Best Spina bifida (cleft spine) pediatric neurosurgeons in Turkey: TOP 26 doctors

Dr Gökalp Silav is a highly-regarded pediatric and adult neurosurgeon with over 400 brain and spine surgeries performed annually. He specializes in brain and spine tumor removals, epilepsy surgery, and congenital conditions correction. He uses state-of-the-art neuronavigation equipment such as Brainlab to ensure precision and reduces damage to healthy tissues. He is a member of The Turkish Medical Association and The Turkish Neurosurgical Society and has trained at some of the largest neurology institutions in the world.

Education and Expertise

1998 - 2005 - Marmara University Faculty of Medicine

1998 - 2005 - Marmara University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul

(Head of the Department: Prof Dr Türker KILIÇ)

2011 - 2012 - Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (Director: Murat Günel MD. PhD., Professor of Neurosurgery)Cerebrovascular Research Fellowship

Professional Memberships

2014 + Turkish Neurosurgery Association

2017 + Turkish Spine Association

2018 + AOSpine

Awards

Turkish Neurosurgery Society 31st Scientific Congress “Prof. Dr. Hamit Ziya Gökalp Young Neurosurgeon Encouragement First Prize”, Antalya, 2017.

Courses and Certificates

1. Member of the Organizing Committee; 12. National Neuroscience Congress, Bahçeşehir University, 28-31 May 2014

2. Member of the Organizing Committee; 11. ASNO 'Skull-base Anatomy Course', 11-14 September 2014, Istanbul

3. Instructor / Member of the Organizing Committee; Neurosurgery Course Series – 4 /Prof. Dr. Evandro de Oliveira Skull Base Course 2, Prof. Rhoton Anatomy Lab BAU Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, 2015.

4. Member of the Organizing Committee; International Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery Microelectrode Recording Cadaver Course, Rhoton Anatomy Lab BAU Faculty of Medicine, 6-7 February 2015 Istanbul.

5. Organization Officer; TND Istanbul Meetings, Istanbul, 2015-2016

• Dr. Kamran Aghayev specializes in spina bifida treatment, utilizing surgical repair, shunt placement, and prenatal surgery.
• He completed his residency in neurological surgery at Hacettepe School of Medicine, Turkey, and a Spinal Oncology Clinical Fellowship at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, USA.
• Holds multiple US patents for spinal surgery inventions, highlighting his innovative approach.
• Member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS).
• Fluent in English, Turkish, and Azerbaijani, enabling effective communication with patients from diverse backgrounds.

• Specializes in spina bifida treatment using surgical repair, prenatal surgery, and multidisciplinary care.
• International training and practice at clinics and medical institutions in Turkey, including Hacettepe University and Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Training and Research Hospital.
• Holds a Bachelor in Medicine from Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine (English).
• Certified in Child Health and Diseases, and Neonatology from Hacettepe University and Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Training and Research Hospital.
• Professional memberships include the Turkish Pediatric Association and the Neonatology Society of Turkey.

• Dr. Sinan Çomu specializes in spina bifida (cleft spine) treatment using advanced surgical and non-surgical methods.
• Management methods include prenatal surgery, postnatal surgery, physical therapy, and assistive devices.
• International training at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in the USA and the University of Pittsburgh.
• Member of the Turkish Neurological Society and the Child Neurology Society, maintaining up-to-date practices.
• Practices at Memorial Şişli Hospital, providing comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents.

Dr. Aşkın Şeker is a highly respected Neurosurgeon with 23+ years of experience and numerous awards and achievements. He has interests in endoscopic skull base surgery, neuroanatomy, functional neurosurgery, movement disorders, spinal surgery, herniated disc, neck hernia and endoscopic surgeries. He is a member of numerous professional organizations and has 47 articles published in SCI international journals, papers presented in 33 international scientific meetings, 10 articles in national journals, and wrote chapters for 2 international books.

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

Treatments: 

Minimally invasive surgery, microsurgery Experience: 2019-2021, Academician at Pediatric Surgery Division, 

Ankara City Hospital- Children's Hospital 2012-2019, Surgical Education Lecturer,Diskapi Children's Hospital 2004-2012, Physician, Diskapi Children's Hospital

 Education: 2001 Pediatric Surgery Clinic, Dr Sami Ulus Children's Hospital 1993-1994, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, Mo, the U.S.A. 1989 School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University Scientific Studies: 49 articles published in international peer-review journals. 106 papers presented at international and national scientific meetings and published in proceedings 16 lectures in international and national congresses Reviewer in 11 international and national journals

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.

