Stereotactic Surgery in Turkey: Radiosurgery & Neurosurgery 2024

Stereotactic surgery: Fields of application

Thanks to its high degree of precision, stereotactic surgery offers a therapeutic solution for a broad spectrum of neurological pathologies. It is indicated for the treatment of brain tumors, whether benign or malignant, small or deep-seated. 

The technique is also used to relieve chronic pain that is resistant to medical treatment, particularly neuropathic pain and pain associated with cancer. 

It also has applications in the treatment of movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and dystonia and, in some very specific cases, in the treatment of refractory psychiatric disorders. 

The clinical manifestations of these pathologies are diverse, ranging from headache and movement disorders to cognitive dysfunction.

Diagnosis before stereotactic surgery

Before stereotactic surgery is performed in Turkey, an accurate diagnosis is made through a series of complementary examinations:

• Medical imaging (MRI, CT, cerebral angiography) allows precise visualization of the brain lesion and its relationship with neighboring structures.
• Detailed clinical examinations, including a thorough neurological examination and possibly specialized assessments (neuropsychological, psychiatric),help determine the exact nature of the problem, assess the patient's general condition and define therapeutic goals.

What is stereotaxis used for?

Stereotaxy is a major advance in neurosurgery and radiotherapy, offering increasingly precise and personalized treatments for a wide range of brain disorders. It also has applications in the treatment of vascular malformations and other brain lesions.

How does stereotactic neurosurgery work? 

Using highly detailed 3D images and computer-assisted guidance, the neurosurgeon can reach the target area with extreme precision, minimizing risk and speeding your recovery. It's as if the surgeon has a detailed map of your brain and can navigate with great confidence.

In neurosurgery, stereotaxy is used to perform delicate procedures such as:

• Removing brain tumors in hard-to-reach areas.
• Implanting electrodes to treat diseases such as Parkinson's.
• Relieving chronic pain that is resistant to other treatments.

How does stereotactic radiosurgery work?

Stereotactic radiotherapy uses beams of radiation that converge on a very precise target. It's a bit like focusing all the power of the beams on the tumor while sparing the healthy tissue around it.

Depending on the type of tumor, treatment may be delivered as follows:

• Normo-fractionated stereotaxis: small doses of radiation spread over several sessions.
• Hypofractionated stereotaxis: Fewer sessions, but higher doses per session.
• Single-shot radiosurgery: The entire dose is delivered in a single session.

Course of stereotactic surgery in Turkey

Stereotactic surgery is a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure that offers a high degree of precision. The patient is under general anesthesia and his or her head is immobilized in a stereotactic frame, a device that serves as a reference for localizing brain structures.

Medical imaging tests (such as MRI or CT scans) are performed beforehand to obtain very precise images of the patient's brain. These images are then used to plan the procedure and determine the exact coordinates of the area to be treated.

Through a small incision in the scalp, the surgeon inserts specialized surgical instruments. Guided by a computerized navigation system, the surgeon creates a precise path through the brain tissue to reach the target area.

Once there, the procedure can be performed for a variety of reasons, such as removing a brain tumor, implanting electrodes to treat movement disorders or epilepsy, or performing biopsies.

At the end of the procedure, the incision is closed and a dressing is applied.

The patient is then taken to the recovery room where he or she will be closely monitored until fully awake.

Stay, hospitalization and recovery

The duration of stereotactic surgery is variable and depends on the complexity of each case. It can range from a few minutes to several hours.

The hospital stay in Turkey is generally short, but can be extended depending on the specific needs of each patient.

Recovery time after stereotactic surgery is individual and can vary considerably. Returning to normal activities may take several weeks or even months.

Recovery generally involves rest, special care, and regular monitoring by the medical team to optimize healing.

Stereotactic surgery is a precise and often complex procedure. It is important to discuss your case in detail with your medical team in Turkey to understand the specifics of your post-operative journey.