Spine Surgery in Turkey : Types, Risks, Recovery, and Latest Techniques 2025

Spinal surgery is considered a rescue operation and is the best choice for many patients suffering from chronic back pain and spine deformities associated with a poor lifestyle.

However, the biggest drawback is the high risk involved.

A minor mistake during or after the surgery can lead to dramatic consequences, potentially resulting in permanent disability or even death.

Thanks to advanced technology, even highly skilled surgeons can now perform these high-risk surgeries with minimized risks and complications, leading to higher success rates.

Through this article, we will break down all the conditions requiring spinal surgery and explain how combining surgical expertise with advanced technology has paved the way for a promising future of safe, effective, and life-changing spine surgeries.

To better understand how spinal surgery could work for your individual condition, feel free to contact us at International Clinics in Turkey.

Our highly qualified surgeons will guide you toward the best treatment option tailored to your needs.

Discover: Spine Surgery in Turkey or Lumbar Open Spine Surgery

A Brief Overview of the Spine: Structure and Function

What is the spinal cord and why does it have its specific importance?

The spine is the long structure that runs along your back from your neck to your lower back.

spine structure consists of 33 bony vertebrae separated by flexible cartilage discs, which contain a soft, gel-like substance that helps absorb shock and protect vertebrae from friction against each other

While a bony structure provides desired stiffness and strength, cartilages give the spine flexibility to move freely within acceptable limits, and the contents of discs play a vital role in protecting the entire spine from friction and nerves from compression.

The spinal cord is one of the most vital parts of your central nervous system, it runs along the spine length carrying essential nerves that transmit signals between your brain and various body parts.

The spinal cord is housed within the spinal canal, which protects the spinal cord and its nerves from injury.

Discover more options:

Cervical Spine Surgery

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Lumbar Spine Surgery

Spinal Cord Injury: Causes and Diseases

Spinal cord injuries can occur for various reasons, including:

• Congenital conditions (present at birth), such as scoliosis
• Degenerative diseases like herniated discs
• Age-related conditions like vertebral osteoarthritis
• Spinal cord injuries secondary to accidents, tumors, and infections

These injuries can affect any area of the spine, with varying levels of severity and different accompanying symptoms, which, in turn, influence treatment options.

Factors such as age and sex are important in determining the type and progression of these conditions. For example, degenerative diseases tend to progress more rapidly in older individuals.

Lifestyle factors, such as physical activity levels, weight, and even social stressors, can contribute to the overall health of the spine by placing additional stress on its structure.

Treatment Options for Spine Diseases

The variety of treatment options allows your doctor to choose the most effective and safe approach to alleviating symptoms and addressing the underlying cause with minimal associated risks and side effects.

These options include:

Non-surgical medications: These medications primarily help reduce pain, numbness, and other associated symptoms. While they are usually unable to reverse the condition or address the primary cause, they may be beneficial in treating secondary causes, such as infections or tumors.

Physiotherapy, home remedies, rest, and supportive garments: Physiotherapy performed by a specialized physiotherapist is recommended for many conditions. Rest and limited mobility can help prevent disease progression and minimize pain. Supportive garments can also provide relief and stability.

Surgical spine treatments: These treatments range from traditional options to more advanced modern techniques, depending on the specific condition and its severity.

What is Spine Surgery?

Spine surgery encompasses a range of procedures aimed at addressing various spinal conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spinal fractures.

These conditions can affect different parts of the spine, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions.

The primary objectives of these surgeries are to alleviate pain, restore function, and stabilize the spine.

Spinal surgeries may involve decompression of displaced vertebrae, relief of compressed nerves, removal of tumor masses or compressing structures, fusion of damaged spinal components, or dilation of a narrowed spinal canal.

Surgical treatment for spinal cord injuries is considered an advanced option for several conditions.

Spine surgery today can be performed through traditional open surgery by an experienced surgeon or with the aid of modern technologies, including endoscopes, lasers, and robots.

The choice of procedure depends on your condition, the suitability of these techniques, their availability, and the cost

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

When is Spine Surgery Necessary? Are You a Candidate?

How can you tell if you might need spine surgery to treat a neck or back condition?

Spine surgery is typically considered a last resort due to its high risks, the delicate nature of the spinal region, and the need for highly skilled surgeons. It is usually reserved for severe cases where nonsurgical treatments have failed or are deemed inappropriate.

If you suffer from chronic back pain and are looking for a lasting and effective solution, spine surgery might be an option.

However, the decision should be made in consultation with your doctor. Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health, free from serious diseases, and physically able to undergo major surgery that could last several hours.

You might be an ideal candidate for spine surgery, but only a consultation with an expert surgeon can provide clarity.

Contact us at International Clinics for your free consultation. Get answers to your questions and determine if spine surgery is the right choice for you.

