Treatment of spinal hernia in Turkey

Treatment of spinal hernia in Turkey is chosen by patients from many countries. According to WHO, 25% of the world’s population suffers from herniated discs. Thanks to modern equipment and treatment methods, Turkish doctors take on the treatment of hernias in the most difficult cases.

The main methods of treating hernia in Turkey are medication, physiotherapy, and minimally invasive techniques. According to data from Turkish medical centers, thanks to the professionalism of Turkish doctors, 76% of patients can be cured without surgery.

One of the main factors that influences the choice of patients in favor of Turkey is the ideal ratio of price and quality of medical care. Treatment of intervertebral hernia in Turkey is 30-50% lower than in hospitals in Germany and Israel, while doctors use the same protocols and techniques. Advantages of spinal hernia treatment in Turkey:

1. Experienced neurologists, spinal surgeons and rehabilitation specialists treat foreign patients. Among them are doctors from the Medical Park network of clinics, including: Hasan Ozgur Ozdemir – recognized as the best neurosurgeon in 2008, Türker Kılıç – honorary member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences, Serdar Baki Albayrak.
2. Turkish hospitals are famous for their modern medical equipment, which is regularly updated.
3. Leading Turkish hospitals have prestigious international JCI and ISO certificates. This is a guarantee of high quality and safety of treatment.
4. Turkish doctors prioritize minimally invasive procedures, so patients recover quickly. After 1.5 months they can lead a normal lifestyle, and after 3 months they can return to active physical activity.
5. Patients are offered additional services that allow them to experience maximum comfort and care.

Many patients choose Turkey because of the good opportunity to undergo post-operative rehabilitation and additional procedures in other areas of medicine in environmentally friendly resorts.

A herniated disc is a disease of the musculoskeletal system in which part of the disc protrudes beyond the spinal canal and compresses the nerve roots or spinal cord. Doctors say the main cause of spinal hernia is degenerative changes in the discs that occur with age or under the influence of risk factors. These include:

• heredity;
• overweight;
• passive lifestyle;
• incorrect posture;
• overexertion and spinal injuries.

In some cases, doctors observe congenital pathologies.
Intervertebral herniation can manifest itself with various symptoms. The most common is pain syndrome, which causes stiffness of movement and gait disturbance. Pain may be felt in the area of the hernia or spread along the nerve in the limb. Patients also experience symptoms:

• numbness, tingling, burning, weakness in the limbs;
• loss of sensation;
• urinary disturbance;
• paralysis or paresis of a limb.

The disease can cause serious complications, including disability, and therefore requires competent diagnosis and treatment from experienced Turkish specialists.

Medical centers in Turkey are equipped with advanced medical equipment that allows doctors to:

• determine the location of the hernia;
• assess the complexity of the case;
• develop the optimal treatment option, and in the case of surgical intervention, determine the tactics and prognosis for the success of treatment.

In addition to a detailed interview and examination of the patient, diagnostics includes:

1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a mandatory test that allows the doctor to carefully examine the spinal column and nerve roots.
2. X-ray. Prescribed to exclude or confirm other pathologies of the spine: infection, tumor, fracture.
3. Myelogram. The test is performed using a dye that is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid before the CT scan is performed. Shows pressure on nerve endings and spinal cord.
4. Nerve conduction study. The doctor places electrodes on the patient’s skin, with which they measure nerve impulses and muscle function.

If the patient does not have a life-threatening condition that requires urgent surgery, he is prescribed medication in combination with physiotherapeutic procedures. This approach significantly increases the prognosis for successful intervention.

Doctors prescribe:

• anti-inflammatory blockades – to eliminate the inflammatory process and swelling of the spinal structures;
• a complex of vitamins and preparations – for the restoration of cartilage tissue;
• manual therapy – to reduce compression and eliminate pain symptoms;
  physical therapy under the supervision of specialists – to improve spinal nutrition and reduce symptoms;
• electrophoresis – to relieve spasms in the back;
• shock wave therapy – for tissue regeneration.

Surgical treatment of a spinal hernia in Turkey is prescribed if the prescribed therapy has been unsuccessful for 6 weeks. Also, indications for surgery include severe pain, which worsens the quality of life and the progression of neurological disorders.

Surgical treatment of intervertebral hernia in Turkey is aimed at removing the affected part of the intervertebral disc (discectomy). The process is controlled by computer navigation systems to ensure precise surgeon manipulation and minimize the risk of spinal cord damage.

Turkish neurosurgeons are fluent in various methods of surgical intervention, while giving preference to minimally invasive technologies. For example, doctors at the NP Brain Hospital perform over 90% of interventions using microsurgery, while postoperative complications are not recorded in 99% of patients.

Surgical treatment of intervertebral hernia in Turkey is performed using the following methods:

1. Discectomy. The intervention is carried out through small incisions (7-10 cm). The doctor inserts a special dilator tube and instruments into the disc area. If necessary, the removed disc is replaced with an implant or special material that stimulates the growth of bone tissue for further fusion of the vertebrae.
2. Microdiscectomy. The method is recognized as the “gold standard” for intervertebral hernia surgery. It is performed using a surgical microscope with 20x magnification and an endoscope through an incision up to 5 cm. The technique is indicated for removing hernias up to 6 mm in size without affecting nerves and tissues.
3. Endoscopic discectomy. The intervention is carried out through an incision up to 2 cm, with local anesthesia for half an hour.
4. Endoprosthetics of the intervertebral disc. Replacement of a damaged disc with a titanium prosthesis that completely replicates the anatomy of the disc. Endoprosthetics allows you to restore the functions of the spine as much as possible.

Minimally invasive methods do not require long-term hospitalization. After a couple of hours, the patient can already get back on his feet, leave the clinic on the second day and return to the hotel.
The patient will need to come to the hospital every day for examination and rehabilitation procedures.

The efficiency of discectomy in Turkish clinics exceeds 96%, and the use of navigation systems reduces the risk of medical error to zero.

In some cases, doctors can offer the most gentle ways to remove a herniated disc without surgery. For example, the following procedures are available at the Academic Clinic in Istanbul:

1. Cold plasma nucleoplasty. The procedure uses radiofrequency energy to create low-temperature plasma that breaks down the molecular bonds in the disc tissue. Performed under local anesthesia and X-ray control for 15-20 minutes. The intervention does not require stitches; after 2 hours the patient can walk.
2. Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET). During the intervention, a high-frequency current is used to heat (up to 80-90 °C) a special catheter, which the doctor inserts into the disc through a needle. High temperature causes coagulation of proteins in the disc tissue. The procedure also does not require stitches and takes place under local anesthesia for 30-60 minutes.
3. Laser vaporization. Removal of small hernias (up to 5 mm) by evaporating the damaged area of the disc using a laser beam. Extensive experience in laser treatment of spinal hernias with doctors at the Anadolu Clinic in Istanbul.

Non-surgical treatment of spinal hernia in Turkey is highly appreciated by American and European neurosurgeons.

After surgical treatment of intervertebral hernia in Turkey, patients will need to adhere to certain recommendations of doctors in order to prevent recurrence of the disease. Among the main recommendations:

1. Strengthening your back muscles with a special set of physical exercises, yoga, and swimming.
2. Regular preventive massage to improve blood circulation in tissues.
3. Posture control (especially for people who sit at the computer a lot).
4. Medium firm mattress for sleeping.

An important factor in prevention is giving up bad habits, spicy and fatty foods.

The cost of treating a herniated disc in Turkey is determined by the severity of the disease, the chosen intervention technique, the need for rehabilitation, and the hospital’s pricing policy.

Estimated prices for treatment of spinal hernia in Turkey:

• specialist consultation – from $200;
• MRI of the spinal column – from $1200 (one section – from $370);
• discectomy – from $9000.

Medical centers in Turkey practice package offers that allow you to get a full range of services at a competitive price. Current offers in leading centers in Turkey will be suggested by consultant doctors from Experts Medical during a free consultation.

Based on monitoring and patient reviews, Experts Medical doctors have compiled the TOP 5 best medical centers for the treatment of intervertebral hernia in Turkey:

1. Liv Clinic in Istanbul. The only Turkish hospital that cooperates with the European Society of Spinal Surgeons AOSpine. Hernia treatment is carried out using the most modern methods.
2. Memorial Sisli Hospital in Istanbul. It has powerful diagnostic and treatment equipment to treat the most complex cases. The leading specialist is neurologist and neurosurgeon Sinan Komu.
3. Medicana Clinic in Istanbul. They offer hernia removal using the most gentle methods, including laser surgery. Leading neurosurgeon, Dr. Hakan Emmez takes on the most difficult cases.
4. Yeditepe University Hospital in Istanbul. Operations here are performed under the control of navigation and monitoring systems, so complications are practically not recorded.
5. Medipol Clinic in Istanbul. During spinal interventions, neurosurgeons use a special O-arm X-ray unit. It creates a three-dimensional image of the operated area, so the doctor tracks his movements with an accuracy of several millimeters. The hospital has a package offer for hernia removal. The treatment is carried out by neurosurgeon Dr. Nejat Akalan.

Experts Medical doctors will provide detailed information about the specifics of treating spinal hernia in Turkey in different medical centers. On the company’s website you can also read real patient reviews and information about clinics.

Experts Medical coordinating doctors have extensive experience in organizing trips for treatment to Turkey for patients from different countries. They will quickly prepare medical documents and select the best clinic and doctor, taking into account the patient’s needs and capabilities. If necessary, they will organize a preliminary consultation with the doctor, book air tickets and a hotel room, and provide transfers.

With the assistance of a personal Experts Medical supervisor, the patient will focus only on the treatment of spinal hernia in Turkey and subsequent rehabilitation in a pleasant and safe atmosphere.