Lumbar Spine Surgery in Turkey: Techniques, Recovery, and Cost Insights

Lumbar spine surgery, whether through traditional methods or modern minimally invasive techniques, offers an effective and life-changing solution for a wide range of back pain causes.

However, this procedure is highly delicate and carries certain risks, making it essential to choose an expert and highly qualified surgeon to ensure the best outcomes and minimize potential complications.

Understanding the techniques, the conditions that can be effectively treated, and all recovery details and tips is essential to making an informed decision and taking a step toward this life-changing procedure.

In this article, we will share valuable information that will help you address your back pain with confidence, reliability, and affordability.

An Overview of the Spine and Back Pain

Back pain is a common issue many patients around the world complain of; however, not in the same way.

Pain duration, severity, and accompanying signs and symptoms are all considered when you seek treatment.

The causes of back pain

While sometimes the cause can be a temporary muscle spasm, other serious causes can lie in more painful and chronic conditions.

Lumbar spine issues, such as lumbar spine compression, narrowing of discs, and vertebrae degeneration, are the most common causes of chronic back pain.

The role of lumbar spine

The lumbar spine, that part of your spine located along your back, is the house where most of the nerves pass between the brain, central nervous system , and various parts of the medial and lower body.

These nerves feed lower movement muscles, control many internal organ functions, and serve as sensation nerves.

Treatment approaches for back pain

Various treatment approaches, such as medical drugs, physiotherapies, and lifestyle modification, are the first-line measures that can be effective for mild to moderate cases.

When lumbar spine surgery is needed

However, for more severe and chronic cases, lumbar spine surgery is the best way to achieve complete remission.

Discover more: Back Surgery Types: For Sciatica, Herniated Disc, Scoliosis, and Arthritis

What is Lumbar Spine Surgery?

Lumbar spine surgery encompasses a range of surgical procedures aimed at treating conditions affecting the lower back, specifically the lumbar region. These conditions may include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or fractures. The primary goals of lumbar spine surgery are to alleviate pain, restore function, and stabilize the spine.

Chronic Conditions Treated by Lumbar Spine Surgery:

1.Sciatica or Herniated disc: condition, also known as slipped or ruptured disc, in which the gelatinous core material of the disc bulges out of position and causes painful pressure on surrounding nerve roots.

2.Lumbar spine stenosis: Abnormal narrowing of vertebral column that may result in pressure on spinal cord, spinal sac or nerve roots arising from the spinal cord.

3.spinal spondylolisthesis: The forward displacement of one vertebra on another.

4.Scoliosis: sideways curvature of the spine

5.lumbar spinal stenosis spine surgery: narrowing of spinal canal in the lower part of your back.

Stenosis can cause pressure on your spinal cord or the nerves that go from your spinal cord to your muscles.

Spinal stenosis can happen in any part of your spine but is most common in lower back

6.Spondylosis: Degenerative changes in spine, most commonly affecting the intervertebral discs as well as the facet joints.

Not sure if you're a candidate for a back operation? Feel free to contact us for a free consultation to evaluate your situation and understand all the details about your condition.

Also read for. Spinal Fusion Surgery

Most Common Types of Lumbar Spine Surgery

Lumbar fusion and fixation surgery:

The lumbar spine surgery with rods and screws is the lumbar fusion surgery ,it involves connecting two or more vertebrae into one solid piece that hinder any movement between them.

This fusion is performed by placing some medical devices as cages, metal plates, screws or rods to stabilize the spine.

lumbar fusion is effective in decreasing pain associated with disc degenerative diseases and spondylosis and spondylolisthesis, the conditions that progress with age

Lumbar spine decompression

This surgery is performed to treat nerve compression in the lumbar spine and alleviate associated symptoms like pain, numbness or movement disability

various back spine conditions cause nerve compression include spinal stenosis, slipped or herniated disc, backbone fracture, osteoporosis or due bone cancer.

Lumbar spinal decompression operation performed one or a combination of the following procedures

Lumbar laminectomy:

Include removal of a portion of the vertebral (spinal bone)- called the lamina to relieve the pressure on the nerve

it is commonly treatment conditions like lumbar spinal stenosis

Lumbar laminoplasty

It is similar to the laminoplasty however instead of removing parts of the lamina the surgeon reshapes and repositions it to increase the canal space and decrease the nerve compression.