How is Spine Surgery Done? 6 Types of Spinal Surgeries

Decompression Spine Surgery

Spinal compression is a painful condition that occurs when part of the bony vertebra, disc cartilage, or contents of discs (such as a plug or mass) compress a neighboring nerve.
The symptoms depend on the site of compression—such as cervical vs. lumbar compression—as well as the affected nerve and associated organs.
This compression can lead to pain, usually moderate to severe, numbness in organs supplied by that nerve, or even dysfunction of an organ or the inability to move an affected skeletal muscle.

Spinal decompression surgery is a procedure aimed at relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, which can alleviate symptoms such as back or neck pain and radiating limb pain.

Examples of decompression spinal surgeries include:

• Laminectomy: This involves removal of a portion of the vertebra called the lamina, which is the back part of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal.
• Discectomy: A portion or the entire damaged intervertebral disc is removed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves or the spinal cord.

If you're experiencing severe sciatic nerve pain (sciatica), a disc herniation, or nerve compression due to injury or age that hasn't improved with non-surgical treatments, contact us at International Clinics.

Our trusted and highly qualified surgeons will assess your condition and guide you on whether surgical or non-surgical spinal decompression is right for you.

Spinal Fusion Surgery

Sometimes in degenerative spinal injuries, the vertebral bones, discs, or both may be damaged, and in such cases, surgical fusion may be the best solution.

In spinal fusion surgery, damaged discs or vertebrae are removed and two or more vertebrae are surgically connected—or 'fused'— using a small piece of bone called a spinal surgical cage to stabilize the spine, support spinal cord, and minimize pain and other symptoms.

Deformities such as scoliosis, degenerative herniated discs (commonly seen in older age), and certain cases of vertebral fractures may benefit most from spinal fusion, as it can be the most effective treatment option.

Removal of Tumor Masses or Compressing Structures

The removal of masses or any compressing structures, such as cysts or sacs, is performed in cases where the mass may affect a vital organ, is accompanied by deteriorating symptoms or poor quality of life, or if the mass is likely to progress if not removed.

These types of surgeries are high-risk and should be performed by a highly qualified and experienced surgeon to prevent any nerve injury during the procedure.

The successful removal of the mass or sacs can significantly alleviate symptoms, enhance your quality of life, and contribute to complete remission and recovery from certain conditions.

Dilation of A Narrowed Spinal Canal:

Dilation of a narrowed spinal canal is a surgical procedure performed to widen the spinal canal when it becomes narrowed, a condition known as spinal stenosis.

Lumbar or cervical spinal stenosis caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments is typically treated using this procedure.

Spinal Reconstruction Surgery

The procedure involves removing or replacing damaged vertebrae and may require the insertion of devices like rods, screws, or bone grafts to provide stability to the spine.

Spinal reconstruction surgery is typically used post traumatic to correct deformities or fractures in the spine, which may occur due to injury, congenital conditions, or degenerative diseases.

Revision Spine Surgery

Revision spine surgery is a procedure designed to correct or adjust the outcomes of a previous spinal surgery that may have failed or not provided the desired results. This type of surgery becomes necessary when a patient experiences continued pain, complications, or new symptoms after their initial spinal surgery.

Types of Spinal Surgeries According to Spine Location

Cervical spine surgery:

The most common procedures include cervical laminoplasty, which is performed to dilate the spinal canal in that region.

Additionally, Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a common cervical surgery that removes damaged discs, replacing them with a cage to dilate the narrowed canal, eliminate damaged discs, and decompress cervical nerves.

Thoracic Spine Surgery:

In the chest area, the thoracic spine runs behind vital organs such as the lungs and heart. Surgeries like scoliosis fixation, mass removal, and fusion of deformed or damaged discs may be necessary, thoracic surgeries type is a rare spine surgery.

Lumbar spine surgery:

Lumbar decompression is one of the most common spine surgeries for both men and women suffering from lumbar disc problems.

Lumbar laminectomy, lumbar fusion, and lumbar discectomy are the most effective solutions for this condition. Nowadays, several lumbar spine surgery techniques are available to maximize success rates, enhance outcomes, and minimize complications.

One example of modern technology is robotic lumbar spine surgery, which offers several distinctive advantages, including reduced surgeon effort, increased surgical accuracy, and a higher success rate for the operation.

Another type of back surgery is lumbar mass removal, which is commonly performed to treat tumors and eliminate congenital sacs.

Sacral spine surgery

Sacral spine is located in the lower part of your back that ends in Coccyx.

Sacroiliac fusion is common to correct the damaged discs, alleviate pain and improve quality of life

Spine Surgery Techniques: Traditional vs. Modern

Traditional Spine Surgery

It is an open surgery in which the surgeon makes an incision of varying length and moves the back muscles and tissue aside to access the spinal cord.

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, typically taking several hours and requiring a long recovery period.

Additionally, it is classified as a high-risk procedure, necessitating a specialized, highly experienced surgeon, as well as a reputable hospital equipped with all the necessary advanced spine surgery tools and devices.

Examples of spinal injuries treated with traditional open surgeries include spine fusion surgery, revision spine surgery, discectomy, large mass removal, spinal deformity fixation, and spinal stabilization.

