Brain and Nerve Surgery
Professor Erol Akgül is an Interventional Neuroradiologist and a member of the World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe, European Association of Radiology, Turkish Society of Radiology, Turkish Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Turkish Society of Neuroradiology, and Turkish Medical Association.
Dr. Murat Erol is a general dentist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He graduated from Ege University Faculty of Dentistry in 2002. He provides care in English.
He offers preventive care and restorative treatments, including aesthetic fillings, crowns, and bridges. He also performs root canal therapy. His aesthetic services include whitening, composite bonding, and smile design. He provides fixed and removable prosthetics. His plans focus on oral function and natural aesthetics. Each treatment is tailored to the patient.
Spinal neurosurgeon
Dr. Mustafa Aydın is an Internal Medicine specialist. He graduated from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in 2009. He provides evidence-based care for adults, including diagnosis and treatment. He communicates in English.
His clinical focus includes chronic disease management, such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and thyroid disorders. He treats gastrointestinal problems, including reflux, gastritis, ulcers, and liver diseases, and respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. He manages infectious diseases. He provides preventive care with routine screenings, risk assessments, and personalized health plans.
Dr Nimet Ozcan is a dermatologist with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from the Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine in 2008. She completed her dermatology specialization at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital in 2014. She provides care in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Clinical focus: acne, eczema, psoriasis, and fungal and bacterial infections. Dermato-oncology with early detection and surgical excision of suspicious lesions. Dermal fillers, chemical peels, and mesotherapy. Laser treatment for vascular lesions, pigmentation disorders, and hair removal. Pediatric dermatology. Languages: English.
Dr. Ayhan Kaya is a neurosurgeon who speaks English. He graduated from the Dicle University Faculty of Medicine in 1991. He completed his neurosurgery specialization in 2003. He provides surgical care using advanced microsurgical techniques.
Expertise: spinal surgery (herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spinal trauma). Brain tumor surgery (microsurgical removal of benign and malignant tumors). Cerebrovascular surgery (aneurysms, AVMs, vascular malformations). Traumatic brain and spine injuries (emergency and reconstructive). Peripheral nerve surgery (entrapments and injuries). He offers patient-centered, safe, and personalized care.
Dermatologist Dr. Osman Serdar Akkaya graduated from Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine in 1981. He completed his dermatology specialization there in 1985. He has more than 35 years of experience and is among the most senior dermatologists in the region.
His practice includes general dermatology, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, vitiligo, and urticaria. He focuses on dermato-oncology and performs surgery for benign and malignant skin tumors. He also offers cosmetic dermatology, including fillers, mesotherapy, and chemical peels. He provides laser and light-based treatments for vascular lesions, pigment disorders, scars, and hair removal. He treats geriatric skin conditions and chronic skin diseases.
Dr. Ali Osman Mucuoglu is a neurosurgeon. He completed his neurosurgery residency at Dokuz Eylül University from 2013 to 2019 after graduating from Eskişehir Osmangazi University in 2012 (2005–2012). He worked at Dokuz Eylül University and Muş State Hospital from 2019 to 2021. He has practiced at Atlas University Hospital since 2021.
He has five publications. These include a case report in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports that has been cited seven times. He also reported on 3D printer‑assisted transsphenoidal hypophysectomy and on emergency minimally invasive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) surgery. He delivered an oral presentation at the 33rd Turkish Neurosurgical Society Congress in 2019.
He is a member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society, the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies, and the Istanbul Chamber of Medicine. His advanced training includes spinal surgery courses in 2016 and 2017, the European Training Course on Head Injury and Functional Neurosurgery in 2017, and Surgical Neuroanatomy in 2017. He also holds an animal experimentation certificate from 2016.
Dr. Derya Zengin Metli is a physician specialized in physical therapy and rehabilitation. She graduated from Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine. Her practice includes physical therapy and physiotherapy services. She also consults in English.
Her clinical scope includes musculoskeletal rehabilitation for back, neck, and joint pain, and herniated discs. She provides neurological rehabilitation for stroke and multiple sclerosis. She also offers post-surgical rehabilitation after orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures, sports injury prevention and treatment, and chronic pain management for fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Dr. Cevat Azeroglu is a radiologist. He graduated from the Tabriz University Faculty of Medicine in 1987. He completed his radiology specialization at Ondokuz Mayıs University in 2011. Born in 1959, he provides advanced imaging to support accurate, timely decisions for many specialties.
