Best Herniated Disc Surgery Doctors in Istanbul for Australians

Associate Professor Baran Yılmaz completed a prestigious fellowship at the Yale School of Medicine in the USA – one of the world's most elite neurosurgery training grounds.

• Practices at Istinye University Liv Hospital Bahcesehir – a top-tier academic teaching centre
• Trained at Marmara University in Turkey – a leading institution for neurological sciences
• Active member of AOSpine – the premier international community for spinal surgeons
• Specialises in neuro-oncology and complex spinal surgery techniques
• Member of the Turkish Spine Association – focusing on best-practice surgical protocols

Professor Savas Ceylan has performed over 5,600 endoscopic surgeries and currently serves as a senior neurosurgeon at VM Medical Park Pendik Hospital.

• Previously held the position of Head of Neurosurgery at Kocaeli University
• Completed specialized neurosurgical training at the Midland Centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology in Birmingham
• International member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
• Recipient of the Turkish Neurosurgery Association Service Award for his clinical contributions
• Member of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Skull Base Committee

Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya is a professor of neurosurgery at Anadolu Medical Center in Istanbul. He specializes in functional neurosurgery and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for movement disorders. Dr. Kaya previously led a Parkinson’s disease research project at Ondokuz Mayıs University. He earned the Aysima Altınok Thesis Award from the Turkish Neurosurgical Society.

• Performs complex brain tumor removals and skull base surgeries.
• Treats spinal conditions including tumors, stenosis, and herniated discs.
• Completed specialized observerships in cellular neuroscience at Maastricht University.
• Works at Anadolu Medical Center, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Dr Ertugrul Pinar has performed over 900 procedures and focuses on both adult and paediatric neurosurgery at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental.

• Specialises in surgical management of complex spine diseases and herniated discs
• Trained at Marmara University – one of Turkey's most prestigious medical faculties
• Manages a broad range of neurosurgical cases including spinal tumours and vascular malformations
• Provides personalised treatment plans for patients with neurological injuries and chronic pain

Professor Selman Dogan is a highly versatile orthopaedic surgeon at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental who specialises in restorative spinal and joint procedures.

• Performs discectomy and kyphoplasty to treat herniated discs and spinal fractures
• Trained in orthopaedic oncology for treating bone and soft tissue tumours
• Skilled in trauma reconstruction for both upper and lower extremities
• Uses regenerative Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy to accelerate tissue healing
• Fellowship trained at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine

Professor Gursel Saka is a finalist in the Tubitak XI Technology Awards, recognised for his contributions to surgical innovation at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental.

• Specialises in orthopaedic spine surgery including complex herniated disc repairs
• Performs reconstructive trauma surgery and hip socket fractures
• Uses robotic technology for high-precision joint and bone procedures
• Former Associate Professor at Health Sciences University Umraniye Training and Research Hospital
• Expert in treating degenerative spinal conditions like ankylosing spondylitis

Associate Professor Ramazan Sari is a highly published neurosurgeon at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital with a significant focus on complex spinal cord surgery.

• Uses multimodal intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring to protect nerve function during spinal procedures
• Participated in the accreditation process with the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS)
• Authored chapters in five neurosurgery textbooks and published over 35 international journal articles
• Previously held specialist roles at major Turkish institutions including Acıbadem Maslak and Liv Hospital

Dr. Azmi Hamzaoglu is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital. He established the Istanbul Scoliosis and Spine Center. This was Turkey's first facility dedicated to spine surgery. Dr. Hamzaoglu has performed thousands of complex procedures. He treats conditions like scoliosis, herniated discs, and spinal tumors.

• Founded the first specialized spine surgery center in Turkey.
• Introduced novel surgical techniques for scoliosis and kyphoplasty.
• Held clinical leadership roles at the Minnesota Spine Center in the US.
• Treats patients at a JCI-accredited hospital with Turkey’s first EOS imaging device.

Associate Professor Dogan Gucluhan Guclu has performed over 1,100 neurosurgical procedures and completed intensive spine surgery training at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic.

• Specialises in full-endoscopic operations of the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine
• Member of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies and the Turkish Neurosurgical Society
• Completed advanced hands-on cadaver courses in less-invasive spine techniques in the USA
• Recognised academic leader with 31 medical publications and six book chapters
• Former Clinical Administrative Officer at Bakirkoy Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital

Dr. Salih Murat Imer is a neurosurgeon at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital. He founded and led the Neurosurgery Department at Okan University Hospital. Dr. Imer holds certifications in Gamma Knife radiosurgery and endoscopic spine surgery. He specializes in treating brain tumors, aneurysms, and spinal stenosis.

