Necati Kaplan

25 years of experience
60000+ treatments performed
Location: Turkey, Tekirdag
Clinic:Optimed International Hospital
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Necati Kaplan is a neurosurgeon specializing in brain, spine, and peripheral nerve surgery. He treats tumors, vascular disorders, hydrocephalus, trauma, degenerative spine disease, pediatric neurosurgical conditions, and Chiari malformation. He also works with experimental stem cell and exosome therapies.

He graduated from Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in 2000. He completed training in Minimally Invasive Neurosurgical Techniques in Mainz/Tuttlingen in 2016. He also trained in Advanced Neuroendoscopy (2004), the Keyhole concept (2003), Microsurgery at GATA (2005), Pediatric Neurosurgery (2015), and minimally invasive lumbar surgery (2015).

He has served as a Board Member of the Association of Nervous System Surgery since 2018. He is a member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Association (since 2008) and the Association of Stem Cell and Cellular Therapies (since 2019). He co-authored series on vertebroplasty (111 patients/140 segments), 200 anterior cervical surgeries, 271 lumbar microdiscectomies, 673 mild head trauma cases, and stem cell therapies.
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Bookimed Insights: Top Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Specialists in Turkey (2026)

Bookimed has coordinated 54049 requests for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Turkey, collaborating with 1 top-rated specialists. The doctors in this table are selected based on their international credentials, clinical expertise, and patient outcomes. The 2026 ranking is formed using verified data from actual patient cases and current programs from our partner clinics.

Rank	Doctor	experience	Good Fit For	What Sets Them Apart	Clinic & Location	Consultation

FAQ

These FAQs come from real patients seeking medical assistance through Bookimed. Answers are given by experienced medical coordinators and trusted clinic representatives.

How do I find the best surgeon for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) in Turkey?

Finding the best ACDF surgeon in Turkey requires selecting board-certified neurosurgeons or orthopedic specialists with international fellowship training. Top doctors often hold certifications from the Turkish Spine Society and have completed specialized programs at institutions like UCLA or the University of Florida.

Surgical specialization: Seek neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons with dedicated 20+ years of spine surgery experience.
International training: Leading specialists often complete fellowships at top US centers like Yale or UCLA.
Hospital accreditation: Reputable surgeons operate in facilities with Joint Commission International (JCI) or ISO accreditation.
Advanced technology: Prefer clinics using robotic-assisted navigation systems for precise hardware placement during fusion.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that premier Turkish surgeons often bridge the gap between orthopedics and neuroanatomy through international research. For example, Dr. Akin Akakin and Dr. Mehmet Ozek both completed fellowships at the University of Florida. This specific training in neuroanatomy is vital for ACDF procedures. These specialists frequently provide consultations starting from $100 to review scans before travel.

Patient Consensus: Patients often mention how clearly surgeons explain the choice between different cage materials. They note feeling much more relaxed after discussing their MRI results during a video call. Many travelers were surprised by how quickly they could walk after the surgery.

Should I choose a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon in Turkey for my ACDF procedure?

Choosing between a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon for ACDF in Turkey depends on your specific symptoms. Both specialties safely perform this procedure when they possess dedicated spine surgery training. Neurosurgeons focus on delicate nerve decompression. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in structural bone alignment and hardware stability.

Neurosurgeon focus: Choose a neurosurgeon for severe spinal cord compression or pinched nerve symptoms.
Orthopedic focus: Select an orthopedic surgeon for complex biomechanical issues or neck instability.
Academic credentials: Many Turkish specialists hold associate professor titles and teach at major medical universities.
International training: Top doctors often complete fellowships at institutions like Yale or Cleveland Clinic.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that in Turkey, the best results come from doctors with international fellowship training rather than just a specific title. For example, Dr. Mehmet Ozek and Prof. Dr. Gulsah Bademci both completed prestigious fellowships at Yale University. These international backgrounds often indicate experience with complex, multi-level cervical cases. Patients can access expert consultations with specialists like Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erkam Komurcu for approximately $175 or Prof. Dr. Gursel Saka for $100.

Patient Consensus: Patients note they often feel treated like royalty due to the high level of service from nurses and translators. Those traveling from abroad emphasize that the focus should remain on how often the doctor performs cervical fusions. Many suggest that clear communication about nerve risks or mechanical recovery was more important than the surgeon's initial specialty.

Which specific doctors in Turkey are highly rated for ACDF and cervical spine surgery?

Highly rated surgeons in Turkey for cervical spine surgery include board-certified neurosurgeons and orthopedic specialists with extensive international training. Dr. Mustafa Bozbuga and Dr. Mehmet Ozek lead the field with fellowships from Yale and Florida. These experts focus on microsurgical techniques and complex fusions.

International training: Professors often hold fellowships from Yale, Florida, and Zurich University programs.
Academic expertise: Leading doctors like Dr. Cevdet Gokcek have over 30 years of neurosurgery experience.
Advanced certifications: Surgeons maintain Turkish Board and TOTEK certifications for orthopedic and spine trauma.
Specialized focus: Experts prioritize minimally invasive ACDF and endoscopic skull base procedures for better recovery.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Turkish neurosurgeons often possess dual expertise in microsurgery and neurovascular procedures. For instance, Dr. Ilhan Elmaci and Dr. Akin Akakin combined their training at Johns Hopkins and Florida University to master delicate cervical nerve protection. This specific background is vital for ACDF procedures where precision around the spinal cord is critical.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that they felt treated like royalty by the doctors and coordination teams. They emphasize that the level of personal attention and surgical detail exceeded their experiences in the US. Many visitors were surprised by how quickly they could breathe and move better after their neck surgery.

