Spine Surgery
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What is Spine Surgery?
Spine surgery refers to procedures performed on spinal structures such as vertebrae, discs or the spinal cord. Its primary purpose is to relieve pain, improve function or address serious medical conditions in the problem vertebral regions. There are many types of spine surgery and they vary depending on the condition being treated and the intended outcome. Common types include:
Discectomy: Removal of a herniated portion of a disc to relieve pressure on a nerve.
Laminectomy: Removal of the lamina, part of the vertebra, to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Spinal Fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae together, often to improve stability or alleviate pain.
Spinal Disc Replacement: Replacing a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one.
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Procedures to treat vertebral compression fractures by injecting bone cement into the vertebrae.
The decision to undergo spine surgery is generally considered when non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, have not provided sufficient relief. As with all surgical procedures, spine surgery carries certain risks, so a thorough assessment by a specialist is essential before opting for any procedure.
What is Spinal Stenosis Surgery and How is it Performed?
Spinal stenosis surgery aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves caused by narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing can be due to various factors, including age-related changes, disc herniation, or bone overgrowth.
The most common surgery for spinal stenosis is a laminectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the lamina, which is the back part of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal. This enlarges the spinal canal and relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Another procedure, called a foraminotomy, involves enlarging the openings where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. This can be done alone or in conjunction with a laminectomy.
In cases where there’s instability in the spine, spinal fusion might be required. Here, two or more vertebrae are joined together using bone grafts, screws, or rods. This prevents movement between the vertebrae and adds stability to the spine.
The choice of surgery and the technique used will depend on the location and cause of the stenosis and the surgeon’s assessment of the best approach for the patient. As with any surgery, there are risks associated with spinal stenosis surgery.
What are the Complications of Spine Surgery?
- Infection: At the surgical site or deeper within the spine.
- Bleeding: Leading to haematoma formation.
- Nerve Damage: Resulting in pain, weakness, or numbness.
- Spinal Cord Injury: Potentially causing paralysis.
- Dural Tear: Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.
- Blood Clots: In the legs (deep vein thrombosis) that can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
- Failure of Fusion: Bones don’t grow together after spinal fusion.
- Chronic Pain: Continuing or new pain post-surgery.
- Recurrent or Residual Disc Herniation: Disc re-herniates or doesn’t fully resolve.
- Anesthesia Complications: Reactions to drugs or complications from anesthetic techniques.
Spine Surgery in Turkey
Turkey has emerged as a leading destination for medical tourism over the past few decades, and spine surgery is among the many specialties that have seen significant growth. Here are some key points about spine surgery in Turkey:
High Standards of Care: Many hospitals in Turkey are internationally accredited, ensuring they adhere to global standards of quality and safety.
Experienced Surgeons: Turkey boasts a number of spine surgeons with extensive training, both locally and in renowned institutions abroad.
Advanced Technology: Turkish medical facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring that patients have access to the latest diagnostic and surgical tools.
Cost-Effective: One of the major draws for international patients is the cost. Spine surgery in Turkey is typically more affordable than in Western Europe or North America, without compromising on the quality of care
Cultural and Geographical Appeal: Apart from medical services, Turkey offers a rich cultural experience, and many patients combine their medical trips with sightseeing or relaxation in the country’s many tourist destinations.
Language: Most top-tier hospitals have English-speaking staff, and some even offer medical translators in various languages to cater to international patients.
Best Spine Surgeon in Turkey
NLT Health Group has a staff that stands out among the best spine surgeons in Turkey. The doctors at NLT Medical Group have undergone extensive training both domestically and internationally, honing their expertise in spinal procedures. With the latest technology and a commitment to patient care, the surgeons at NLT consistently achieve high success rates. NLT Health Group remains the best choice for those considering spine surgery in Turkey.