What is a Stem Cell?

Stem cells form the structure of all tissues and organs in the human body, ensuring a healthy life. They can differentiate into different cells depending on the body's needs and the environment in which they reside. Thus, they help regenerate all diseased or damaged tissues and organs. By transforming into the cell type needed in our bodies, they play a crucial role in repairing organ and tissue damage or loss due to disease, injury, or other causes. When cells in our bodies divide, they create similar cells. Stem cells do not have a specific function; they can differentiate into different cell types based on the signals they receive.

Stem cells are generally classified into two main groups:

Embryonic Stem Cells

• Source: Obtained from early embryos formed after the union of an egg and sperm cell during the embryonic period.

• Characteristics: They have the potential to develop into all body cells (totipotent or pluripotent). These cells have the potential to form all organs and tissues in the body.

Adult Stem Cells (Somatic Stem Cells)

• Characteristics: Adult stem cells generally have a more limited potential and can only develop into certain cell types (multipotent or unipotent). That is, they tend to develop mostly into cells specific to a particular tissue.

• Source: These are cells found in various tissues in adults that can regenerate the cells needed for the body to maintain normal functions. They can be taken from places like bone marrow, skin, and muscle tissue.

Stem cells can be obtained from embryonic tissue, as well as from adult tissue such as fat tissue and bone marrow. Stem cells, of which there are many different types, play a crucial role in the early stages of development while a person is still in the womb. Stem cells enable the formation of a person's organs and tissues. Stem cells can be used to treat many different diseases. They can be administered intravenously to a patient or transplanted directly to a damaged organ. Once inside the patient's body, stem cells proliferate and develop into the cells the body needs. During this transformation, the diseased tissue or organ can be repaired.

This procedure, in particular, is increasingly used in the fields of orthopedics, neurology, ophthalmology, and traumatology. Stem cell application is suitable for the treatment of many patients of suitable age and physical condition. You can help repair the disease by visiting Ankara Private Magnet Hospital.

Do not forget to have your check-ups done regularly for a healthy life.

How to Obtain Stem Cells?

Stem cells can generally be obtained from adult tissues, such as fat, embryonic tissue, and bone marrow. Stem cells derived from fat tissue have a robust structure and are capable of differentiating into various cells and structures, including vascular cells. Because they lack substances that stimulate the immune system, they cause minimal pain to the patient. Fat tissue harvested from the pelvis or belly begins to show its effects after carefully identifying the target area. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia to minimize pain. Typically, 30 ml of fat is aspirated using special syringes. This stem cell collection takes approximately 20-30 minutes and is then flushed two or three times with saline solution using the syringes. After the flushing process is complete, the syringes are capped and left to sit for 30 minutes. The remaining fat is sent to the laboratory for processing. The multiplied stem cells are stored in a suitable environment and injected where needed.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is a treatment method that uses stem cells, which have the ability to self-renew and transform into different cell types in the body. This treatment method is typically used to repair and rebuild damaged or diseased tissues.  Stem cells can be obtained from various sources, including fat tissue, bone marrow, and cord blood.

What diseases are treated with stem cell therapy?

Today, stem cells are often used to rebuild the blood and immune systems of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as in the treatment of some hereditary blood disorders. Stem cells are used in the treatment of many diseases, including:

• In nonunion fractures
• In burns that are common in humans
• Acne scars
• Wrinkles and skin aging seen in the person
• Meniscus tears
• Skin aging due to sun damage
• Psoriasis
• Inherited metabolic diseases
• Leukemia
• Organ cancers

How is Stem Cell Donation Done?

Any healthy individual between the ages of 18 and 40 can donate stem cells. Stem cells collected from circulating blood are one of the most commonly used donation methods. This method is often compared to donating blood. The donor is given medication twice a day for 4-5 days to allow the stem cells to mix with the circulating blood. Once the blood is collected, the blood is collected through a catheter inserted into a vein in the arm and connected to a special machine, which remains connected to the donor for 2-4 hours.

The bone marrow method is another donation method. In this method, a unit of blood is withdrawn from the donor in the week before the procedure and kept there. On the day of the donation, the donor is sedated under general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the pelvic bone, and a special needle is inserted into the pelvic bone to collect the stem cells, completing the procedure. In this method, the donor is usually discharged the same day.

How is Stem Cell Procedure Performed in Orthopedic Patients?