Education:

Medical Specialization

Hacettepe University 2017 - 2007

Medical Specialization (Minor)

Ufuk University 2011 - 2009

Doctorate

Ankara University 2021 - 2000

Undergraduate

Ankara University 2006

Experience: 

Research Assistant

Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University

September 01, 2009 - October 08, 2021

Research Assistant

Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University

February 27, 2014 - February 28, 2017

Research Assistant

Dr. Ridvan Ege Health Research and Application Center, Ufuk University

November 27, 2007 - December 09, 2011

• AREAS OF INTEREST
• brain pacemaker
• spinal cord pacemaker
• brain tumors
• spinal cord tumors
• Trigeminal Neuralgias
• Surgical Treatment of Cervical Disc Herniation
• Non-Surgical Treatment of Cervical Disc Herniation
• Pediatric Neck Surgery

• Education:
• Secondary Education: Anatolian High School, Gaziantep (1993-1997)
• High School: Vehbi Dinçerler Science High School, Gaziantep (1997-2000)
• Medical Degree: Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University (2000-2007)
• Specialization in Medicine: Şişli Etfal Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic, Istanbul (2008-2013)
•  
• Professional Experience:
• 2007-2008: Responsible Physician, Sekili Health Center, Gaziantep
• 2008-2013: Specialist, Şişli Etfal Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic, Istanbul
• 2013-2015: Specialist, Malatya State Hospital, Malatya
• 2015-2016: Assistant Professor, Harran University, Şanlıurfa
• 2016-2020: Specialist, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Human Resources Hospital, Department of Brain and Neurosurgery
• 2020-Present: Associate Professor, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Human Resources Hospital, Department of Brain and Neurosurgery

• Special Certified Educations:
• Neuromodulation Fellowship Program:
• Module I: Foundations of Neuromodulation, Abbott Training Center, Zaventem, Belgium (September 27-29, 2018)
• Module II: Treatment Strategies for Low Back Pain, St. Augustinus Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium (December 13-15, 2018)
• Module III: Treatment Strategies for Focal Neuropathic Pain, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands (February 7-9, 2019)
• Module IV: Basic Aspects of DBS, University Clinic, Düsseldorf, Germany (April 4-6, 2019)
• Module V: Advanced Concepts and Transition to Practice, Barcelona, Spain (May 15-17, 2019)
• Fellow Program: Maastricht UMC+ Hospital, Deep Brain Stimulation, Maastricht, Netherlands (January 1, 2020 - March 31, 2020)
• Skull Base Surgery Cadaver Course: Istanbul, 2013
• Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Techniques: Hands-on Cadaver Course, Antalya, 2014
• Ditrax (Posterior Cervical Facet Joint Decompression): Cadaver Course, Düsseldorf, 2015

Compassionate Care: Known for his patient-first approach, Dr. Kılıç ensures that each patient receives personalized, compassionate, and effective treatment.

Assoc. Prof. Ozdogan, M.D., Ph.D., completed his education at Yeditepe University Health Sciences Institute in the Molecular Medicine Doctorate Program under Prof. Dr. Turgay İsbir, and he also studied at Saint Louis University in Arkansas, USA, with Prof. Dr. M. Gazi Yasargil. He pursued a Clinical Fellowship in Brain and Nerve Surgery at Yeditepe University Hospital, guided by Prof. Dr. Yasargil and Prof. Dr. Uğur Türe. Additionally, he underwent specialization training at Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Medicine at Gazi University, and completed his secondary education at İçel Anatolian High School.

Professionally, he has held various positions, including Faculty Member in the Department of Neurosurgery at Haliç University, and Associate Professor at Private Adatip Istanbul Hospital and Biruni University Hospital. He has also served as an Associate Professor at S.B.U. Kartal, Sancaktepe, and Istanbul Training and Research Hospitals, and worked as a Chief Assistant at S.B.U. Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim and Kartal Training and Research Hospitals. His earlier roles include Specialist Doctor at S.B.U. Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Hospital and Mus State Hospital, as well as Clinical Fellow at Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine Hospital.

Assoc. Prof. Özdoğan is a member of several professional associations, including the Turkish Neurosurgery Association, Turkish Spine Association, and the Turkish Neurosurgery Society’s Neuroanatomy, Neurovascular, and Neurooncology Groups. He is also affiliated with the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies.

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)

*CURRICULUM VITAE*

*ASSOC. PROF. DR. BURAK ORHAN BORAN*  

Specialist in Neurosurgery  

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”, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara Training and Research Hospital (2003)

*WORK PLACES:*

- GATA Haydarpaşa Training Research Hospital (2002–2003)

- Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training Research Hospital (2003–2005)

- Özel Avicenna Ataşehir Hospital (2005–2012)

- Özel 29 Mayıs Hospital (2012–2013)

- Maltepe State Hospital (2013–2018)

- Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital (2018–2020)

- Özel Academic Hospital (2020–2022)

- Hisar Intercontinental Hospital (2022–2024)

- Özel Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital (2024-present)

*ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACADEMIC POSITIONS:*

- Board Member of the Society of Neurosurgeons (2006–2009)

- Emergency Service Responsibility at Maltepe State Hospital (2014–2016)

- Assistant Chief Physician at Özel Academic Hospital (2020–2021)

- Member of the Advisory Board at Beykent University Faculty of Medicine (2018–2024)

- Faculty Member at Galata University Faculty of Health Sciences (2022–2024)

- Director of the Continuous Education Center at Galata University (2022–2024)

*PUBLICATIONS IN SCIENCE CITATION INDEX AND SCI EXPANDED:*

- Guculu B, Deniz L, Yuce Y, Adilay U, Aytar H, Turkoglu M, Tiryaki M, Ozdek R, Boran BO: Transformational epidural steroid injection in the treatment of pain in foraminal and parameidan lumbar disc herniations. Turkish Neurosurgery 30: 394-399, 2020.

