What is the Cost of Craniotomy Surgery in Turkey?
With over 12,000 neurosurgeons practising at 50 neurosurgery training centres in Turkey, the demand for neurological surgeries in Turkey is increasing, craniotomy being one of them.
The cost of craniotomy surgery in Turkey ranges between USD 12,000 and USD 19,000. The cost includes neurosurgeon fees, anaesthesia charges, OT charges, medical consumables, as well as hospital stays for a specified number of days.
What is Craniotomy?
Craniotomy is the surgical procedure to remove the bony flap portion of the skull to access the brain underneath, after which the bony flap is replaced with tiny plates and screws.
This procedure is done to treat brain tumours, brain blood clots, aneurysms, traumatic head injury, to remove foreign objects such as bullets or any other brain infection.
The procedure is known as craniectomy if the bony flap is not replaced.
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What are the Different Types of Craniotomy Surgeries?
Craniotomy surgeries may vary in size and complexity. Small sized craniotomies are called burr holes and quarter size or larger are called keyhole craniotomies.
Craniotomy can be categorised into the following types based on the approach employed are:
Keyhole (Minimally Invasive) Craniotomy
The keyhole craniotomy is a minimally invasive technique used for the treatment of small brain aneurysms, tumours, or for performing biopsies.
Since the incision and bone opening are small, there is less damage to surrounding tissue and muscle.
Endoscopic Craniotomy
Another minimal invasive approach, endoscopic craniotomy involves the use of an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera and light) to access and treat certain brain conditions such as tumours, cysts, or pituitary adenomas.
Stereotactic Craniotomy
This is a highly precise form of brain surgery where the surgeon uses advanced imaging techniques, such as CT or MRI scans, along with computer guidance. With this, the location of abnormalities in the brain is accurately determined.
Awake Craniotomy
In this technique, the patient remains conscious and responsive during part of the surgery. When tumours are located near critical brain areas that control functions such as speech, movement, or sensation, by keeping the patient awake, the surgeon can monitor neurological functions and avoid damaging vital areas of the brain during the procedure.
These procedures are widely used for the following purposes:
To insert shunt
To insert endoscope
To insert deep brain stimulator (DBS)
To insert an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor
For brain biopsy
For brain aspiration
Based on the location of the brain from where the bony flap has been removed, craniotomy surgeries can be classified as:
Frontal Craniotomy
The bone flap is removed from the forehead to treat pathologies associated with the frontal part of the brain.
It is commonly performed for removing tumours, treating aneurysms etc.
Parietal Craniotomy
In this approach, the mid and posterior part of the brain are exposed for removing parietal lobe tumours or treating vascular malformations, gliomas etc.
Temporal Craniotomy
The incision is made adjacent to the ear and next to the eyes.
With the temporal craniotomy, the middle cranial fossa is accessed and treated for vascular and infratemporal fossa lesions etc.
Occipital Craniotomy
It allows exposure to occipital lobe and its associated areas usually for removing occipital lobe tumours or addressing lesions in the area.
Orbital Craniotomy
It is performed to access the base of the skull near the eye to treat tumours or aneurysms located near that area.
The surgical approach chosen significantly affects the cost of craniotomy in Turkey due to various factors such as the complexity of the surgery.
Craniotomy surgery is a life-saving procedure for many conditions, including brain tumours, aneurysms, or traumatic injuries. As medical tourism in Turkey continues to grow, more patients are considering this country as a destination for craniotomy and advanced neurosurgical care.
Before the procedure, it’s crucial to understand the factors affecting the cost of craniotomy in Turkey which are as follows:
Type of Craniotomy Procedure
The cost of craniotomy in Turkey differs with the procedure involved such as traditional open craniotomy or minimally invasive approaches such as keyhole surgery. The major reason behind the difference in cost is due to the complexity and advanced tools required in each procedure.
Hospital and Surgeon
Renowned hospitals in Turkey located in major cities are known for high-quality treatment facilities. Under the expertise of surgeons, they may charge higher fees for the top-quality comprehensive care.
Diagnostic Tests and Medications
The cost of diagnostic tests, such as MRIs or CT scans prior to craniotomy and post-surgery may affect the cost of craniotomy in Turkey. Along with this, the cost of prescription medications, both before and after surgery, should not be ignored when considering the overall expenses.