The number and timing of stem cell treatments are determined by the patient. The results for orthopedic and traumatology patients may vary depending on each patient and the severity of their condition. For orthopedic and traumatology conditions, stem cells are obtained from fat tissue or bone marrow using a specialized technique. It is crucial that this process be performed under laboratory conditions to avoid transmitting potential disease or introducing unwanted cells. Stem cells are usually administered via injection. Surgery is also used during the procedure. The resulting stem cells are expected to develop into cartilage cells, a covering of cells called the matrix.

Risks of Stem Cell Therapy Used for Orthopedic Disorders

• Local or general anesthesia applied during the procedure may cause allergic reactions.
• Bleeding and bruising may occur in the area where stem cell therapy is applied.
• During the stem cell process, damage to nerves and blood vessels may occur.
• Although very rare, infection may occur in the application area.
• Swelling, sensitivity to touch, and pain may occur in the area where stem cell therapy is applied.
• After stem cell transplantation, stem cells can transform into any type of cell. This can lead to bone structures other than cartilage, particularly in cases of cartilage injury. In very rare cases, such problems can lead to a second surgical procedure.

Stem cell therapy is used to treat many conditions. Complications such as bleeding, fever, and drainage from the injection site can occur after stem cell therapy . If a person experiences severe pain and cannot control it with painkillers, they should consult their doctor.

Knee Stem Cell Application

The knee joint is one of the joints most commonly treated with stem cells. To benefit from stem cell therapy and for stem cell application, the patient's knee must not have reached the end stages of wear and tear. The only permanent treatment for end-stage knee wear is knee replacement. Selecting the patient for stem cell therapy is crucial. Patients undergoing knee stem cell therapy are prepared for the procedure. It is usually performed under local anesthesia. To ensure better sterility , stem cell therapy is performed by injecting stem cells extracted from the patient's bone marrow or fat tissue into the knee joint. The patient is discharged after the anesthesia wears off. There is no harm in walking or performing daily tasks. However, the patient should temporarily refrain from activities that strain the knee.

What diseases are treated with stem cell therapy in the knee joint?

Stem cell therapy is most commonly used in the knee for cartilage. The goal is to accelerate cartilage healing and achieve a healthier cartilage structure. This is achieved by treating the underlying cause of cartilage damage. After the stem cells are isolated, they are injected into the treated area using specialized needles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who cannot receive stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy is not suitable for individuals with rheumatic diseases, blood clotting disorders, infections, those taking anticoagulants, or those with weakened immune systems due to other factors . Those taking aspirin or similar medications should discontinue their use five days before treatment.

What are the prices of stem cell treatment?

The cost of stem cell therapy varies depending on the individual's specific needs. Therefore, for a precise price quote, it's recommended that you visit our hospital to speak with our doctor. For pricing and to schedule an appointment, please call Ankara Private Magnet Hospital for more information.  (0312) 212 80 80

What are the factors affecting the success of stem cell therapy?

One of the most important factors in achieving successful results in stem cell therapy is patient selection and the appropriate method of stem cell harvesting. Weight control and regular exercise are also considered key factors for success.

Where is the easiest place to obtain stem cells?

The densest bone marrow is located in the pelvis. Therefore, most stem cells are taken from the pelvis .

How many days does it take to recover from stem cell therapy?

After treatment, the patient may experience some movement difficulties for up to two days. Once these difficulties subside, the patient can quickly return to their normal daily routine.

Does Social Security Cover Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy is generally considered an innovative treatment and may not be covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK); however, in some special cases, it is possible for the SGK to pay.

How can I find a good Stem Cell Therapy Doctor in Ankara?

If you're looking for a good doctor who performs Stem Cell Therapy in Ankara, there are a few key steps you can take to make the right choice. First, research experienced orthopedics and traumatology specialists. Learning about patients' previous experiences, their communication skills, and their success rates can also help you make a decision. Furthermore, the hospital's technological infrastructure and the quality of its surgical equipment play a significant role in the surgical process. Private Ankara Magnet Hospital is a healthcare facility known for its experienced doctors specializing in Stem Cell Surgery . For more information about Stem Cell Therapy, please visit Ankara Magnet Hospital and schedule an appointment with one of the specialists.

Does Supplemental Health Insurance Cover Stem Cell Therapy?

Whether innovative methods, such as stem cell therapy, that are not yet fully established in standard treatment protocols, are covered by insurance may vary depending on the insurance company and the terms of your policy.

Does Private Health Insurance Cover Stem Cell Therapy?

Because this treatment is generally considered innovative, whether it's covered by insurance may vary depending on the insurance company and the policy. The best course of action is to contact your insurance company.