Page 2 - Best Spinal cord abscess doctors in Istanbul: TOP 32 doctors

Dr. Ertugrul Pinar specializes in spinal cord abscess treatment at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental, with expertise in neurosurgery for both adults and children.

• Graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Medicine in 2012
• Trained in neurosurgery at Marmara University
• Experienced in treating brain and spine diseases
• Skilled in surgical interventions for spinal cord conditions

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

Specializations

Micro Surgical Lumbar and Cervical Disc Herniation Treatment

Scoliosis Surgery and Treatment

Brain and Spine Tumors

Spine Fracture Treatment

Spinal Canal Narrowing Surgery

Lumbar Slipping Surgery and Treatment

Specializations

Endoscopic Closed Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery

Surgical Treatment for Spine Fractures

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Cervical and Lumbar Herniations

Education and Specialization:

• Medical Degree: Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine (1991-1998)
• Specialization in Neurosurgery: Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine (1999-2005)
• Associate Professorship: (2015)
• Professorship: (2020)

Professional Experience:

• 2007-2008: Ankara GATA
• 2009-2011: Özel Ordu Medical Park Hospital
• 2011-2013: Ankara Keçiören Training and Research Hospital
• 2013-2015: Giresun University Faculty of Medicine
• 2014: Clinical Observer at Helsinki University Central Hospital
• 2015-2023: Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine
• Current Position: Neurosurgeon at VM Medical Park Pendik Hospital

Areas of Expertise:

• Brain Aneurysm and Repair
• Brain Tumor/Cancer Surgery
• Spinal Canal Stenosis Surgery
• Lumbar and Cervical Disc Herniation
• Spinal Cord Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Congenital Anomalies

Research and Publications: Prof. Dr. Arslan has numerous publications in prestigious journals, covering topics such as the treatment of brain and spinal tumors, innovative neurosurgical techniques, and outcomes of neurosurgical interventions. His work includes studies on brain ischemia/reperfusion injury, spinal cord ischemia, and various other neurosurgical conditions.

Professional Memberships:

• Turkish Neurosurgery Association
• Turkish Society of Neurological Surgery

2002-2007 Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Department of Brain and Nerve Surgery

1988-1995 Trakya University Faculty of Medicine

2015- Atlas University Medicine Hospital

2014-2015 Private Pendik Yüzyıl Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2009-2014 Medicine Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2009-2009 Nisa Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2007-2009 Mardin State Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2002-2007 Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Brain and Neurosurgery

1997-2001 Enez Health Center and Enez State Hospital

Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Disc Surgery (endoscopic/microsurgery)

Far lateral (non-canal) lumbar disc surgery (lateral microsurgical approach)

Neurovascular surgery

Cerebrovascular diseases (vascular diseases of the brain)

Aneurysms

Arteriovenous malformations

Cavernomas

Neuro-oncological surgery

Brain tumors

Glial tumors

Meningiomas

Pituitary gland tumors

Metastatic brain tumors

Skull base tumors

Pontocerebellar angle tumors

Pineal tumors

Intraventricular tumors

Spinal disease surgery

Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine fractures

Spine and spinal cord tumors

Scoliosis

Degenerative spine diseases

Peripheral nerve disease surgery

Peripheral nerve tumors

Entrapment neuropathies

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Ulnar groove syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Functional neurosurgery and pain surgery

Trigeminal neuralgia

Microvascular decompression

Epilepsy surgery

Spasticity surgery

Epiduroscopic interventions

Hydrocephalus surgeries

Endoscopic 3rd ventriculostomy

VP shunt surgeries

LP shunt surgeries

Developmental anomalies

Meningomyelocele

Tethered cord syndrome

Arachnoid cyst

Craniosynostosis surgeries

Chiari malformation

Head trauma

Subdural hematomas

Intracerebral hematomas

Article published in internationally refereed journals

Cansever T, Civelek E, Sencer A, Karasu A, Kiris T, Hepgül K, Can H, Canbolat A: Spinal cavernous malformations: a report of 5 cases. Surg Neurol Jun 69 

Effects of combined and individual use of N-methyl-D aspartate receptor antagonist magnesium sulphate and caspase-9 inhibitor z-LEDH-fmk experimental spinal cord injury. A.Sencer, A.Aydoseli, Y.Aras, M.Osman Akçakaya, C.Gömleksiz, H.Can, A.Canbolat. Turkısh Joumal of Trauma&Emergency Surgery 2013