What credentials should I verify with a Turkish spine surgeon before booking?

Verify your surgeon holds board certification in neurosurgery or orthopedics with specialized spine training. Top Turkish specialists often possess international fellowships from institutions like Yale or UCLA. Confirm their membership in professional bodies like the Turkish Spine Society or the European Board of Neurological Surgery.

Board certification: Ensure neurosurgeons hold TND or orthopedic surgeons have TOTEK certification.
International fellowships: Look for training at global centers like the UCLA Spine Center.
Facility accreditation: Confirm the hospital holds JCI accreditation for safety and sterilization.
Specialized memberships: Seek doctors active in the Turkish Spine Society or AOSpine.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that senior specialists in Turkey often carry dual international certifications. For example, Dr. Gulsah Bademci at Private Koru Ankara Hospital holds both EANS European Board and ECFMG America Board certifications. This cross-continental training is a strong indicator of expertise in managing complex cervical spinal procedures.

Patient Consensus: Patients note the hospitality exceeded their expectations. One traveler mentioned feeling like royalty compared to their experience back home. They emphasize that while families might worry about traveling abroad, the attentive care from translators and medical teams is deeply reassuring.

What medical technologies do top Turkish doctors use during ACDF surgeries?

Top Turkish neurosurgeons and orthopedic specialists use robotic guidance and real-time intraoperative imaging for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. These tools allow for sub-millimeter precision. Experts like Dr. Abdulaziz Temiz and Dr. Yunus Uysal integrate these systems to improve fusion success and patient safety.

Robotic-assisted guidance: Systems like Mako or Mazor X provide precise pre-operative planning for implant placement.
Intraoperative imaging: Surgeons use real-time fluoroscopy or O-arm CT to verify stable cage positioning.
Micro-neurosurgery tools: High-magnification surgical microscopes allow for meticulous nerve decompression through very small incisions.
Advanced biomaterials: Surgeons use 3D-printed titanium cages and standalone spacers to promote faster bone growth.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a strong correlation between international training and the adoption of advanced technology. For instance, Dr. Mehmet Ozek and Dr. Erkam Komurcu completed fellowships at Yale and UCLA, respectively. This global exposure often leads to the implementation of Western-standard protocols and navigation systems in Turkish hospitals.

Patient Consensus: Patients often note they feel like royalty due to the attentive care and specialized service. Many mention that using a microscope during surgery provided them with a sense of safety. They emphasize the importance of asking for real-time imaging during the initial consultation.

What is the documented success rate of ACDF surgeons practicing in Turkey?

ACDF surgeons in Turkey document success rates between 85% and 95% for cervical spine procedures. These results match international benchmarks for neurological improvement. Efficacy for arm pain relief is exceptionally high. Most specialized centers report successful outcomes in 92% to 100% of radiculopathy cases.

Symptom relief: Surgeons achieve 85% to 90% success in resolving spinal stenosis symptoms.
Fusion stability: Using bone grafts with plates and screws results in 100% successful bone fusion.
Specialized expertise: Top surgeons hold fellowships from institutions like Yale and Florida University.
Clinical standards: Hospitals maintain high results through JCI accreditation and advanced neuro-navigation.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that senior Turkish neurosurgeons often combine global academic backgrounds with high clinical experience. For example, Dr. Cevdet Gokcek reports a 90% to 95% success rate over 30+ years of practice. This trend of combining international research, such as Dr. Mehmet Ozek’s 47 journal articles, with decades of surgical application provides a unique safety profile for complex cervical cases.

Patient Consensus: Patients often feel surprised by the high level of service. They note that the hospitality and care from nurses and interpreters exceed their experiences at home. Many travelers emphasize that the skill of the surgeon is the most important factor in their recovery journey.

Will my Turkish surgeon and medical team speak English?

Turkish spine surgeons at international hospitals typically speak fluent English. Many lead surgeons completed fellowships at prestigious institutions like Yale or UCLA. While nursing staff might have basic language skills, dedicated medical translators manage complex communication and logistics throughout your care.

International training: Leading specialists like Dr. Akin Akakin held fellowships at Florida University.
Board certification: Surgeons often hold European (EANS) or American (ECFMG) medical certifications.
Dedicated coordination: Hospitals provide translators for pre-op tests, consent forms, and discharge instructions.
Clinical expertise: Top professors have over 30 years of experience in complex neurosurgery.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that surgeons at JCI-accredited clinics in Istanbul frequently have international research backgrounds. For instance, Prof. Dr. Gulsah Bademci is advanced in English and Yale-trained. Choosing such specialists ensures you can discuss surgical nuances directly without needing an intermediary.

Patient Consensus: Patients mention feeling treated like royalty and note that interpreters are always available. They suggest testing the surgeon's English during video calls rather than just talking to coordinators. Many found translation apps helpful for quick bedside requests with night nurses.

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