Spine Surgery

What Is Spine Surgery?

When Is Spine Surgery Necessary?

Spine surgery is performed when conservative treatments (medication, physical therapy, injections) have failed or in cases requiring emergency intervention:

• Severe and persistent pain: Pain that does not resolve despite 6-8 weeks of conservative treatment

• Neurological deficit: Weakness in arms or legs, numbness, reflex changes

• Bladder/bowel dysfunction: Emergency conditions such as cauda equina syndrome

• Progressive deformity: Progression of curvatures such as scoliosis and kyphosis

• Spinal instability: Presence of vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis)

• Tumor or infection: Spinal tumors or spondylodiscitis

Modern Spine Surgery Techniques

Today, spine surgery has become safer and more effective thanks to minimally invasive techniques and advanced technology:

Microdiscectomy

This technique performed under a surgical microscope is the gold standard in the treatment of lumbar and cervical disc herniation. It is performed through a 2-3 cm incision, hospital stay is 1 day, and return to work is 2-4 weeks.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Full endoscopic technique performed through an 8 mm incision is the least invasive method. Same-day discharge is possible and recovery time is very short.

Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion

Muscle damage is minimized using a tubular retractor system. It is preferred in the treatment of vertebral slippage and instability.

Artificial Disc Surgery

Replacement of the damaged disc with an artificial disc. Motion is preserved, and the risk of adjacent segment disease is reduced.

Robotic and Navigation-Assisted Surgery

Screw placement becomes safer with computer-assisted imaging. It is especially used in scoliosis and deformity surgery.

Conditions Treated with Spine Surgery

• Lumbar disc herniation

• Cervical disc herniation

• Lumbar spinal stenosis

• Cervical spinal stenosis

• Spondylolisthesis (Vertebral slippage)

• Scoliosis and kyphosis (Spinal deformities)

• Spinal tumors

• Spinal fractures and trauma

• Spondylodiscitis (Spinal infection)

Post-Operative Recovery

The recovery process after spine surgery depends on the technique used and the patient's general condition:

• Microdiscectomy: 1 day in hospital, return to work in 2-4 weeks

• Endoscopic surgery: Same-day discharge, return to work in 1-2 weeks

• Fusion surgery: 2-4 days in hospital, 6-12 weeks recovery

• Deformity surgery: 5-7 days in hospital, 3-6 months full recovery

Why Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk?

With over 25 years of experience, Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk is one of Turkey's leading names in spine surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive techniques, endoscopic surgery, and complex deformity surgery. A personalized treatment plan is created for each patient.

Book an Appointment for Expert Evaluation

You can schedule an examination appointment to determine the right treatment method for your spine problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spine surgery risky?

With modern techniques and experienced hands, spine surgery is performed safely. Complication rates are around 1-2%. Detailed pre-operative evaluation minimizes risks.

How long does recovery take after surgery?

Recovery time depends on the technique used. It may take 1-2 weeks for endoscopic surgery, 2-4 weeks for microsurgery, and 2-3 months for fusion surgery.

Is non-surgical treatment possible?

Many spinal conditions are initially treated with conservative methods. Medication, physical therapy, and injections are the first options. Surgery is considered when these treatments are insufficient.

Can I do sports after surgery?

After full recovery, return to activities such as swimming and walking is possible. Doctor's approval is required for sports that require heavy lifting and excessive strain.