Aydoseli A, Can H, Aras Y, Sabanci PA, Akcakaya MO, Unal OF. Memantine and Q-VD-OPh Treatments in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury: Combined Inhibition of Necrosis and Apoptosis. Turk Neurosurg. 2016

Can H, Kircelli A, Kavadar G, Civelek E, Cansever T, Aydoseli A, Onal MB, Yilmaz C. Lumbosacral Conjoined Root Anomaly: Anatomical Considerations of Exiting Angles and Root Thickness. Turk Neurosurg. 2017

Kırcelli A, Özel Ö, Can H, Sarı R, Cansever T, Elmacı İ. Is the presence of linear fracture a predictor of delayed posterior fossa epidural hematoma? Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2016 Jul

Kavadar G, Demircioğlu DT, Can H, Emre TY, Civelek E, Senyigit A. The clinical factors associated with benefit finding of complementary medicine use in patients with back pain: A cross-sectional study with cluster analysis. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2017

Ozer AF, Suzer T, Can H, Falsafi M, Aydin M, Sasani M, Oktenoglu T. Anatomic Assessment of Variations in Kambin’s Triangle: A Surgical and Cadaver Study. World Neurosurg. 2017 Apr

Can H, Aydoseli A, Gömleksiz C, Göker B, Altunrende ME, Dolgun M, Sencer A. Combined and individual use of pancaspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPh and NMDA receptor antagonist riluzole in experimental spinal cord injury. Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2017

Gomleksiz C, Erbulut DU, Can H, Kodigudla MK, Kelkar AV, Kasapoglu E, Ozer AF, Goel VK. A new lumbar fixation device alternative to pedicle-based stabilization for lumbar spine: In vitro cadaver investigation. J Spinal Cord Med. 2018 Jul 16:1-8.

Aydoseli A, Özgen U, Akgül T, Orhan EK, Adıyaman AE, Can H, Karadağ C. Subacute Traumatic Ascending Myelopathy in a 28-year-old man: A rare case. World Neurosurg. 2019 Apr 28

Article published in national refereed journals

1) Intracranial Hemangioblastomas: Clinical Evaluation of 32 Patients T. Cansever, A. Karasu, K. Hepgül, H. Can, A. Sencer Turkish Neurosurgical Journal 2007, Volume:17 

2) Halil Can, Müge Dolgun, Utku Özgen, Cengiz Gömleksiz, Furkan Diren, Aydın Aydoseli, Yavuz Aras, Altay Sencer. Microsurgical Results in Vestibular Schwannoma Patients; Retrospective Clinical Study. JAREM 2019

3) Furkan Diren , Özcan Gayretli , Halil Can , İlke Ali Gürses , Orhan Barlas. Examination of Pons-Cerebellum Cisterna Anatomy with Endoscopic Retrosigmoid Suboccipital Approach: Cadaver Study. JAREM 2019

Neurosurgery

Fields of Study and Interests

• Spina Bifida,

• Lumbar Mass,

• Tumor,

• Meningomyelocele,

• Neurological Diseases,

• Cervical Disc Hernia,

• Brain Diseases,

• Herniated disc

• Neck hernia

• Spinal Canal Stenosis

• Spondylolisthesis (Waist Slip)

• Brain Tumors

• Spinal Cord Tumors

• Spine Fracture

• Celebral hemorrhage

• Brain Aneurysm

• hydrocephalus

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Education

• University of Wisconsin Neurosurgery Clinic Neurosurgery Specialization Training 2017,

Madison/USA

• Bakırköy Mental and Neurological Diseases Hospital Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialization

Training 2014, Istanbul/Turkey

• Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Medical Doctor Specialization Training 2007,

Mersin/Turkey

Career

• Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital 2014-2021, Istanbul/Turkey

• Istanbul Bakırköy Psychiatric Hospital 2008-2014, Istanbul/Turkey

• Çorlu State Hospital 2007-2008, Çorlu/Turkey

Publications: Üçer, M. (2021). Minimally Invasive Approach Toward Percutaneous Direct Pars

Repair: An Observational Study. World Neurosurgery, 146, e1301-e1306.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Boran specializes in neurosurgery with a focus on complex spinal conditions at Medipol University Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center.