His expertise includes conventional radiology with X-rays for musculoskeletal and chest disease. He performs ultrasound of the abdomen, thyroid, vessels, and soft tissues. He interprets CT and MRI for neurological, cardiovascular, and oncologic conditions. He practices interventional radiology with image-guided, minimally invasive procedures. He also focuses on oncologic imaging for staging and follow-up. He is known for diagnostic precision, use of modern imaging tools, and strong teamwork.
Education and Expertise
GATA Military Medical Faculty
GATA Haydarpaşa Training Hospital Neurosurgery Clinic (Specialization)
Beykent University Hospital and Health Institutions Management (Master's)
Experience
GATA Military Medical Faculty Trainee Doctor (6 months)
Samsun Sahara Medical School Comm. (3 months)
Naval Command War Squadron TCG Diligence Medical Officer (2 years)
Dz.K.K. Submarine Battery Factory Infirmary Doctor (3 months)
Naval Forces Command Infirmary Doctor (3 months)
GATA Haydarpaşa Training Hospital Chief Assistant (12 years)
Kasımpaşa Marine Hospital Neurosurgery Clinic Chief (5 years)
Bahçelievler Medical Park Hospital Neurosurgery Specialist (11 years)
Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine Neurosurgery Lecturer. Member (4 years)
Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine Head of Neurosurgery Department. (3 years)
Basic and Advanced Cardiac life support courses (BASIC)
Basic and Advanced Cardiac life support courses (ADVANCED)
GATA Military Medical Faculty. Microsurgery Training Course
Istanbul Vatan Hospital Hand surgery microsurgery course
Neuroanatomy course
Spine Surgery course
Professional Memberships
Turkish Neurosurgery Association
Spine Society of Europe
Turkish Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group
Prof. Dr. Ilhan Elmaci is a leading neurosurgeon. He is known for his skill in brain and spinal surgeries, neurooncology, and skull base surgery. He has worked at top institutions such as Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Elmaci has introduced new techniques in microsurgery and endoscopic skull base surgery.
He is the founding chairman of the Skull Base Society in Turkey. He is also an active member of the European Skull Base Society. Dr. Elmaci has helped advance neurosurgery through teamwork across specialties. He led Turkey’s first EANS-accredited neurosurgery clinic. He also holds accreditations from the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies.
Dr. Elmaci has published over 110 scientific papers and given more than 250 presentations at congresses. His work continues to influence neurosurgical practice and patient care around the world.
Dr. Mehmet Tonge is a neurosurgeon with expertise in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. He specializes in MR Guided Focused Ultrasound, deep brain stimulation, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, and surgery for movement disorders, pain, and spasticity.
Dr. Tonge has published 32 articles in international and national journals and written 12 book chapters. He has presented 92 oral and poster presentations and delivered 41 invited lectures. He completed a Deep Brain Stimulation Fellowship at Maastricht University and finished the 4-year EANS training cycle. Dr. Tonge is known for his research and clinical work in functional neurosurgery.
Op. Dr. Ertuğrul Pınar graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Medicine in 2012 and worked as a general practitioner in Çanakkale and Ağrı before completing his training in the Department of Neurosurgery at Marmara University. He was assigned as a specialist doctor to Şanlıurfa in 2019. In 2021, Dr. Ertuğrul Pınar transitioned to the private sector and is involved in adult and pediatric brain and spine diseases.
2022 - Currently, İstanbul/Turkey
MEMORIAL ATAŞEHIR HOSPITAL
Neurosurgeon
2018 - 2022, İstanbul/Turkey
VM MEDICAL PARK PENDİK HOSPITAL
Neurosurgeon
2012 - 2018, İstanbul/Turkey
BAHÇEŞEHİR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL PARK GÖZTEPE HOSPITAL
Neurosurgeon
2009 - 2011, Bitlis/Turkey
MINISTRY OF HEALTH TATVAN STATE HOSPITAL
Neurosurgeon
2021 - Present, Istanbul/Türkiye
MEMORIAL BAHCELIEVLER HOSPITAL
Neurosurgery Specialist
2009 - 2014, Ankara/Türkiye
ANKARA UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Neurosurgery Specialist
2008 - 2009, Konya / Türkiye
KONYA MILITARY HOSPITAL
325th Term Medical Second Lieutenant
2007 - 2008, Agri/Türkiye
DOĞUBAYAZIT STATE HOSPITAL
Neurosurgery Specialist (Compulsory Service)
2006 - 2007, Ankara/Türkiye
ANKARA UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Neurosurgery Specialist
2001 - 2006, Ankara/Türkiye
ANKARA UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Assistant Doctor of Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery Training: Gazi University, Department of Neurosurgery, 2011
H index: 10, I10 Index: 12 Citations: 296
Dr Mehmet Tonge has international and nationwide 32 publications, 12 book chapters, 92 oral and poster presentations and 41 invited lectures, mostly on Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery.