Lumbar discectomy

This procedure involves removing parts of the damaged disc that compress the nerve.

Such procedure is effective to treat sciatica, a condition when a herniated lumbar disc compress the nerves causing chronic severe pain along the leg

Discover more options: Cervical Spine Surgery

Lumbar spine surgery techniques:

Open lumbar spine surgery

Open Surgery This traditional procedure involves making a large incision in your back, removing the skin and retracting the underlying muscles and tissues to allow complete visualization of the targeted area.

Advantages of Open Lumbar Spine Surgery:

• The procedure provides surgeons with extensive visibility of the operative field, making it easier to work with maximum efficiency and minimum risk,

• Particularly beneficial for complex cases such as scoliosis, bone fractures, and high-grade conditions.

Disadvantages of Open Lumbar Spine Surgery:

• More invasive than minimally invasive approaches

• Higher risk of scar tissue formation

• Longer recovery period

• Increased risk of postoperative infections

• Greater likelihood of muscle and tissue disruption

• Higher risk of bleeding

• Longer operating time required

Minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery was developed to treat spine problems with less injury to the muscles and other normal structures in the spine. It also helps the surgeon to see only the location where the problem exists in the spine.

Other advantages of MISS include:

• Smaller incisions
• Less bleeding
• Shorter stays in the hospital

Robotics assistance in minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery

Robotics systems such as robot arms are an advanced, innovative clinical spinal surgery technique, that represents a great promising future toward safe and highly successful back surgeries

These robots are used to assist surgeons during delicate and precise surgeries such as in spine surgeries.

With great accuracy, the robot is able to place the surgical instruments and perform precise steps.

Empower your knowledge about:The robotic orthopedic surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery

A small incision is made, and an endoscopic (a small tube to which a tiny camera is attached) with fine instruments is inserted to perform the surgery with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.

Endoscopic surgery It is effective for treating conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis in the lumbar region.

3D Navigation and imaging guided spine surgery

The 3D navigation system helps guide the surgeon instruments to the precise location, enhancing surgical accuracy and minimizing risks.

Laser technology in lumbar spine surgery

A laser is used to vaporize or shrink problematic tissue in the spine, reducing the need for larger incisions and minimizing tissue damage.

Used for disc removal, especially in herniated disc cases.

Tubular retractor system in MISS

Small tubes are inserted to protect muscles and tissues while accessing the spine, minimizing injury to surrounding areas.

Applied in spinal stenosis surgeries and disc removal.

Superficially in the skin, small incisions are made to insert instruments for bone fixation, without disturbing muscles or deeper tissues, leading to a faster recovery.

Lumbar Spine Surgery Complication

• Nerve Injuries: Such as ulnar nerve or brachial plexus injury, which may occur due to excessive pressure or stretching of the nerves during surgery.
• Fluid Collections (e.g., Seroma): Fluid may accumulate at the surgical site (seroma), leading to swelling or fluid retention in the tissues.
• Nonunion (Pseudarthrosis): When the vertebrae do not heal properly after surgery, leading to persistent pain and mobility issues.
• Infection: Infection at the surgical site is a possible complication, requiring additional treatment, such as antibiotics.
• Blood Clots (DVT or PE): Blood clots may form in the veins, especially in the legs, and can travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Excessive Pressure on Nerves or Blood Vessels: Improper positioning during surgery or excessive pressure can lead to damage to tissues or compression of blood vessels.
• Breathing or Circulatory Problems: Prolonged positioning during surgery may lead to breathing or circulation issues due to pressure on the lungs or blood vessels.
• Persistent or Chronic Pain: Pain may persist after surgery due to tissue inflammation or other healing complications.

Positioning-Related Complications:

• Increased intraocular pressure (which can happen in the prone position).

• Issues with bowel or urinary function due to pressure on internal organs.

Complications vary from patient to another and may require additional monitoring and treatment.

Preventing these complications depends on the precision of the surgery, the positioning of the patient during the operation, and postoperative care.

Lumbar Spine Surgery Recovery:

What does the patient expect?

