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 Minimally invasive fusion surgery Specialists in Turkey (2026)

Bookimed has coordinated 3 requests for Minimally invasive fusion surgery 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.

What qualifications do top minimally invasive spine surgeons in Turkey typically hold?

Top minimally invasive spine surgeons in Turkey typically hold board certification in orthopedics or neurosurgery. These specialists complete over ten years of training including residency and international fellowships. Many hold academic titles like Associate Professor or Professor and belong to global societies like the Turkish Spine Society.

Board certification: Qualified specialists hold TOTEK or Turkish Board of Neurological Surgery certification for practice.
International training: Leading doctors like Dr. Erkam Komurcu completed specialized fellowships at UCLA Spine Center.
Academic credentials: Many experts hold Ph.D. titles or academic chairs at major Turkish medical universities.
Technical expertise: Modern surgeons have specific training in robotic-assisted systems and endoscopic spinal instrumentation.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Turkish spinal surgeons often combine orthopedic degrees with international research. For example, Dr. Erkam Komurcu at Estophia Hospital has published over 35 peer-reviewed papers. This mix of clinical practice and research ensures they are well-versed in the latest fusion techniques. Patients can find such specialized experts in Istanbul and Bursa starting with consultations from $100.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that top-tier surgeons provide detailed plans for revision cases and post-operative recovery. They feel more confident when a doctor has hands-on experience with navigation and robotic tools. Many emphasize that successful results come from surgeons who focus on specific procedures like TLIF or percutaneous fixation.

Are spinal fusion doctors in Turkey legally regulated?

Spinal fusion surgeons in Turkey are strictly regulated by the Ministry of Health to enforce medical safety. Every doctor must hold a state-verified board certification to practice complex spinal procedures legally. These specialists only operate in licensed hospitals that provide immediate access to emergency departments for patient safety.

Specialist qualification: Only neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons with official board certification can perform fusions.
Global standards: Many doctors hold active memberships in EUROSPINE or the North American Spine Society.
Facility licensing: Regulated surgeons must practice in hospitals meeting Turkey's national health and hygiene standards.
Clinical oversight: Accredited facilities often maintain JCI or ISO certifications to verify surgical safety frameworks.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that premier Turkish surgeons often seek international training to master minimally invasive techniques. For example, Dr. Erkam Komurcu and Dr. Tuncay Kaner completed fellowships at the UCLA Spine Center. Dr. Ilhan Elmaci and Dr. Salih Murat Imer trained at Johns Hopkins and the University of Toronto. This high level of international exposure often results in faster recovery times for patients.

Patient Consensus: Patients mention feeling safe because their doctors explain every detail of the procedure beforehand. They often note that the clinics feel modern and organized, which helps them feel more relaxed. Many are relieved to find that the medical staff handles all the logistical paperwork smoothly.

Who are some of the most recognized minimally invasive fusion surgery doctors in Turkey?

Turkey is a major destination for minimally invasive spine surgery, featuring specialists with fellowships from Johns Hopkins University and UCLA. Dedicated centers focus on endoscopic techniques and robotic-assisted fusions, which typically result in smaller incisions and faster recovery than traditional methods.

Specialized training: Prof. Dr. Ilhan Elmaci trained in micro neurosurgery at Zurich University.
Advanced credentials: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erkam Komurcu holds a Turkish Board Certificate in Orthopedics.
International experience: Prof. Dr. Salih Murat İmer completed endoscopic spine surgery training in Germany.
Innovative technology: Dr. Yunus Uysal specializes in robotic-assisted systems for precise spinal fusion procedures.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Turkish spine surgeons often hold dual expertise in neurosurgery and orthopedics. For example, Dr. Hakan Ozalp and Prof. Dr. Erkan Kaptanoglu integrate Italian and Canadian training into their practice. Patients seeking complex fusions should prioritize doctors like Dr. Azmi Hamzaoglu, who established the country's first dedicated spine center.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that even minimally invasive procedures require significant recovery time despite smaller scars. Many emphasize that clear imaging reviews and conservative planning are more important than low prices. They suggest confirming post-operative support protocols and wound check logistics before traveling home.

Do Turkish minimally invasive spine surgery doctors speak English?

Turkish minimally invasive spine surgery doctors often speak advanced English. Many specialists completed fellowships in the United States or Europe. Hospitals facilitate communication through translators and dedicated coordinators. This ensures clear dialogue regarding complex procedures like spinal fusion and recovery protocols.

International training: Elite surgeons like Dr. Erkam Komurcu completed fellowships at UCLA Spine Center.
Global memberships: Top doctors hold active roles in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS).
Academic backgrounds: Specialists like Prof. Dr. Ilhan Elmaci trained in Zurich and Johns Hopkins.
Facility standards: JCI-accredited hospitals like Medical Park Antalya require English-speaking staff for senior medical positions.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that doctors with specific international fellowships often provide the clearest medical communication. For instance, Dr. Ramazan Sari and Dr. Hasan Ozgur Ozdemir explicitly list English as a spoken language. Choosing a surgeon who lists English fluency can reduce the need for intermediaries during complex technical discussions.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that leading hospitals assign coordinators to help with translations. Many find that surgeons who studied abroad discuss hardware and risks with great clarity. It is helpful to get all post-operative care instructions in writing to avoid any confusion.

How do Turkish doctors achieve high precision during a minimally invasive fusion?

Turkish doctors achieve high precision during minimally invasive fusion by combining advanced neuronavigation with international expertise. They use real-time 3D tracking and intraoperative neuromonitoring to protect delicate nerves. These methods ensure hardware is placed with sub-millimeter accuracy through incisions as small as a buttonhole.

Neuronavigation systems: Surgeons use real-time 3D mapping to guide specialized instruments via small pathways.
Robotic-assisted guidance: Advanced platforms like Mazor X help eliminate micro-tremors for steady, accurate screw placement.
Intraoperative neuromonitoring: Doctors continuously assess nerve function during fusion to safeguard all neural pathways.
Fellowship training: Lead surgeons complete specialized spine fellowships at UCLA, Johns Hopkins, and Zurich.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish spine specialists often hold dual certifications in both orthopedic and neurosurgical disciplines. For example, Dr. Ilhan Elmaci at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital is a Johns Hopkins-trained pioneer in micro-neurosurgery. This overlap allows doctors to handle the mechanical stabilization of the spine while providing expert protection for the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that surgical teams use intensive 3D planning sessions before the procedure starts. They mention feeling reassured by the constant presence of specialized radiologists and anesthesia staff during surgery. Many were surprised at how quickly they could move after such a complex back operation.

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