Duration of Hospital Stay
Sometimes, patients may have to stay in the hospital post-craniotomy for potential complications. A longer stay in the hospital, especially in critical care units, may lead to additional expenses, especially if complications arise and ICU is needed.
Before craniotomy in Turkey, it’s essential to consider the aspects stated above and discuss it with the hospital to avoid any sudden financial obligations during the treatment.
What is the Average Cost of Craniotomy in Turkey Vs. Other Countries?
Average Cost of Craniotomy in Turkey | 15,500 |
Average Cost of Craniotomy in India | 7,000 |
What are Pre-treatment and Post-treatment Expenses in Craniotomy in Turkey?
Since craniotomy involves the most crucial part of the human body, the brain, appropriate diagnostic tests and evaluations become essential. The costs involved must be considered as a part of the pre-treatment and post-treatment expenses.
Pre-treatment expenses (imaging tests such as MRI, CT scans, blood tests) : USD 800 and USD 1000
Post-treatment expenses (Follow-up and medications) : USD 350 and USD 500
What should be Post-treatment Care after Craniotomy?
Due to the complexity and delicate nature of the brain, craniotomy should be performed with precision and care.
After the craniotomy is over, recovery requires careful attention and planning to minimise complications and support overall well-being.
Some of the common measures for post-treatment care after craniotomy are as follows:
Regular Check-Ups
Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon or neurologist should be regularly scheduled to monitor the recovery process.
Lifestyle Adjustments
As part of your long-term recovery, you may need to make some lifestyle adjustments. These could include changes to your diet, sleep habits, and stress management techniques.
Regular Health Monitoring
After a craniotomy, the patient has to monitor any neurological condition that may arise post-craniotomy closely. Any unexpected health complication should be immediately reported to the neurosurgeon.
Pain Management
Since the incision has been made in the skull, pain control becomes an essential part of recovery. You’ll likely be prescribed medications to manage pain, prevent seizures, and reduce swelling. It’s necessary to take these medications as directed by the neurosurgeon.
Preventing Infection
Antibiotics and other medications may be needed to prevent infections in the wound area. Maintaining a sterile environment around the surgical site and following hygiene guidelines are crucial to reduce the risk of infection.
Physical Activity Restrictions
As you recover, avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Adhering to activity restrictions helps prevent complications and supports proper healing. Your healthcare provider will give you guidelines on when you can gradually return to normal activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions Related to Craniotomy Cost
Before a craniotomy, your doctor may request blood tests, an MRI, an ECG, an X-ray, or a Brain CT scan. The whole cost of craniotomy therapy generally includes diagnostic and surgical procedures.
When a patient is in the hospital, the pharmacy and prescription expenses are included in the package. However, if the patient purchases medications outside of the hospital, they are not covered by the package.
The average hospital stay for individuals undergoing craniotomy for a brain tumor is three to four days. Patients who experience surgical complications may be asked to remain longer. They will also require follow-up testing, such as an MRI, CT scan, and blood tests, for the first year following the craniotomy, which won’t be a part of the package price.
Surgery recovery might take 4 to 8 weeks. Your wounds may be sore for up to 5 days after surgery. For a few days, the patient may feel weary. The follow-ups and medications utilized for pain reliving will be an additional cost.
Yes, most health insurance policies cover the expense of brain surgery. They pay for medical expenditures incurred during hospitalization, ICU charges, pre-hospitalization, and ambulance services following brain surgery.
Other treatments may be advised as alternatives to a craniotomy in rare cases. Some brain cancers can be treated using stereotactic radiosurgery, which involves delivering extremely accurate beams of radiation straight to the tumor without the need for a surgical incision.
Everything You Need to Know About Craniotomy: Q&A
Before the Procedure · 14 Questions
To remove a brain tumor, a neurosurgeon makes an opening in the skull. This operation is called a craniotomy. Whenever possible, the surgeon attempts to remove the entire tumor.
If the tumor cannot be completely removed without damaging vital brain tissue, your doctor may remove as much of the tumor as possible.
The malignancy of the tumor can only be established post osteopathy of the tumor sample. IF it turns out to be cancerous, the additional treatment protocol may be advised.
One is not allowed to eat or drink anything before a craniotomy surgery.
The patient should stop taking blood-thinning medications. He should also stop taking medicines like Clopidogrel, Plavix, and Warfarin.
It depends upon the osteopathy reports of the tumor sample.