Depending on the patient's condition complexity, he can leave the hospital within 1 to 4 days

Resting is essential for proper recovery, however, patients are able to move without assistance after the first day, but should not work any stressful activity either at home or outside for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

After 4 to 6 weeks you can go back to work although additional time off might be necessary if your job involves long hours of driving or heavy lifting.

Important tips during lumbar spine recovery

• Resting is required and ensures adequate sleep for recovery.

• Walk daily, increasing gradually to boost blood flow and prevent complications like pneumonia and constipation.

• Avoid lifting heavy items or engaging in strenuous activities (e.g., jogging, cycling, or weightlifting) until your doctor approves.

• Refrain from driving for 2–4 weeks or as advised. Limit car rides to under 30 minutes; for longer trips, take breaks to stretch.

• Change positions every 30 minutes to reduce back pain.

• Plan for 4–6 weeks off work, depending on your job and recovery.

• Resume sex when comfortable, avoiding positions that strain your back.

• Follow your doctor’s specific instructions for caring for surgical incisions.

• Perform back exercises as directed. A physiotherapist may be recommended to improve back strength and flexibility.

Habilitation, Physical therapy and Positioning during the recovery

Your surgeon will design a customized rehabilitation, physiotherapy program that fits your health, your post surgical condition and the recovery timeline progression.

These facilitate muscle movement and decrease swelling.

It is important to start these exercises gradually unless your symptoms become worse.

Positioning after lumbar spine surgery is a crucial step toward the operation success and a preventive measurement of procedure complication.

Common Positions During Recovery (Recovery Period):

1. Supine Position:

• The patient lies on their back.

• This is often the most comfortable position after lumbar spine surgery, as it reduces pressure on the spine.

2. Lateral Decubitus Position:

• The patient lies on one side.

• This position is used to reduce pressure on the surgical site or when the patient experiences discomfort lying on their back.

3. Semi-Fowler’s Position:

• The upper part of the bed (head and chest) is elevated at a 30-45 degree angle.

• This position helps reduce pain, alleviate pressure on the spine, and improve breathing.

How much is lumbar spine surgery

The average cost of lumbar spine surgery in turkey ranges between $6,000 and $15,000 The total and final price is affected by several factors and it is essential to prepare an informed budget based on how these factors relate to your conditions

Factors affecting the total lumbar spinal surgery price

• Type of surgery

• Complexity of surgery

• Clinic location and reputation

• Surgeon experiences and speciality

• The technology use in the operation

International patients may incur additional costs such as airplane tickets, visas for some countries, transportation, and accommodation. However, most Turkish clinics offer comprehensive packages that include all essential expenses, making the journey for spinal surgery more comfortable and affordable.

The cost difference between open surgery and minimally invasive spinal surgery is minimal.

and many researches made to study which one is more cost effective, however the results still show no significant differences.

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Lumbar spine surgery cost for different types of back surgery

A comparison between the cost of back surgery in Turkey vs. other countries

Turkey has become a leading destination for medical tourism long ago.

Turkish clinics are well known for their advanced techniques, distinctive services, and special reputation for their highly qualified orthopedic and neurosurgeons

Those surgeons specialize in spine surgeries and are internationally certified to perform these high-risk procedures.

Moreover, when comparing the cost of such surgeries in Turkey to other advanced countries like the US or less economically developed countries like India, Turkey is considered the most affordable option.

The cost of lumbar spine surgery in New Jersey, US, is $20,000 to $50,000 and the cost of lumbar spine surgery in India is $4,000 to$8,000

However, the cost of such high-risk surgery is not just about the price.

The cost should also be considered in terms of effectiveness, as the success rate is critical.

Failure in these surgeries can charge you much more than just the initial price.

Final Thoughts

As the field of spine surgery looks to the future, many novel technologies are on the horizon, including robotic surgery, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to help improve preoperative planning, improve surgical execution, and optimize patient selection to ensure improved postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction.

As more spine surgeons begin incorporating these novel minimally invasive techniques into practice, the field of minimally invasive spine surgery will continue to innovate and evolve over the coming years.

Don’t let chronic back pain take over your life!
Contact our professional surgeons for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized procedure designed just for you.

Book a free consultation today at International Clinics to get your individual price quote and learn about available offers and discounts.

Related topics:

Spine Surgery in Turkey

Lumbar Open Spine Surgery