• Published 68 scientific articles and contributed to 9 medical book chapters.
• Completed training at the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies.
• Obtained specialized training in Gamma Knife radiosurgery in Marseille, France.
• Works at a JCI-accredited "Smart-and-Green" hospital in Istanbul.

Associate Professor Akin Akakin holds a Doctorate from the University of Florida specifically in neuroanatomy – a rare credential for spinal surgeons.

• Uses a lateral microsurgical approach for far lateral lumbar disc surgery to minimise tissue damage
• Performs both discectomy and laminectomy to relieve spinal pressure and restore mobility
• Practices at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital, a facility specialised in complex neurological care
• Utilises specialised surgical methods designed to speed up patient recovery times
• Active researcher who has published multiple articles in international neurosurgical journals

Professor Baran Yil completed a prestigious Cerebrovascular Research Fellowship at the Yale School of Medicine in the United States. He provides expert neurosurgical care at Valued Med Hub Hospitals in Istanbul.

• Awarded the Young Neurosurgeon Encouragement First Prize by the Turkish Neurosurgery Society
• Active member of AOSpine and the Turkish Spine Association
• Specialises in spinal anatomy and skull-base surgical techniques
• Trains fellow surgeons as an instructor for advanced neurosurgery courses
• Graduated from the highly regarded Marmara University Faculty of Medicine

Op. Dr. Ercan Kaya is a neurosurgeon. He earned his M.D. from Marmara University. He completed his neurosurgery residency at Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital in 2020 and became a specialist in neurosurgery.

His clinical focus is spine and spinal cord disorders. He completed an observership in the Complex Spinal Surgery Department at The Walton Centre, a leading neurosurgical center in the United Kingdom.

He completed mandatory service in Mardin. He also worked at Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital. Since 2026, he has been a neurosurgeon at NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital. He provides care for brain, spine, and peripheral nerve disorders.

Dr. Ercan Kaya is a neurosurgery specialist. He earned his M.D. from Marmara University. He completed his residency at Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital in 2020. He fulfilled his mandatory service in Mardin. He then served as a neurosurgery specialist at Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital. Since 2026, he has worked as a neurosurgeon at NPİSTANBUL Hospital.

His practice focuses on spine and spinal cord disorders. He gained further experience as an observer in the Complex Spinal Surgery department at The Walton Centre, a leading neurosurgery center in the UK.

Professor Mustafa Bozbuga chairs neurosurgical education at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital – a specialised neuropsychiatric centre accredited by the JCI.

• Performs microdiscectomy and laminectomy for herniated disc relief
• Specialises in spinal cord restoration and tumour removal
• Focuses on spinal fusion and correcting congenital spinal disorders
• Uses trans-sphenoidal techniques for minimally invasive access
• Senior academic who trains other neurosurgeons in complex spinal techniques

Professor Kenan Kapici is the former Head of Neurosurgery at Altinbas University and brings elite microsurgical precision to spinal care.

• Completed specialized microsurgery training at GATA Military Medical Faculty
• Master of Health Institutions Management from Beykent University
• Active member of the Spine Society of Europe
• Expertise in peripheral nerve surgery and neuroanatomy
• Lectured at Altinbas University Faculty of Medicine for several years

Dr. Ibrahim Bayar Cinar is a cardiovascular surgeon at Medical Park Bahcelievler Hospital in Istanbul. He specializes in treating mitral valve prolapse and aortic valve insufficiency. Dr. Cinar completed a clinical fellowship at the University of Ottawa Heart Center in Canada. He holds memberships in the European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery and Vascular Surgery.

• Served as a Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery at Altınbaş University.
• Treats complex conditions like aorto-mesenteric artery compression syndrome.
• Performs cardiac procedures at a JCI-accredited university hospital.
• Practices at a national reference center for cardiovascular surgery and intensive care.

Professor Erkan Kaptanoglu is a highly decorated neurosurgeon who holds a PhD in Advanced Neuroscience and completed a prestigious research fellowship at the University of Toronto.

• Specialises in complex spinal surgery, including advanced herniated disc procedures and spinal cord regeneration
• Former Chairman of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group
• Winner of multiple scientific awards for his innovative research into spinal cord anatomy and injury recovery
• Performed complex spinal surgeries at major university hospitals and the Istanbul Brain and Spine Center

Dr Ali Osman Mucuoglu is a specialist neurosurgeon at Atlas University Hospital who focuses on advanced spinal surgery and minimally invasive techniques.

• Completed the prestigious Dr Mehmet Zileli Advanced Spinal Surgery course twice to master complex back procedures
• Member of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS)
• Specialised training in functional neurosurgery and head injury management in Lithuania
• Published research on thoracic spine conditions and minimally invasive emergency surgery
• Active member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society and the Istanbul Chamber of Medicine