Advantages of Traditional Spinal Surgeries:

• High accessibility and accurate access to the targeted site

• Most beneficial for complex cases

• Complete removal of large masses

• Easier handling of specific tools and cages

Disadvantages of Traditional Spinal Surgeries:

• These surgeries are high risk surgeries, that require a large incision or are more complex and performed in combining procedure are best done by an open surgery

Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery: Modern Technology

These are modern spinal injury treatments. These options are minimally invasive, with a shorter recovery period, lower risk of complications, and high accuracy.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques involve a smaller incision and the insertion of a tube through which the surgeon uses small surgical instruments to work on the spine, minimizing the risk of muscle or nearby tissue disruption.

Advantages of minimally invasive spinal surgery:

• Minimum incision

• Less pain and post surgery symptoms.

• Shorter recovery period

• Less risk and complication association.

• Minimal disruption to muscle and other tissues surrounding the spine.

Disadvantages of minimally invasive spinal surgery:

• These modern advanced techniques are highly expensive, require a specially trained surgeon, and involve periodic maintenance that costs hospitals more than traditional surgical procedures. Minimally invasive surgeries are not suitable for complex cases and carry risks of complications that may not be immediately visible

Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Techniques

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

In endoscopic spinal surgery, the surgeon inserts a small tube with a camera connected to its external portion. Through this setup, the surgeon can precisely visualize and perform the procedure

Endoscopic spine surgery, including uniportal and biportal endoscopic approaches, is the focus of ongoing research efforts that may lead to further expansion of the indications for endoscopic spine surgery.

Laser Spine Surgery

In laser spinal surgery, the laser fiber is inserted through a small incision into the affected area, and the laser energy is used to remove, shrink, or destroy the abnormal or enlarged tissue of the disc. This helps alleviate pain, improve movement, and enhance quality of life with minimal incision, pain, risk, and recovery time.

Robotic Spine Surgery:

How do robots improve accuracy and reduce complications?

As an advanced, innovative clinical spinal surgery technique, 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.

This robotic surgery provides great improvement in technology that aims to minimize the risk of complications significantly and increase the rate of success. However, it is still an expensive technique that makes the cost of these surgeries out of reach for many patients

If you are interested in robotic lumbar spine surgery, visit The robotic orthopedic surgery

Spinal Cord Surgery Risks and Complications

Risks associated with anesthesia

• Allergic reaction to medications

• Changes in blood pressure

• Changes in heart rate or rhythm

Risks of Complications that can occur During the Surgery

• Nerve or spinal cord injury

• Abnormal bleeding

• Injury to nearby anatomical structures

Risks of Complications that can occur After the Surgery

• Continued pain, numbness or weakness

• Blood clots in the legs (DVT)

• Medical complications (heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, urinary infection)

• Wound Infection

Recovery From Spinal Cord Surgery

• Healing of the incision: This is especially important in traditional surgery, where the incision is larger and carries a higher risk for complications, such as infection.

  Nursing care may be required to keep the injured skin dry, clean, and disinfected until complete healing is achieved.

  It usually takes about 7 to 10 days for the incision to close. However, in some conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or the use of medications like corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, poor healing ability can prolong the recovery period up to 2 weeks.

  Proper care, along with a protein-rich diet, is essential during this period.

  Post-surgery rest: For some spinal surgeries, such as in cases of fractures or orthopedic device placement, your surgeon will instruct you to restrict your mobility for a specific period, which varies depending on your condition.

  During lumbar spinal surgery recovery, especially in cases like spinal fractures, you may be recommended to lie on your back for up to 2 months. However, this is not the case for all surgeries.

  It is crucial to adhere to these instructions to avoid the risk of complications or surgery failure.

• Rehabilitation: At the proper time, your surgeon will recommend you to start physiotherapy to strengthen your muscles and enable you to return to normal life and incorporate into daily activities gradually

The recovery time for spine surgery varies depending on the type of procedure, the patient's overall health, and the complexity of the surgery. Generally:

• Minimally invasive spine surgery: Recovery can take 4 to 6 weeks.
• Traditional open spine surgery: Recovery may take 6 to 12 weeks or longer.

Full recovery can take several months, especially for more complex procedures like spinal fusion. Physical therapy is often recommended to aid in recovery and improve mobility

Learn more about robotic rehabilitation

The Role of Skilled Surgeons and Robotic Technologies in Spinal Cord Surgery in Turkey

Turkey has become a leading global destination for patients seeking specialized, highly qualified surgeons with extensive experience in high-risk surgeries, such as spinal cord surgery.

With the integration of advanced robotic technologies, these delicate surgeries benefit from increased precision, reduced risks, and improved overall success rates.

The combination of skilled surgeons and cutting-edge technology sets a high standard in spinal cord surgery, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients.

Turkish clinics and hospitals are known for their patient-centered approach, providing personalized treatment plans, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive post-surgery rehabilitation programs.

This holistic care model not only accelerates recovery but also ensures highest levels of patient satisfaction.

Discover more important topics:

How Long Does it Take for Nerves to Heal After Back Surgery?