| Turkey | Austria | Spain | |
| Multiple subpial transections | from $23,076 | - | from $68,638 |
Memorial Şişli Hospital is Turkey's first JCI-accredited facility with 13 operating rooms and advanced neurosurgery capabilities. Multiple subpial transections may cost around $7,000–$12,500. Dr. Nabi Gokhan Ferahcan, with over 33 years of experience of experience in preventive medicine, oversees comprehensive pre- and post-operative care.
Day 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Pre-Operation
Day 3 - Operation
Day 4 - Post-Operation
Day 5 to 7 - Hospital Stay
Week 1 - Rehabilitation
Week 2 to 4 - Rehabilitation
Week 8 - Final Result
Please note that the above timeline is a general guideline; individual recovery times may vary based on personal health factors.
Dr. Ahmet Kemal Firat is an interventional radiologist at Emsey Hospital in Istanbul. He completed specialized training at UT Southwestern and UT Health Science Center in the USA. Dr. Firat previously served as an Associate Professor at İnönü University. He focuses on neuroradiology and oncological treatments like radioembolization. Emsey Hospital is JCI-accredited and holds a Surgical Spine Centre of Excellence certification.
Dr. Ertugrul Pinar is a neurosurgeon at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental in Istanbul. He treats adult and pediatric patients with complex brain and spine diseases. Dr. Pinar focuses on brain tumors, vascular aneurysms, and skull base pathologies. He works at a JCI-accredited hospital that serves over 500,000 patients annually.
Dr. Mehmet Besir Surme is a neurosurgeon at Eskişehir City Hospital in Turkey. He specializes in pediatric neurosurgery and complex brain tumor removal. Dr. Surme completed an international fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery in Rome, Italy. He has authored scientific publications with over 40 citations in his field.
Dr. Nabi Gokhan Ferahcan is the Chief Physician of the Check-up Department at Memorial Şişli Hospital. He specializes in personalized health screenings and preventive medicine based on scientific evidence. Dr. Ferahcan managed the Emergency Department at Afyon SSK Hospital earlier in his career. He is a member of the Istanbul Medical Chamber.
Highly rated neurosurgeons in Turkey for Multiple Subpial Transections (MST) include specialists with extensive training from elite North American and European institutions. These surgeons often hold board certifications and leadership roles in prominent organizations like the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). They utilize advanced intraoperative MRI and localized cortical monitoring to treat eloquent brain regions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: A notable trend among Turkey’s top neurosurgeons is the frequency of international academic contributions. For example, Prof. Dr. Nejat Akalan at Medipol Mega University Hospital has published over 110 scientific papers and co-authored major neurosurgical textbooks. This academic depth often correlates with expertise in complex, palliative epilepsy procedures like MST where preserving neurological function is critical.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while recovery can take 6 to 12 months, the procedure is highly effective for controlling seizures. Many underscore that specialized surgeons help them retain speech and movement even when operating on sensitive brain areas. There is a strong feeling of relief when finding centers that perform many of these rare surgeries annually.
Qualified MST surgeons in Turkey hold Turkish Board certification and international fellowships from institutions like Johns Hopkins. Seek specialists with 30+ years of experience who utilize intraoperative MRI and O-arm imaging technology. These surgeons often hold memberships in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS).
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that the most successful MST outcomes in Istanbul involve doctors with dual training in microsurgery and functional neurosurgery. For example, Dr. Ilhan Elmaci and Dr. Salih Murat Imer at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital both completed prestigious fellowships in Switzerland, Finland, or the US. This international exposure is a key indicator of surgical precision.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that the best results come from a team approach involving both a neurosurgeon and a pediatric epileptologist. They often mention feeling more confident when surgeons explain the specific use of advanced mapping like MEG before the procedure. Coordination of long-term ICU monitoring is another detail patients say is vital for a smooth recovery.
Epilepsy surgeons in Turkey routinely perform pediatric Multiple Subpial Transection (MST) for international children with drug-resistant focal seizures. Specialized centers combine MST with cortical resection. These doctors use intraoperative MRI and functional brain mapping. This approach protects speech and motor functions in eloquent brain regions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: A distinct pattern among Turkey's elite epilepsy surgeons is their direct lineage to micro neurosurgery pioneers. For example, Dr. Ilhan Elmaci and Dr. Nejat Akalan both trained under Professor M. Gazi Yaşargil. This microsurgical foundation is critical for MST. The procedure requires precise, shallow cuts that must not damage vertical blood vessels or deeper white matter.
Patient Consensus: Parents of children undergoing epilepsy surgery often notice the swift transition from initial consultation to the operating room. They feel relieved by the presence of translators who help navigate the intensive care stay. Families note that while recovery is a long process, the hospital staff provides clear guidance on post-operative care.
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: