Best CyberKnife for brain tumor pediatric neurosurgeons in Istanbul: TOP 12 doctors

Mustafa Solak, M.D. is a medical doctor who graduated from Hacettepe University School of Medicine and has completed residencies at Istanbul Sisli Etfal Teaching and Research Hospital and a fellowship at Hacettepe University Cancer Institute. He specializes in Breast Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Lung Cancer, Head-Neck Cancer, and Gastrointestinal Cancers. He has also worked at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Hitit University Corum Training Hospital, and Medical Park Hospital.

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

• * MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

 • Gamma Knife Radiosurgery 

• Surgery for pain & spasticity 

• Psychosurgery

Research areas of interest: 

• Deep brain stimulation

• * MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

 • 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.

Education and Career

2011 – 2015, (Internal Medicine Specialist) Istanbul University Istanbul School of Education and Career

Medicine Department of Internal Medicine

2015 – 2016, (Internal Medicine) Specialist Istanbul Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital

2016 – 2019, (Medical Oncology) Istanbul University Istanbul School of Medicine Department of Medical Oncology

2019 – 2021, (Medical Oncology Specialist) - Istanbul Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital

2021 – 2024, (Associate Professor) Marmara University School of Medicine Department of Medical Oncology

Memberships in Scientific Organizations

ASCO

ESMO

TTOD 

AVOD 

Publications

In the field of oncology, he has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles at both international and national levels.

Awards Received

EAACI The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2019 Best Poster Award

"The top 3rd verbal presentation, IGICC (11th International Gastrointestinal Cancers Conference – IGICC2021)"

Speeches Delivered at National Congresses, Conferences, and Symposia:

Courses, Meetings, and Certificates

ESMO certified Medical Oncologist since 2019

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2019-present: Department of Neurosurgery, Florence Nightingale Hospitals affiliated to Demiroglu Bilim University Medical Faculty, Istanbul/Turkey. Associate Professor

2017-2019: Department of Neurosurgery, Liv Hospital Ulus affiliated to Istinye University Medical Faculty, Istanbul/Turkey. Associate Professor

2016-2017: Department of Neurosurgery, Liv Hospital Ulus affiliated to Istinye University Medical Faculty, Istanbul/Turkey. Assistant Professor

2015-present: Department of Neurosurgery, Liv Hospital Ulus, Istanbul/Turkey. Attending Neurosurgeon

2013-2015: Department of Neurosurgery, GOP Taksim Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul/Turkey. Attending Neurosurgeon

2006-2012: Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey. Resident

EDUCATION 

October 2017-March 2018: Clinical Fellowship on Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover/Germany (Professor Joachim K. Krauss M.D, Ph.D)

January-April 2010: Clinical Fellowship on Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Brachial Plexus, Division of Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction, Department of Neurosurgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated to Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv/Israel (Professor Shimon Rochkind M.D, Ph.D)

2006-2012: Resident at Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey

2005-2006: Resident at Department of Anatomy, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey

1999-2005: Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey GPA: 3.17/4.00

1991-1999: Istanbul Erkek Lisesi (High School), Istanbul/Turkey GPA: 4.47 / 5.00

Medical Interests: 

• Brain, cerebellum, spine, and spinal cord tumor surgeries in adults and children 

• Pediatric Neurosurgery Surgeries (Hydrocephalus, Tethered Cord, Diastematomyelia, Encephalocele, Meningocele-Meningomyelocele, Dermal Sinus Tract Excision, Craniosynostosis) 

• Spine Surgery (Lumbar and Cervical Disc Herniation, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, Stabilization for Spinal Fractures, Vertebroplasty-Kyphoplasty Surgeries, Kyphosis Surgery) 

• Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor, and Dystonia 

• Vagal Nerve Stimulation Surgery (Epilepsy Surgery) • Spinal Cord Stimulation Surgery (Spinal Cord Pain Stimulator) 

• Surgeries for Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm 

• Baclofen Pump Implantation Surgery (for Severe Spasticity) 

• Surgeries for Aneurysms, AVMs, and Cavernomas 

Prof. Dr. Ilhan Elmacı was born in Niğde, a city located in the heart of Anatolia. He completed his high school education in Adana and graduated from Ankara University Medical School. His career began in 1987 at the Bakırköy Neurological Sciences Hospital, under the mentorship of Dr. Zeki Oral, where he completed his Neurosurgery residency by 1993. During this time, he also undertook groundbreaking micro neurosurgery training at Zurich University under the guidance of Professor M. Gazi Yaşargil.

From 1993 to 2003, Prof. Elmacı served as a teaching assistant and later assistant professor at Professor Necmettin Pamir’s Clinic, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine. He also enhanced his expertise in neurooncology and vascular neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University, working with Professors Donlin M. Long and Daniele Rigamonti. In 2003, he was appointed Associate Professor of Neurosurgery.

Between 2004 and 2010, Prof. Elmacı served as Chief of Clinic at Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, where he led the clinic to become the first in Turkey accredited by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). During this period, he completed his endoscopic skull base surgery training at the University of Pittsburgh.

In 2010, Prof. Elmacı joined Acıbadem University Faculty of Medicine as a Professor of Neurosurgery and went on to establish the Neurosurgery Department at Medipol University Faculty of Medicine in 2012. He headed the Neurosurgery Department at Memorial Health Group Istanbul Hospitals from 2014 to 2018, and then worked with his team at Maslak Hospital, Acıbadem Health Group, until September 2021.

Since October 2021, he has been working with his team at his private clinic in Fulya and Ulus Hospital of Liv Health Group. Prof. Elmacı is the founding chairman of the Skull Base Society in Turkey and a member of the Executive Committee of the European Skull Base Society (ESBS). With more than 110 published scientific papers in international journals and over 250 congress presentations, he continues to shape the field of neurosurgery.

Since November 2023, he has been working with his team at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, focusing on cutting-edge areas of research and treatment, including brain and spinal tumors, pituitary adenomas, brain vascular diseases, back and neck pain, hydrocephalus, cerebellar herniation, syringomyelia, and trigeminal neuralgia. He also specializes in microsurgery, endoscopic surgery, and advanced techniques like neuromonitorization and neuronavigation to improve patient outcomes. His work is guided by ethical principles, always aiming to preserve patients' quality of life.

Education & Training

Medical Education:

• Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey (1977 - 1983)
• M.D. Degree earned in 1983

Neurosurgical Training:

• Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul (1985 - 1991)
• Certification from the Turkish Ministry of Health, Turkish Board in Neurosurgery (1991)

Previous Appointments

• Physician: Obligatory Service, March 1983 - March 1985
• Consultant Neurosurgeon: Medical Faculty, Trakya University, Edirne, February 1993 - September 1993
• Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery: Medical Faculty, Trakya University, Edirne, September 1993 - January 1996
• Consultant Neurosurgeon: Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, January 1996 - January 2000
• Associate Professor: Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, January 2000 - January 2006
• Professor of Neurosurgery: Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, January 2006 - April 2011
• Retired from University: April 2011
• Professor of Neurosurgery & Founder: Neurosurgery Department, Okan University Hospital, Istanbul, December 2016 - March 2018
• Current Appointment: Private Office, Kadıköy, Ataşehir & Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospitals

Certificates & Specializations

1. Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery Course, Oulu, Finland, 1990
2. EANS European Courses (5-year cycle): Amsterdam (1988), Rostock (1989), Çeşme (1994), Klagenfurt (1995), Aalborg (1996)
3. Primary Examination for European Board, Klagenfurt, Austria, 1995
4. Advanced Training in Functional Disorders with Leksell Gamma Knife, Marseille, France, 2004
5. Advanced Training in Vestibular Schwannomas and Skull Base Surgery with Leksell Gamma Knife, Marseille, France, 2004
6. DISC Nucleoplasty in Cervical and Lumbar Disc Diseases, Freiburg, Germany, 2004
7. Neuropathfinder Train-the-Trainer, Vienna, Austria, 2009
8. Neuropathfinder Train-the-Trainer, Athens, Greece, 2011
9. Full-Endoscopic Spine Surgery Certificate, Herne, Germany, 2011

International Experience

1. University Central Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio, Finland, under the care of Prof. Matti Vapalahti and Prof. Juha Hernesniemi, April-May 1990
2. Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery and Radiosurgery, Marseille, France, August-October 2004

Publications & Presentations

• 9 Book Chapters (National & International Publications)
• 68 Articles
• 82 Reports (Presented orally or as posters)
• 33 International Congresses (Speaker or Moderator)
• 99 National Congresses & Symposia (Speaker or Moderator)

Education:

Medical Faculty, Trakya University,  

Edirne, Turkey (1994-2000)

Professional Experience:

General Practitioner and Emergency Physician

Bartın (2000-2004)

Specialization:  

Department of Neurosurgery, S.B. Göztepe Training and Research Hospital,  

Istanbul (2004-2010)

Participation in the Accreditation Process by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) during  

Specialization (2004-2010)

Completion of Compulsory Service as Specialist Physician

Tokat State Hospital, Tokat (2010-2012)

Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery

Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat (2012-2014)

Contribution to the Establishment of the Department of Neurosurgery at Medipol University  

(2012-2014)

Lecturer

Medipol University, Istanbul (2012-2014)

Specialist Physician

Memorial Istanbul Hospitals, Istanbul (2014-2018)

Lecturer, Faculty of Health Sciences

Eurasia University, Istanbul (2014-2021)

Associate Professor in the field of Neurosurgery (2021- )

Specialist Physician

Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, Istanbul (2018-2021)

Specialist Physician

Liv Hospital Ulus, Istanbul (2021-2023)

2023 –

Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, Istanbul

Skills and Achievements:

Obtained Associate Professorship in the field of Neurosurgery (2021)

Experience in Academic Teaching and Management (2012-2021)

Proficiency in Turkish (Native) and English (Advanced)

Specializations

Brain Tumors

Aneurysm Surgery

Pituitary Surgery

Spine Surgery

Waist neck and back hernias

Spine Tumors

Spinal Fractures

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

EDUCATION:

• Turhan and Mediha Tansel Primary School (1979–1984)
• Kültür College (1984–1988)
• Semiha Şakir High School (1988–1991)
• Marmara University Faculty of Medicine (1991–1997)
• Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Neurosurgery Department, Specialist Training (1997–2002)
• Title of Associate Professor in Neurosurgery (May 31, 2021)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING:

• "Visiting Physician," University of Southern California, Department of Neurosurgery (1998)
• "Microsurgery Training," GATA (Gülhane Military Medical Academy), Ankara Education and Research Hospital (2003)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Gülhane Military Medical Academy Haydarpaşa Training and Research Hospital (2002–2003)
• Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital (2003–2005)
• Private Avicenna Ataşehir Hospital (2005–2012)
• Private 29 Mayıs Hospital (2012–2013)
• Maltepe State Hospital (2013–2018)
• Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital (2018–2020)
• Private Academic Hospital (2020–2022)
• Hisar Intercontinental Hospital (2022–2024)
• Private Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital (2024–Present)

ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACADEMIC ROLES:

• Board Member, Neurosurgical Society (2006–2009)
• Head of the Emergency Department, Maltepe State Hospital (2014–2016)
• Deputy Chief Physician, Private Academic Hospital (2020–2021)
• Advisory Board Member, Beykent University Faculty of Medicine (2018–2024)
• Faculty Member, Galata University Faculty of Health Sciences (2022–2024)
• Director, Continuous Education Center, Galata University (2022–2024)