The total cost of brain cyst treatment in Turkey varies based on the specific treatment plan and procedures selected. Surgical intervention with dorsal column stimulation costs $30,000, while Gamma Knife treatment is estimated at $7,000. A comprehensive package including a consultation, MRI, and surgery with duraplasty and a galeal graft costs around $18,000. The treatment plan is tailored after a thorough evaluation by medical professionals, ensuring a personalized approach for each patient.
| Turkey | Austria | Spain | |
| Gamma Knife | from $6,300 | from $32,000 | from $18,000 |
| Brain tumor surgery | from $7,030 | from $60,000 | from $11,767 |
| Brain tumor removal | from $19,710 | from $60,000 | from $53,004 |
Specializing in brain and spine diseases, Dr. Ertugrul Pinar handles complex cases at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya is a professor of neurosurgery at Anadolu Medical Center in Gebze, Turkey. He earned his MD from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa (English program). He completed his neurosurgery residency there from 1996 to 2003. He became a professor in 2015. He also completed observerships at Maastricht University in 2007 and 2009.
His clinical focus includes functional and stereotactic neurosurgery, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. He also treats spinal tumors and spinal stenosis and performs spinal instrumentation. He manages skull base and brain tumors. He performs vascular surgery of the central nervous system.
Achievements include leading a Parkinson’s research project at Ondokuz Mayıs University (BAP, Project No. T.597, 2008). He supervised a neurosurgery thesis in 2008. His awards include third place at the 2nd National Congress of the Society of Neurosurgery in 2006, the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Overseas Scholarship in 2008, and the Aysima Altınok Thesis Award in 2009. Several of his papers ranked at the 22nd and 23rd Turkish Neurosurgical Society Scientific Congresses in 2008 and 2009. He is a member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society and the Turkish Medical Association.
900+ neurosurgical procedures performed – Dr. Uc brings 19 years of experience of specialist experience from top hospitals in Turkey and the US.
Professor Onur Yaman leads the Middle East Spine Society and specializes in neurosurgery at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital.
Top-rated neurosurgeons specializing in brain cysts in Turkey include Dr. Serdar Kahraman, Dr. Mustafa Bozbuga, and Dr. Akin Akakin. These specialists hold prestigious board certifications and many have completed fellowships at institutions like Florida University. They focus on minimally invasive neuroendoscopy and complex skull base surgery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many neurosurgeons perform general brain surgery, a significant pattern among Turkey's top specialists is their focus on neuroendoscopy. Doctors like Dr. Serdar Kahraman and Dr. Bekir Tugcu prioritize endoscopic skull base approaches, which often allow for cyst treatment through smaller incisions compared to traditional craniotomy.
Patient Consensus: Patients often mention feeling relieved after seeing specialists who clearly explain how minimally invasive tools can reach deep cysts. Many were surprised by how quickly they could move around after surgery since the doctors used small endoscopic openings instead of large incisions.
Choose a neurosurgeon in Turkey who specializes in minimally invasive neuroendoscopy or micro neurosurgery for brain cysts. Prioritize board-certified professors with fellowships from institutions like Yale or Johns Hopkins – as these credentials indicate advanced training in delicate neuroanatomy and surgical precision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patients seeking treatment in Istanbul can find a high concentration of professors who founded national neurosurgical societies. For example, Dr. Ilhan Elmaci at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital founded Turkey's Skull Base Society – which shows he sets the clinical standards for other surgeons.
Patient Consensus: Patients recommend requesting a detailed MRI walkthrough during a video consultation to understand the surgical plan. They also suggest planning for post-op rehabilitation early – and remember to pack compression socks for the flight home.
Highly experienced brain cyst specialists practice at leading Turkish facilities like NP Istanbul Brain Hospital and Liv Hospital Ulus. These centers house professors like Dr. Serdar Kahraman and Dr. Mustafa Bozbuga, who possess over 30 years of expertise in neuroendoscopy and complex skull base surgery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkey stands out because its top neurosurgeons often hold dual specializations in neuroanatomy and research. For example, Dr. Mehmet Ozek and Dr. Akin Akakin both completed fellowships at the University of Florida. This background is vital for treating brain cysts, as it allows for safer navigation near delicate neurovascular structures.
Patient Consensus: Patients often mention feeling relieved by the clear explanations provided by Turkish professors regarding endoscopic options. Many noted that having access to translators through Bookimed made the technical surgical discussions much easier to follow.
Turkish neurosurgeons use endoscopic fenestration and microsurgical resection with neuronavigation to treat brain cysts. Experts like Dr. Serdar Kahraman at Liv Hospital Ulus and Prof. Dr. Mustafa Bozbuga at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital specialize in these minimally invasive techniques. Many doctors hold fellowships from major US centers like Yale or Florida University.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patient data suggests looking for specialists with international fellowships. Dr. Baran Yilmaz completed research at Yale, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akin Akakin trained at Florida University. This training in Florida and Connecticut means these doctors use research-backed methods from the world's most advanced neuroanatomy labs.
Patient Consensus: Patients often mention feeling relieved by how quickly they could move after endoscopic surgery. Many were surprised that doctors could reach deep-seated cysts without making large incisions on the head.
Healthcare is the key development sector of the Turkish government. The Turkish authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 77 billion liras for healthcare annually.
As a result, 28,000 medical facilities provide excellent medical care in the country. About 50 centers have certificate of JCI (Joint Commission International), the international improver of healthcare quality and safety across the globe. The index of certificates obtained is the largest. To compare, Israel has 20 JCI-accredited facilities, and Germany — only 10 clinics of this type.
| Currency | lira (you also can pay for services in dollars and euros) |
| Best period for the trip | May-October |
| Language | Turkish (most of medical staff speaks English fluently) |
| Visa | is not required for a trip of at least 30 days per visit |
| Time difference with Europe | 3 hours |
| Time difference with the USA | 8 hours |
| Capital | Ankara |
| Medical tourism center | Istanbul |
| Popular resorts | Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Marmaris |
In Turkey, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. The level of Turkish hotels is comparable to hotels in Tunisia, Morocco or Egypt. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
The main advantage of Turkish resorts is the long beach season. On the Mediterranean coast, it starts in April and lasts until November. In the resorts of the Aegean Sea — from May to October. The most comfortable time for swimming is from mid-June to the end of October. A large influx of tourists is in July-August, when the air temperature is +38°C, and the water warms up to +27°C.
In 2020, the Republic of Turkey has visa-free agreements with 89 states. Some foreigners are exempted from obtaining entry visas, others are required to receive an electronic visa (e-Visa), and still others must apply for a visa at Turkish missions abroad.
What states need a visa for treatment in Turkey and what countries can cross the border free and easy read here.
Visas for travel to Turkey require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes: