - Percutaneous: It extracts a damaged portion of the disc using a laser or suction device through a small incision in your back.
   - Microsurgical: The surgeon makes a less than an inch incision and removes the damaged portion of the disc along with a small portion of the bone covering the spinal canal using a microscope.

4. Vertebroplasty And Kyphoplasty: These two similar spinal procedures treat vertebral compression, fractured spine, osteoporosis, tumor biopsy, or cancer in the spinal bone. The procedure involves bolstering fractured bone with a cement-like material that is injected into the vertebra or vertebrae via a needle as big as cocktail straw. Although these two procedures are essentially similar, kyphoplasty involves an additional step. Just before injecting the cement-like material, the doctor places a small balloon-like device into the compressed vertebra and inflates it to restore height to the crumbled vertebrae that reduce the deformity.

5. Lumbar Disc Replacement: This surgical treatment involves the replacement of a worn or degenerated disc with an artificial disc made of metal or metal and plastic combined in the lower part of your spine. It is generally an alternative to spinal fusion surgery.

Read: Types of Spine Surgeries and when you might need it!

 

Factors To Consider Before Spinal Surgery

Although there are many treatments available such as physical therapy, medications, rehabilitation to treat spine problems, there comes a situation when you may require surgery. When other conservative treatment options fail, your specialist may recommend surgery depending on the symptoms. In case you need to undergo surgery, you need to consider it as a major change in your life and how it may impact you. Therefore, before considering surgery, you need to look into the following factors:

• Accurate Diagnosis: Not all back problems require surgery or have an explanation, but sometimes it becomes difficult to diagnose even with advanced technologies such as MRIs or CT Scans. In some cases, patients are diagnosed incorrectly leading to inappropriate, wrong surgical treatment and still no relief.
  Therefore, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis to conclude whether the surgery is really needed.

• Cost Of Spinal Surgery: The surgery could be an expensive option, but could be cost-effective if it really alleviates your symptoms. However, it is important whether alternative solutions such as medications or physical therapy could work out or not.
  The cost could also increase depending on the level of care a patient needs.

• Mental Preparation: Like any other surgery, spine surgery brings a major change in your life. You need to get prepared mentally before the surgery, consequences of the surgery like slow recovery, back to performing normal activities after three months or so.
  Furthermore, there are also rehabilitation programs including physical therapy and pain management skills.

• Change In Lifestyle: Spine surgery involves a long-term recovery which means relying on your family members for the first few weeks post-surgery, taking off from work, living a restricted life depending on others.
  Hence, you need to calm enough giving a larger portion of time to recover properly.

 

Spine Surgery: Risks, Complications and Pain Management

Surgery has the potential to develop complications and spine surgery is no different. If you’re having planned spine surgery, it is important to consult your surgeon in pre-surgery meetings about risks and complications. You need to answer all your questions accurately to your medical team such as medical history, lifestyle choices, allergies, medications, etc.

 

There are many factors that can affect your risk for developing complications post-surgery such as overall health, age, smoking status, existing medical conditions, osteoporosis. Some other complications are:

• Anesthesia risks

• Formation of blood clots

• Dural tear; headache is the main symptom

• Infection around the wound

• Lung problems

Although spine surgery complications are rare but should be informed. You need to discuss with your medical team that can help prevent potential complications. 

For pain management, your surgeon may prescribe medications and painkillers. These medications should be available around you and taken before the pain becomes worse. 

Call your surgeon if you experience:

• Feverish chills of 101°F (38.3°C), or higher

• Severe pain post-surgery

• Drainage from the wound, especially if it is yellow or green

• Shortness of breath

• Numbness

• Chest pain

• Swelling

• Back pain

• Improper bowel movements

• Difficulty while urinating

• Calf pain

 

When Can A Patient Return To Normal After Spinal Surgery?

• The recovery process depends on the type of surgery and the degree of severity of your condition before surgery. 

• After discectomy, the recovery is usually quicker. However, you may still feel numbness or weakness which will go away in weeks. 

• On the other hand, recovery after laminectomy and fusion takes time. It usually takes three to four months to heal properly which may continue for at least a year. 

• In the case of spinal fusion, you may return to your work after four to six weeks with a condition that you are young and healthy. But it may take four to six months for older people to get fully recovered. 

 

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Spine Surgery In Turkey

Turkish hospitals offer a competitive price for spine surgery as compared to several western and European countries. Also, the cost also varies depending on the type of spinal surgery and complications of the spinal column. There are many other factors that affect the cost of spine surgery and they are:

• Experience of surgeons and nursing staff

• Technologically advanced instruments being used for surgery

• Type of surgery: laminectomy, discectomy, minimally invasive surgery, etc. 

• Type of hospital, its location, facilities available

• Diagnostic tests fees

• Overall condition of the patient

• Duration of hospital stay

• The success rate of spine surgery

• Follow-up care

• Any additional procedure, if required

 

What Is The Average Cost Of Spine Surgery In Turkey?