- Boran P, Tokuc G, Boran BO, Oktem S: Intracerebral hematoma as a complication of intrathecal methotrexate administration. Pediatric Blood & Cancer 50:152-154, 2008.

- Boran BO, Boran P, Barut N, Akgun C, Celikoglu E, Bozbuga M: Evaluation of mild head trauma in pediatric population. Pediatric Neurosurgery 42:203-207, 2006.

- Tokuc G, Boran P, Boran BO: Cleidocranial dysplasia in a mother and her daughter within the scope of neurosurgery. Journal of Neurosurgery (4 Suppl Pediatrics) 104:290-292, 2006.

- Celikoglu E, Boran BO, Bozbuga M: Abscess formation in Rathke’s cleft cyst. Neurology India 54(2):213–214, 2006.

- Bozbuga M, Boran BO, Sahinoğlu K: Surface anatomy of the posterolateral cranium regarding the localization of the initial burr-hole for retrosigmoid approach. Neurosurgical Review 29(1):61–63, 2006.

- Boran BO: Rhombencephalosynapsis: a rare cerebellar malformation. Journal of Neurological Sciences (Turkish) 23(1):46-48, 2006.

- Boran BO, Colak A, Kutlay M: Erythropoietin enhances neurological recovery after experimental spinal cord injury. Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience 23:341–345, 2005.

- Colak A, Boran BO, Kutlay M, Demircan N: A modified technique of syringosubarachnoid shunting for the treatment of syringomyelia. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 12(6):677–679, 2005.

- Bozbuga M, Celikoğlu E, Boran BO: Hydatid cyst of the craniocervical junction: case report. Neurosurgery 57(1):193, 2005.

- Boran BO, Akgün C, Bozbuga M: Calvarial remodeling for the treatment of scaphocephaly in a 4-month-old boy: a technical note. Turkish Neurosurgery 15(1):40-44, 2005.

- Boran BO, Barut N, Akgün C, Çelikoglu E, Bozbuga M: Indications for computed tomography in patients with mild head injuries. Turkish Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 11(3):218–224, 2005.

- Colak A, Kutlay M, Boran BO, Demircan N: Identical twins presenting with hydrocephalus: one with triventricular, and the other tetraventricular hydrocephalus. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 34:187-189, 2004.

- Kurtkaya O, Elmacı I, Boran BO, Kılıç T, Sav A, Pamir MN: Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor of the midbrain tectum: a case report. Brain Tumor Pathology 19(2):97-100, 2002.

- Elmacı I, Kurtkaya O, Boran BO, Kılıç T, Pamir MN: Gliosarcoma associated with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report. Tumori 87:60-63, 2001.

- Boran BO, Kılıç T, Peker S, Şengöz M, Erdıvanlı B, Pamir N: Gamma-knife radiosurgery in the management of brain metastases. Turkish Neurosurgery 11:9-17, 2001.

*OTHER INTERNATIONAL PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS:*

- Boran BO, Colak A: Oculomotor nerve palsy due to compression by posterior cerebral artery: case report. Erciyes Medical Journal 29(2):164-167, 2007.

- Bozbuga M, Boran BO, Bayindir C: Tuberculoma of the cavernous sinus. The Internet Journal of Neurosurgery 2(2), 2005.

*PUBLICATIONS IN TURKISH MEDICAL INDEX:*

- Boran BO: Osteoid osteoma of the lumbar spine: case report. Fırat Medical Journal 13(1):71-73, 2008.

- Boran BO: Growing skull fracture: a case operated on eight years later. Inönü University Faculty of Medicine Journal 13(3):185-187, 2006.

- Boran BO: A case report of foot drop following vertebroplasty. Fırat Medical Journal 11(3):185-186, 2006.

- Boran BO, Kızılay G, Bozbuga M: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt dysfunction. Turkish Neurosurgery 15(2):148-151, 2005.

- Boran BO, Dağcınar A, Özek MM: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy role in Dandy-Walker malformation. Kartal Education and Research Hospital Medical Journal 15(1):11-13, 2004.

- Boran BO, Dağcınar A, Özek MM: Repeat endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Kartal Education and Research Hospital Medical Journal 15(1):31-32, 2004.

- Boran BO, Dağcınar A, Özek MM: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in patients under one year of age. Göztepe Medical Journal 19:83-86, 2004.