Work & Training experience:
2004-2011: Gazi University, Department of Neurosurgery (Residency)
2008: Zurich University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery (Intraoperative MRI applications), Switzerland
2008: Zurich University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery: Microneurosurgery, white matter dissection, interventional neuroradiology courses, Switzerland
2011 – 2012: Sinop Ataturk State Hospital, Neurosurgeon
2012 – 2013: Cankiri State Hospital, Neurosurgeon
2013 – 2014: Istanbul Medipol University, Department of Neurosurgery & Gamma Knife Center (Ass Prof)
2013 – now: Maastricht University Neurosurgery & Neuroscience Department (Visiting scientist, PhDc) The Netherlands
2014: Maastricht University, The Netherlands: Deep Brain Stimulation Fellowship 2014-2018: Istanbul Memorial Hospital Neurosurgery: Staff Neurosurgeon
2016-2018: Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital (Consultant, Gamma Knife Center)
2018-now: Istanbul Medipol University (Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery, Gamma Knife Center) Ass. Prof.)
Dr Mehmet Tonge has completed 4-year cycle EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) Training courses.
Clinical areas of interest:
• Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery
• Surgery for movement disorders
• Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
• Surgery for pain & spasticity
• Psychosurgery
Research areas of interest:
• Deep brain stimulation
• Stereotactic radiosurgery
Administrative duties:
• Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Sterotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Section: Board member 2015- 2017
• Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Sterotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Section: Board member (Secretary) 2017-2019
• Turkish Skull Base Society: Board member 2016-2018
• Turkish Skull Base Society: Supervisory board member 2018-2020
• Deep Brain Stimulation and Movement Disorders Surgery Society: Executive Board Member, (Accountant) 2023-still
Memberships:
• WSSFN (World Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Society)
• ESSFN (European Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Society)
• Deep Brain Stimulation and Movement Disorders Surgery Society
• Deep Brain Stimulation Society
• International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society
• Leksell Gamma Knife Society
• EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies)
• Turkish Neurosurgical Society
• Turkish Skull Base Society
Sample Publications:
1. Tonge M. Technological developments in electric based DBS. Deep Brain Stimulation 2024 4(36-41) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdbs.2023.12.001
2. Akgul E, Onan HB, Islek I, Tonge M, Durmus Y, Barburoglu M, Azizova A, Erol C, Hakyemez B, Sencer S, Aydin K, Arat A. Flow diverter stents in the treatment of recanalized intracranial aneurysms. Interv Neuroradiol. 2021 Aug;27(4):481-489. doi: 10.1177/1591019921990507. Epub 2021 Jan 28. PMID: 33509011; PMCID: PMC8580529.
3. Mulders AEP, Temel Y, Tonge M, Schaper FLWVJ, van Kranen-Mastenbroek V,Ackermans L, Kubben P, Janssen MLF, Duits A. The association between surgical characteristics and cognitive decline following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2021 Jan;200:106341. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106341. Epub 2020 Nov 3. PMID: 33160716.
4. Wetzelaer P, Vlis T, Tonge M, Ackermans L, Kubben P, Evers S, Kocabicak E, Temel Y. Management of Hardware Related Infections after DBS Surgery: A Cost Analysis. Turk Neurosurg. 2018;28(6):929- 933. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.21511-17.1. PMID: 29465741.
5. Bedirli N, Emmez G, Ünal Y, Tönge M, Emmez H. Effects of positive end- expiratory pressure on intracranial pressure during pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in a porcine mode. Turk J Med Sci. 2017 Nov 13;47(5):1610-1615. doi: 10.3906/sag-1609-17. PMID: 29152942.
6. Sari R, Tonge M, Bolukbasi FH, Onoz M, Baskan O, Silav G, Elmaci I. Management of Failed Cranioplasty. Turk Neurosurg. 2017;27(2):201-207. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.15395-15.0. PMID: 27593759.
7. Tonge M, Kocabicak E, Ackermans L, Kuijf M, Temel Y. Final Electrode Position in Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: A Comparison of Indirect and Direct Targeting Methods. Turk Neurosurg. 2016;26(6):900-903. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.13739-14.1. PMID: 27337232.