To remove a brain tumor, a neurosurgeon makes an opening in the skull. This operation is called a craniotomy. Whenever possible, the surgeon attempts to remove the entire tumor. If the tumor cannot be completely removed without damaging vital brain tissue, your doctor may remove as much of the tumor as possible.
Yes it is true, awake craniotomy is usually done in those patients who have lesions in critical areas. But with advances in imaging/ surgery and brain mapping it is not used these days. Of course in places where such equipment is not available, it can be done. It difficult in many patients because of patient has to understand and be mature enough to lie still for 4 hours or so It is slightly uncomfortable too
The malignancy of the tumor can only be established post histopathy of the tumor sample. IF it turns out to be cancerous, additional treatment protocol may be advised.
One is not allowed to eat or drink anything before a craniotomy surgery.
The patient should stop taking blood-thinning medications. He should also stop taking medicines like Clopidogrel, Plavix and Warfarin.
Craniotomy is the surgery to remove the part of bone from skull for exposing the brain, the bone flap is being temporarily removed and then replaced after brain surgery.
Yes, Craniotomy is a serious surgery, it involves temporary removal of bone from the skull to repair in the brain. The procedure has various risks which makes it a serious surgery.
Craniotomy has got several risks such as bleeding and infection just like other type of brain cancer surgery.
Craniotomy is done to treat various conditions such as brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, hemorrahage, aneursysms. Damaged tissue, abscesses, epilepsy and facial pain.
During the Procedure · 6 Questions
5 days in the hospital.
The patient has to stay in the ICU for at least a night or two depending on the progress of his/her condition post-surgery. IVs, monitors and bladder catheters are removed in the morning following the surgery.
The patient is allowed to eat a normal breakfast and he/she can walk on the first day after the surgery.
The patient has to stay in the ICU for at least a night or two depending on the progress of his/her condition post surgery. IVs, monitors and bladder catheters are removed on the morning following the surgery. The patient is allowed to eat a normal breakfast and he/she can walk on the first day after the surgery.
It will take around three to five hours to do craniotomy, if you are undergoing regular craniotomy.
Your doctor will explain you about all these. You need to undergo blood test, diagnostic test and neurological examination before the surgery.
Skin incisions are usually made behind the hairline. A hair sparing technique is used, where only a 1/4-inch wide area along the proposed incision is shaved. The skin and muscles are lifted off the bone and folded back. Next, small burr holes are made in the skull with a drill. Similar to using a jigsaw, the surgeon cuts an outline of a bone window .The cut bone flap is lifted and removed to expose the protective covering of the brain and the bone flap is safely set aside and will be replaced at the end of the surgery. The dura is opened to expose the brain. Varieties of small instrument are used to work deep inside brain, after the problem has been removed or repaired, any retractors are removed, and the dura is closed with sutures. The bone flap is put back in its original position and secured to the skull with titanium plates and screws (Fig. 5). The plates and screws remain permanently to support the area. At last muscles and the skin are sutured back.
Post the Procedure · 10 Questions
Walking and taking personal care is allowed after a day of the craniotomy surgery. Strenuous activities like work-outs, lifting heavy weights and strong exertions should be avoided for at least four to six weeks.
There is no such restriction on the neck movement.
It depends on the occupation of the patient. Strenuous work is best avoided for longer periods until his/her physical strength is regained. Normally, patients are allowed to resume their work after two to four weeks post-surgery.
Walking and taking personal care is allowed after a day of the craniotomy surgery. Strenuous activities like work-outs, lifting heavy weights and strong exertions should be avoided for at least four to six weeks.
There is no such restriction on the neck movement.
It depends on the occupation of the patient. Strenuous work are best avoided for longer periods until his/her physical strength is regained. Normally, patients are allowed to resume their work after two to four weeks post surgery.
It will take around 4 to 8 weeks to recover from surgery, you will feel tired for several weeks after surgery, you may also have some headache and problems in concentrating. The cuts will be sore for about five days after surgery.
Some of the side effects of Craniotomy are scars, injury in head region, facial nerve damage, infection of the bone flap or skin, seizures and brain swelling.
Craniotomy requires hospital stay of about three to seven days. The stay in hospital depends on your condition.
The risk of rare and it has the potential to interfere with memory, speech, vision, muscle control, coordination an balance. Other potential risks that are specifically associated with brain surgery include coma, blood clots, hemorrhaging or swelling of the brain, stroke and seizures.





