The cost of spine surgery depends on the above-mentioned factors. 

 

All You Need To Know About Spine Pain 

The spine is the strongest part of your body which holds you securely upright with proper flexibility. If you suffer any back or neck pain, then it totally disturbs your normal routine. 

Back pain is the second most common reason people visit doctors and if it doesn’t go away in 12 weeks or so, it becomes chronic back pain. Therefore, you need to consult your doctor as soon as possible to avoid any serious complications. 

 

What Factors To Look Into A Good Surgeon And Hospital?

The treatment yields desired results only if the right kind of surgical treatment is performed by a well-experienced surgeon. Talking about Turkey, the Turkish Ministry of Health keeps an eagle’s eye on the approved hospitals, its accreditation, hygiene level, and medical staff license. 

There are some factors that you need to look by yourself in order to get satisfactory treatment and they are:

• Check the hospital’s international accreditation such as Joint Commission International (JCI). Turkey abodes more than 50 JCI accredited hospitals that are well-facilitated with the latest advancements. 

• You can check the hospital’s reputation from Google, star ratings, reviews from the patient’s past experiences, etc. 

• The hospital should have the infrastructure, offer world-class healthcare facilities within your budget. 

• Check whether the surgeon is board certified or eligible in a particular specialty. 

• You can interview the surgeon via online consultation and ask your queries, about follow-up care services. 

• You can also get a second opinion on whether you really need surgery by consulting other surgeons as well. This will definitely give you a satisfactory answer. 

Spine surgeons in Turkey are internationally well-trained and well-versed with the latest advancements and technology to perform different spinal surgeries. The hospitals in Turkey also provide rehabilitation programs for recovery post-operative treatment. 

 

Who Are The Top Spine Surgeons In Turkey?

Turkey has well-qualified and internationally trained spine surgeons who are experts in performing spinal surgeries. 

1. Dr. Serdar Baki Albayrak:
   
   He is amongst the leading neurosurgeons in the world and one of the coveted neurologists at Medical Park Florya. He performs 300 surgeries on the spine and spinal cord annually.

2. M.D. Erel Ulug: He is a well-known neurosurgeon at Medical Park Hospital, Izmir. His area of interest lies in spinal and peripheral nerve surgery. He is an active member of the Turkish Medical Association.

3. Dr. N. Serdar Necmioglu: He is a renowned Orthopedist with 32 years of experience. He is associated with Memorial Hospitals Group, Istanbul. He is proficient in performing Arthroplasty, Trauma Surgery, Spine Surgery, Knee and Hip Prosthesis.

4. Prof. Hasan Ozgur Ozdemir:
   
   He is a well-experienced Neurosurgeon at Medical Park Hospital, Antalya. He specializes in Lumbar Hernia, Neck Hernia, Spine Tumors, Spine fractures, and Brain Tumors.

5. Dr. Ahmet Alanay:
   
   He is a well-known Spine Surgeon, Orthopedist, and Traumatologist with 23 years of experience. His area of specialization covers Pediatric and Adult Spinal Disorders.  

 

What Are The Top Hospitals In Turkey?

1. Acibadem Hospitals Group: The hospital group is the world’s second-largest healthcare chain with 21 multispecialty hospitals and 16 outpatient clinics across Turkey. These hospitals have well-trained spine surgeons to treat various spinal disorders.

2. Medipol University Hospital, Istanbul:
   
   It is Turkey’s largest healthcare network that incorporates four hospitals - General, Cardiovascular Surgery, Oncology and Dental Hospitals. The hospital has a capacity of 470 beds, 133 ICU units equipped with advanced systems and technology.

3. Hisar Intercontinental Hospital, Istanbul: Founded in 2006, the hospital spreads in an area of 35,000 square meters. The JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited hospital assures diagnosis and treatment of high-quality meeting international standards.

4. LIV Hospital, Istanbul:
   
   Established in 2013, the hospital has the Brain and Neuro Surgery department that conducted 256 surgeries in 2016 including functional neurosurgery (DBS), brain and spinal surgeries, etc.

5. Florence Nightingale Hospital, Istanbul: The hospital group has been in the healthcare industry since 1989. It has a proven record of excellence of 70,000 inpatients and 250,000 outpatients annually.  

 

Role Of Vaidam Health In Getting Spinal Treatment In Turkey

Vaidam Health is a NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) certified healthcare discovery platform that connects you to well-trained surgeons, hospitals, and trusted travel partners in Turkey in making the right healthcare decision. All you need to do post an enquiry and the patient-relation team will contact you within 48 hours along with the quotations and personalized, budget-friendly treatment plan after consulting with the appropriate doctor and hospital on Vaidam’s panel. 

Once you give a green signal to the treatment plan, Vaidam Health arranges everything for you right from visa to Turkey, best airline fares, arrangements for your accommodation, and other basic amenities.