• Over 20 years of neurosurgical experience
• Published multiple studies on spinal cord conditions
• Trained in microsurgery at Gülhane Military Medical Academy
• Member of the Society of Neurosurgeons

Education and Expertise

1988: Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Medical Education, Istanbul

1996: Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic, Neurosurgery Specialist Training, Istanbul

Experience

1989 to 1996: Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic, Assistant Doctor, Istanbul

1996 to 1999: Private Respect Hospital, Specialist Doctor and Chief Physician, Istanbul

2000 to 2002: Bakırköy Mental and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital, 1st Neurosurgery Clinic, Specialist Doctor, Istanbul

2002 to 2010: Ministry of Health Pendik State Hospital, Specialist Doctor, Istanbul

2008 to 2009: Participation in "Spinal Surgery Program" at Istanbul American Hospital Neurosurgery Clinic. Fellowship Days: 01.05.2008 - 31.12.2009

2010 to 2011: University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Santa Monica Hospital Center for Spinal Surgery (Comprehensive Spine Center), Researcher (Fellow), California, USA

2011: Associate Professor

2014: Virginia University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain and Neurosurgery, Visiting Faculty Member, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

2012 to 2016: Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain and Neurosurgery, Istanbul

2016 to 2018: Vital Fulya Plaza, Fulya/Beşiktaş/Istanbul

Professional Memberships

-Turkish Neurosurgery Association
-Turkish Neurosurgery Association, Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Teaching and Training Group
-Turkish Spine Association
-AO Spine International
-Society for Minimal Intervention in Spinal Surgery
-Turkish Neurosurgery Association, Surgical Neurosurgery Group
-Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)

 

Education & Academic Background

GATA School of Military Medicine – Medical Degree

GATA Haydarpaşa Training Hospital, Neurosurgery Clinic – Specialization in Neurosurgery

Beykent University – Master’s Degree in Hospital and Health Institutions Management

Professional Experience

GATA Military Medical Faculty – Internship in General Medicine 

Samsun Field (Sahra) Medical School Command – Physician 

Naval Command, Combat Fleet, TCG Effort – Medical Officer 

Submarine Battery Factory Infirmary, Turkish Naval Forces – Physician

Shipyard Command Infirmary, Turkish Naval Forces – Physician 

GATA Haydarpaşa Training Hospital – Chief Assistant, Neurosurgery Department 

Kasımpaşa Marine Hospital – Chief of Neurosurgery Clinic 

Bahçelievler Medical Park Hospital – Neurosurgery Specialist

Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine – Neurosurgery Lecturer

Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery – Faculty Member 

Certifications & Courses

-Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS & ACLS) Courses

-GATA Military Medicine Faculty – Microsurgery Training Course

-Istanbul Vatan Hospital – Hand Surgery & Microsurgery Course

-Neuroanatomy Course

-Spine Surgery Course

Professional Memberships 

-Turkish Neurosurgery Association 
-Spine Society of Europa
-Turkish Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group

Research & Publications

Transpedicular fixation application in thoracic and lumbar stabilization, results and complications.
Yayla O, Demircan MN, Kutlay M, Çolak A, Seçer HI, Kıbıcı K, Tosyalı L, Akın ON, Alkan K. GATA Bulletin.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on histopathological changes in acute period after crush trauma in rabbit sciatic nerve.
Akın ON, Kutlay M, Demirel D, Kıbıcı K, Elbüken E. J Atatürk Univ Med Fac.

Early diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of delayed traumatic intracerebral hematomas.
Kutlay M, Kıbıcı K, Demircan MN. Natl J Trauma.

Traumatic delayed epidural hematomas: Retrospective analysis of 7 new cases and 48 from literature.
Kutlay M, Çolak A, Kıbıcı K, Demircan MN, Akın ON. Natl J Trauma 1998.

Single vertebral body screw-rod or plate fixation for ventral thoracic spine lesions.
Kutlay M, Çolak A, Demircan MN, Akın ON, Kıbıcı K, Seçer HI, Tosyalı L. Turk Neurosurg 1999.

Peripheral nerve schwannomas.
Kutlay M, Çolak A, Akın ON, Demircan MN, Kıbıcı K, Topuz K, Başekim Ç, Demirel D. Turk J Neurosurg  1999.

Epidemiological study of traumatic spinal cord injuries.
Kutlay A, Kıbıcı K, Demircan MN. GATA Bulletin  1999.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment on fetal spinal cord grafts: Preliminary study.
Kutlay M, Çolak A, Demircan MN, Akın ON, Kıbıcı K, Dündar K, Yıldırım Ş. Turk Neurosurg, 1999.

