Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital
| Turkey | Thailand | South Korea | |
| Multiple subpial transections | ≈ AUD $18,000 | ≈ AUD $15,800 | ≈ AUD $20,100 |
Associate Professor Mehmet Tonge is a highly specialised functional neurosurgeon with extensive expertise in complex surgical treatments for intractable epilepsy and movement disorders.
Dr. Hasan Ozgur Ozdemir is a neurosurgeon at Medical Park Antalya Hospital Complex. He ranked first in the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Proficiency Exam. Dr. Ozdemir specializes in endoscopic lumbar and brain surgery. He also performs vascular operations for brain aneurysms and AVMs. Dr. Ozdemir treats spine tumors, spine fractures, and neck hernias.
Dr. Baris Topcular is a neurologist at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital. He focuses on dementia, movement disorders, and multiple sclerosis. He trained at the University of Basel in Switzerland. He also works in the molecular neuroimaging department for PET scans. Dr. Topcular treats patients at a JCI-accredited smart hospital in Turkey.
Associate Professor Ramazan Sari holds European accreditation in neurosurgery and leads complex functional brain procedures at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital.
Patients travel to Turkey for multiple subpial transections. The procedure offers a precise surgical solution for drug-resistant epilepsy. This condition cannot be treated with standard resections. The procedure costs between $12,500 and $18,500. This saves Australians up to 82% compared to domestic private costs.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While basic epilepsy surgery starts at $12,000, subpial transections require specialised functional neurosurgeons. Medipol Mega University Hospital is a primary destination. This is because its neurosurgery department head, Dr Nejat Akalan, integrates intraoperative MRI. This provides accuracy during these delicate procedures.
Patient Consensus: Lower costs compared to Australia draw many patients to Turkey for complex neurosurgery. The high concentration of specialists allows for thorough comparisons. This also enables faster treatment than at home.
Neurosurgeons in Turkey perform multiple subpial transection (MST) to treat refractory epilepsy. They use it when seizure zones overlap with eloquent brain regions. This functional-sparing technique severs horizontal nerve fibres. This stops seizure spread but preserves vertical columns. These columns control movement, speech, and sensation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish neurosurgery departments often combine MST with technologies like the O-arm system or intraoperative MRI. Prof. Nejat Akalan at Medipol Mega University Hospital uses these tools. They let him verify the seizure focus in real-time. With this high-tech approach, surgeons only sever the pathways necessary to stop seizures while protecting functional tissue.
Patient Consensus: Turkey is a preferred destination for epilepsy patients. Surgeons there offer function-sparing options like MST when traditional resection is too risky. Families find relief knowing that detailed surgical planning prioritises speech and motor control during brain surgery.
Turkey excels in epilepsy and functional neurosurgery through JCI-accredited tertiary centres that integrate neurology and neurosurgery departments. Leading hospitals like Memorial Bahçelievler and Medipol Mega use 3T MRI and intraoperative monitoring. They perform complex procedures such as multiple subpial transections and deep brain stimulation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish neurosurgery success relies on high-volume academic centres rather than standalone clinics. Medipol Mega University Hospital serves over 1,000,000 patients annually. This massive scale allows surgeons like Prof. Nejat Akalan to specialise deeply in sub-types like pharmacoresistant epilepsy surgery.
Patient Consensus: Large private hospital groups in Istanbul and Ankara are preferred for brain procedures. Patients value having EEG, MRI, and surgery coordinated in one location. Most recommend choosing established hospital brands that provide personal coordinators and airport transfers.
Multiple subpial transection is a surgical procedure for drug-resistant epilepsy that preserves vital brain areas. Surgeons make shallow, parallel cuts through the grey matter to disconnect horizontal seizure pathways. This technique maintains vertical neural connections responsible for movement, speech and vision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish university hospitals often provide better value for complex epilepsy surgeries than general private clinics. Packages at major networks like Memorial average A$35,400. Medipol Mega University Hospital, however, offers access to specialised interventional neuroradiology and 35 operating theatres. This infrastructure is vital for managing medically refractory cases that need multiple surgical approaches.
Patient Consensus: Patients find the remote pre-assessment through document exchange helpful for planning their travel from Australia. They recommend confirming the neuro-intensive care unit backup. They also suggest discussing post-operative follow-up plans before arriving in Turkey.