Neurosurgery Center in Turkey

The Neurosurgery Center emphasizes the importance of the team’s expertise and multidisciplinary treatment approaches in successfully managing common brain disorders in society. With continuous advancements in medical technology, neurosurgery involving the brain, spinal cord, and nerves is rapidly evolving, resulting in more effective diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Cerebrovascular Diseases

The Neurosurgery Center has a specialized vascular team, including experts in neuro-radiology and microsurgery, to treat cerebrovascular conditions. Treatment methods can be applied individually or in combination, depending on the patient’s condition.

• Cerebral Aneurysm: A vascular condition where bubble-like protrusions form in brain arteries, potentially leading to sudden deterioration due to rupture and life-threatening bleeding.
• Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): A vascular disorder where arteries and veins form a tangled mass, prone to bleeding.
• Carotid Artery Stenosis: Narrowing or blockage of the carotid artery in the neck or brain, which may lead to stroke (paralysis) if not treated promptly.
• Brain Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the meninges or brain tissue.
• Cerebral Vessel Blockage: A sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain due to vascular blockage, leading to stroke. It requires immediate intervention, using vascular techniques or microsurgery, to restore circulation and relieve trapped brain tissue.

Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

The Neurosurgery Center utilizes advanced microsurgical and endoscopic techniques to treat brain and spinal tumors in adults and children. Patients are evaluated by a multidisciplinary team consisting of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and neuroradiologists. Treatment may include long-term chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Skull base tumors, including pituitary tumors, are treated with the participation of ENT specialists in the surgical team.

Spinal Disorders

Surgical interventions are performed for congenital spinal conditions, trauma from accidents and injuries, and age-related conditions such as spinal stenosis and disc herniation.

In the Minimally Invasive Spine Center, procedures like lumbar and cervical disc herniation surgery and spinal instrumentation are performed using microsurgery and endoscopic techniques. The rehabilitation process is planned in collaboration with the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, which also provides minimally invasive pain interventions for non-surgical pain management.

Pediatric Neurosurgery

The center treats congenital and acquired brain and spinal conditions in children, including tumors, vascular diseases, and hydrocephalus (the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid). Congenital spinal deformities, especially in newborns, are also addressed.

Trauma Care (Head and Spinal Injuries)

The center offers emergency interventions for patients with head injuries, providing treatment in intensive care units and coordinating rehabilitation plans. The goal is to eliminate life-threatening risks and improve the patient’s quality of life. All trauma-related diagnoses and treatments, including spinal cord injuries, are managed 24/7 by a specialized neurosurgical team in collaboration with the emergency department.

Treatment of Functional Disorders

Functional disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders are managed with deep brain stimulation (DBS). Congenital or trauma-induced spasticity is treated through selective dorsal rhizotomy or baclofen pump surgery. For drug-resistant epilepsy, the team plans epilepsy surgeries. Neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists, and physical therapists collaborate to assess the necessity and effectiveness of surgical treatment for all functional disorders.

Advanced Technology for Safer Surgery

• Neuro-Navigation: Neurosurgical procedures use 3D imaging with neuro-navigation systems. This method assists in brain and spinal surgeries, tumor biopsies, and Parkinson’s procedures by utilizing pre- or intraoperative MRI scans to enhance surgical precision.
• Neuro-Monitoring: For surgeries involving sensitive areas such as brain tumors, aneurysms, AVMs, or spinal deformities, electrodes are placed on the patient’s face, arms, and legs. The neurosurgeon is alerted if signals indicate proximity to critical areas, reducing the risk of post-surgery facial, arm, or leg paralysis.
• Intraoperative Ultrasound Imaging: During surgery, radiologists use ultrasound to determine the position and extent of brain or spinal tumors, allowing for complete removal while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopic techniques offer a wide field of view from a small incision, especially for surgeries involving the pituitary gland, intraventricular tumors, and hydrocephalus. It is also an alternative to microsurgery for common spinal issues like disc herniation.
• Gliolan Staining Technique: The patient drinks Gliolan, a substance that makes the tumor appear a different color under a special microscope filter during surgery. This method minimizes damage to healthy brain tissue and ensures maximum tumor removal.
• Awake Craniotomy: For surgeries involving areas responsible for speech or motor functions, the patient remains awake during the procedure. This enables the surgeon to monitor speech and movement in real-time, improving surgical outcomes.
• Intraoperative CT Imaging (O-Arm): This system captures 3D images during surgery, especially for spinal correction procedures, ensuring precise alignment with no margin for error. It minimizes the need for additional surgeries and reduces radiation exposure for the patient.

These state-of-the-art technologies enhance patient safety, surgical precision, and overall treatment outcomes, positioning Turkey’s Neurosurgery Center as a leader in advanced medical care.