Ilhan Elmaci

Prof. Dr. Ilhan Elmaci is a neurosurgeon specializing in brain and spinal tumors, neuro-oncology, and skull base surgery. He is the founding chairman of the Skull Base Society in Turkey and sits on the Executive Committee of the European Skull Base Society. Dr. Elmaci introduced micro-neurosurgery and endoscopic skull base surgery techniques during his career.

Specialization & Approach

Dr. Elmaci treats conditions including pituitary adenomas, brain vascular diseases, and spinal stenosis — a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that puts pressure on nerves. He uses technologies like neuromonitorization and neuronavigation to protect healthy tissue during operations. These systems track nerve activity and provide real-time mapping of the brain to improve surgical precision. His surgical work includes treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, hydrocephalus, and cerebellar herniation.

The specialist also treats back and neck pain, syringomyelia, and neonatal conditions such as spina bifida and craniostenosis. Syringomyelia is a condition where a fluid-filled cyst forms within the spinal cord. He performs pediatric neurosurgery to address these complex congenital issues. Dr. Elmaci follows ethical principles to preserve the quality of life for every patient.

Work Experience

• 2023–Present — Neurosurgeon at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital
• 2021–Present — Private Practice in Fulya and Liv Health Group Ulus Hospital
• 2018–2021 — Neurosurgeon at Acibadem Maslak Hospital
• 2014–2018 — Head of Neurosurgery at Memorial Health Group Istanbul Hospitals
• 2012 — Established the Neurosurgery Department at Medipol University
• 2010 — Professor of Neurosurgery at Acibadem University
• 2004–2010 — Chief of Clinic at Göztepe Training and Research Hospital
• 1993–2003 — Teaching Assistant and Assistant Professor at Marmara University

Education & Training

• Ankara University Medical School — Medical Degree
• Bakirköy Neurological Sciences Hospital (1987–1993) — Neurosurgery Residency under Dr. Zeki Oral
• Zurich University — Micro-neurosurgery training under Prof. M. Gazi Yasargil
• Johns Hopkins University — Fellowship in neuro-oncology and vascular neurosurgery under Prof. Donlin M. Long and Prof. Daniele Rigamonti
• University of Pittsburgh — Endoscopic skull base surgery training

Achievements & Clinical Leadership

Dr. Elmaci led Turkey’s first neurosurgery clinic to receive accreditation from the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies. He holds personal certifications from the European Association of Neuro-Oncology and the Turkish Neurosurgical Society. Furthermore, he has authored over 110 scientific papers in international journals. He has also delivered more than 250 presentations at professional medical congresses worldwide.

Memberships

• Skull Base Society in Turkey (Founding Chairman)
• European Skull Base Society (ESBS) — Executive Committee Member
• European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS)
• Turkish Neurosurgical Society