Corpus callosum lipomas with frontal subcutaneous lipomas.
Çolak A, Kutlay M, Başekim Ç, Kıbıcı K, Demircan MN. Gülhane Med J,  2000.

Morphometric study with image analysis system in meningiomas.
Kıbıcı K, Kutlay M, Çolak A, Demircan MN, Akın ON, Baloğlu H. Turk J Neurosurg, 2003.

Morton Neuroma with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Case report.
Kıbıcı K, Demircan MN, Kıral A, Çolak A, Kutlay M, Akın ON. Turk J Neurosurg, 2006.

Carpal tunnel surgery with mini open technique: Functional results.
Kıbıcı K. Turk J Neurosurg, 2010.

Surgical treatment of common peroneal nerve entrapment: Clinical study.
Kıbıcı K. Turk J Neurosurg,  2010.

Cauda equina syndrome after sacrum transverse fracture: Case report.
Köksal V, Kıbıcı K. Turk J Neurosurg,  2010.

Schwannoma from sensory sural nerve: Case report.
Köksal V, Kıbıcı K. Erciyes Med J,  2013.

Clinical analysis of wrist drop due to radial tunnel syndrome.
Köksal V, Kıbıcı K, Kırbaş S. Indian J Med Res Pharm Sci,  2016.

Spinal subdural hematoma after minimally invasive lumbar discectomy.
Kıbıcı K, Atca AÖ, Erok B, Gültekin MZ. J Clin Rev Case Rep,  2019.

Rare variant of vertebral artery originating from external carotid artery.
Kıbıcı K, Atca AÖ, Erok B. J Clin Rev Case Rep,  2019.

Minimally invasive surgical treatment of piriformis syndrome.
Kıbıcı K, Atca AÖ, Erok B. J Clin Rev Case Rep,  2019.

Large suprasellar psammomatous meningioma: A rare variant.
Erok B, Kıbıcı K, Kaya RA. Pak J Radiol,  2020.

Large pericallosal lipoma after traumatic head injury: Case report.
Erok B, Kıbıcı K, Atca AÖ. Pak J Radiol,  2020.

Fungating orbital mass as presentation of retinoblastoma.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B, Akın O. J Acad Res Med, 2020.

Ligamentum flavum hematoma with L5-S1 pars defect: Case report.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B, Akın O. Indian J Neurosurg,  2020.

Radiation-induced brachial plexopathy in breast cancer: Surgical role.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B, Atca AÖ. Indian J Neurosurg, , 2020.

Drop foot due to peroneal intraneural ganglion: Case report.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B, Akın O. Indian J Neurosurg,  2020.

Surgical decompression of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in meralgia paresthetica.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B, Atca AÖ. Indian J Neurosurg,  2020.

Pulmonary cavitation in COVID-19: Primary or secondary?
Erok B, Kıbıcı K, Atca AÖ. Afr J Respir Med,  2020.

Posterior dynamic stabilization for bilateral L5 pars defect.
Kıbıcı K, Erok B. Turk Neurosurg, , 2020.

Incidental MRI appearance of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Atca AÖ, Erok B, Kıbıcı K. Afr J Respir Med,  2020.

Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma in Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Erok B, Kıbıcı K. Eur J Clin Exp Med,  2021.

Chest CT features of progressive COVID-19 pneumonia.
Erok B, Atca AÖ, Kıbıcı K. Acta Med Mediterr, 2021.

Dr. Halil Can is a Professor of Neurosurgery (2025; Associate Professor 2020). He completed neurosurgical training at Istanbul University–Istanbul Faculty of Medicine in 2007. His clinical focus includes endoscopic and microsurgical spine surgery for fractures, tumors, and degenerative disease; advanced pain procedures; endoscopic skull base and pituitary surgery; and neurovascular, neuro-oncologic, and peripheral nerve surgery.

He has 21 international peer-reviewed papers (SCI/SSCI). Topics include cadaveric morphometry of Kambin’s triangle and the transforaminal triangular working zone, lumbar arterial and anterior approach anatomy, and an in vitro test of a new lumbar fixation device.

His clinical studies include a single-team series of 81 posterior circulation aneurysms, with 13 flow-diversion cases. He also reported five spinal cavernous malformation cases. He conducted Phase I safety and feasibility stem-cell trials in pediatric hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and in chronic complete spinal cord injury.