8. Tonge M, Ackermans L, Kocabicak E, van Kranen-Mastenbroek V, Kuijf M, Oosterloo M, Kubben P, Temel Y. A detailed analysis of intracerebral hemorrhages in DBS surgeries. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2015 Dec;139:183-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2015.10.017. Epub 2015 Oct 23. PMID: 26513430.
9. Silav G, Bölükbaşı FH, Özek E, Tönge M, Önöz M, Elmacı İ. A Simple Technique for Bone Storage after Decompressive Craniectomy in Children. Pediatr Neurosurg. 2015;50(3):161-4. doi: 10.1159/000381748. Epub 2015 May 14. PMID: 25998533.
10. Yilmaz MB, Donmez H, Tonge M, Senol S, Tekiner A. Vertebrojugular arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysm formation due to penetrating vertebral artery injury: case report and review of the literature. Turk Neurosurg. 2015;25(1):141-5. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.8247-13.1. PMID: 25640560.
11. Kurt G, Tönge M, Çeltıkçı E, Çapraz I, Serdaroğlu A, Bılır E. Surgery for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy: experience of a single institution. Turk J Med Sci. 2014;44(5):866-70. doi: 10.3906/sag-1307- 30. PMID: 25539559.
12. Yılmaz MB, Tönge M, Emmez H, Kaymaz F, Kaymaz M. Neuroprotective effects of quetiapine on neuronal apoptosis following experimental transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2013 Jul;54(1):1-7. doi: 10.3340/jkns.2013.54.1.1. Epub 2013 Jul 31. PMID: 24044072; PMCID: PMC3772279.
13. Yilmaz MB, Egemen E, Tonge M, Kaymaz M. Transoral protrusion of a peritoneal catheter due to gastric perforation 10 years after a ventriculoperitoneal shunting: case report and review of the literature. Turk Neurosurg. 2013;23(2):285-8. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.4904-11.1. PMID: 23546921.
14. Omerhodzic I, Tonge M, Matos B, Musabeliu E, Raspanti C, Ferdinandov D, Galimova R, Muroi C, Balik V, Kursumovic A. Neurosurgical training programme in selected European countries: from the young neurosurgeons' point of view. Turk Neurosurg. 2012;22(3):286-93. doi: 10.5137/1019- 5149.JTN.5133-11.0. PMID: 22664994.
15. Ergun E, Kurt G, Tonge M, Aytar H, Tas M, Baykaner K, Ceviker N. Effects of phenytoin sodium on dura mater healing in a rat model of CSF leakage. Turk Neurosurg. 2011;21(4):471-6. PMID: 22194102.
16. Emmez H, Tonge M, Tokgoz N, Durdag E, Gonul I, Cevıker N. Radiological and histopathological comparison of microporous polysaccharide hemospheres and oxidized regenerated cellulose in the rabbit brain: a study of efficacy and safety. Turk Neurosurg. 2010 Oct;20(4):485-91. doi: 10.5137/1019- 5149.JTN.3300-10.2. PMID: 20963698.
17. Emmez H, Yildirim Z, Kale A, Tönge M, Durdağ E, Börcek AO, Uçankuş LN, Doğulu F, Kiliç N, Baykaner MK. Anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of α-lipoic acid on spinal cord ischemiareperfusion injury in rabbits. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2010 Sep;152(9):1591-600; discussion 1600-1. doi: 10.1007/s00701-010-0703-9. Epub 2010 Jun 10. PMID: 20535507.
18. Kurt G, Tonge M, Börcek AO, Karahacioglu E, Gurel O, Baykaner K, Ceviker N, Aykol S. Fractionated gamma knife radiosurgery for optic nerve tumors: a technical report. Turk Neurosurg. 2010 Apr;20(2):241-6. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.1681-09.3. PMID: 20401852.
19. Emmez H, Kale A, Tönge M, Cakir A, Ceviker N. Two meningiomas with different histological grades in the same patient. Case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2010;50(8):686-8. doi: 10.2176/nmc.50.686. PMID: 20805656.
Prof. Erkan Kaptanoğlu, M.D. was born in Balikesir, Turkey in 1966. After completing his primary school, secondary school and high school education in Balikesir, he graduated from Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine in 1990. He completed his internship at Peterborough District Hospital and Lincoln County Hospital in the United Kingdom. After a year of compulsory medical service, he completed his residency, which he had started in 1992, at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital in 1997 and became a Neurosurgery Specialist. After being assigned at the same hospital as Chief Resident in the same year, he studied “spinal cord injury and spinal cord regeneration” as a “research fellow” alongside Prof. Charles Tator, M.D., at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine in 1998-1999. After returning from Canada in 1999, he was tasked by the Ministry of Health to establish a Field Hospital and to work in cooperation with the Turkish Red Crescent Society at Hakkari, Şemdinli for two months. Following this assignment, he volunteered to work for the 1999 Marmara Earthquake relief effort.
He became an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery in 2004. He earned the title Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) by completing a doctorate program on Advanced Neuroscience between 2000-2005, at Hacettepe University Institute of Medical Sciences. He joined the project for autologous stem cell therapy in human spinal cord injuries with the Departments of Neurosurgery and Hematology at the Ankara University Faculty of Medicine. In 2009, he was appointed as Deputy Chief to the 1st Neurosurgery Clinic at the Ankara Numune Hospital, where he had been working.
At this hospital, in which he worked until 2010, he supervised and attended complex cranial, pediatric, spinal, trauma and vascular neurosurgery operations. He continued his academic research at Ankara University, Department of Anatomy and research laboratories of Ankara University and Hacettepe University for the purpose of developing strategies for complex spinal surgery operations.
With his research on spinal cord injuries and spinal anatomy, he won many awards such as the Acibadem Hospital Medical Research Award, 1st Place in 2000, Turkish Neurosurgical Society Dr. Mahir Tevruz Scientific Research Award, Tübitak and Brain Research Society Wheyt Award in 2001, Turkish Neurosurgical Society Hamit Ziya Gokalp Young Neurosurgeons Research Award, 2nd Place in 2002, Turkish Neurosurgical Society Yildiz Yalcinlar Scientific Research Award in 2004.
In 2010, he went to Cyprus to found the Near East University Faculty of Medicine Hospital with the guidance of Hacettepe University, and was appointed as full Professor. Between 2010-2015, he served as the Founder and Head of Department at the Near East University and Founder and Deputy Chief Physician at the University Training and Research Hospital in TRNC.
In 2000-2001, he served as a member of the editorial board for Türk Nöroşirurji Dergisi and Turkish Neurosurgery journal. Between the years 2001-2006, he served as an assistant editor for Türk Nöroşirurji Dergisi and Turkish Neurosurgery journals. In 2002-2003, he served as the Chairman of the Young Neurosurgeons Committee under the Turkish Neurosurgical Society. He was elected to the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group Board of Directors to serve between 2003-2009. In 2013, he was again elected as a member to the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group Board of Directors. In 2015, he became the Chairman of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group Board of Directors. In 2018, he was elected as a member to the Board of Turkish Neurosurgery Academy.
In 2015, he was appointed to the Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery and was elected as the Head of Department. During the same period, he also served as the Director of the Institute of Neuroscience. In 2018, he completed his tenure as the Head of Department. Reaching the end of this tenure in 2019, he retired from his duties as the Director of the Institute of Neuroscience and as a Member of the Faculty of Medicine. During his tenure at Marmara University, he supervised and accompanied surgical operations for complex cases from cranial patients to brain tumors (gliomas, meningiomas and hypophysis adenomas in particular), cerebral hemorrhages, Parkinson’s disease, trauma and vascular neurosurgery. He performed complex spinal surgery operations such as surgeries for spinal deformities (e.g. scoliosis and kyphosis), thoracoscopic spinal surgeries and sacral tumor surgeries. He conducted research and experimental studies on stem cell therapy and regeneration in spinal cord injuries. Between 2019-2020, currently He continues his clinical practice and surgeries along with his local and international academic studies, from his private clinic and Istanbul Brain and Spine Center.
He has attended numerous national and international courses and meetings as an instructor and speaker, was a guest speaker in over 100 events and conferences. He has published 65 international, 35 national scientific articles, edited 7 books, written 52 book chapters. He has served in the organizational committee 5 times in international meetings and 22 times in national meetings.
He is a member of the Turkish Medical Association, Turkish Cypriot Medical Association, Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Turkish Spine Society, EUROSPINE, AO Spine, Turkish Neurosurgery Academy.
Specializations
Brain Tumors
Aneurysm Surgery
Pituitary Surgery
Spine Surgery
Waist neck and back hernias
Spine Tumors
Spinal Fractures
Peripheral Nerve Surgery