Best Pancreatic Cyst Doctors in Turkey for Australians

Professor Peker is a specialist gastroenterology surgeon who trained at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in the USA. He helped found the dedicated hepatopancreatobiliary unit at a major Turkish training hospital.

• Performed 400+ complex pancreatic and stomach cancer surgeries
• Holds a PhD in medical biology focusing on cancer and stem cell research
• Specialises in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery – managing the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts
• Trained other specialists in pancreatic surgery through the Turkish HPB Association
• Expert in laparoscopic techniques for faster patient recovery and smaller scars

The doctor graduated from Istanbul University, Istanbul Medicine Faculty in 2007 and completed a specialization in surgery at Sisli Etfal Education and Research Hospital in 2013. Further advancing their expertise, they joined the General Surgery Clinic at Istanbul Okan University in 2020.

With extensive experience in various medical institutions, the doctor has worked at Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Siverek State Hospital, and Anadolu Medical Center. They are a member of several prestigious organizations, including the European Society of Coloproctology and the Turkish Surgical Society.

The doctor holds numerous certifications, such as the Turkish Surgical Association Qualification Certificate and has completed advanced courses in endoscopy, bariatric surgery, and laser techniques for hemorrhoidal diseases.

Dr. Sertkaya graduated from Konya Meram Science High School in 2001 and entered Gazi University Medical Faculty the same year, graduating in 2008. He completed his urology specialization at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital in 2014, becoming a urology specialist.

Since becoming a specialist, he has focused on the sub-branch of Andrology, attending various training sessions and conferences and performing surgeries with some of the world's leading Andrology professors. In 2017, he passed the written and oral proficiency exams conducted by the European Association of Urology, earning the title of "FEBU."

In 2020, Dr. Sertkaya achieved the rank of Associate Professor of Urology. His journey in Urology and Andrology, which began in 2008, continues at the Andro Expertise Male Health and Aesthetics Center, which he founded in 2022. He sees patients in his own clinic and performs surgeries at affiliated hospitals.

Dr. Sedat Karademir is a general surgeon focused on hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery and liver transplantation. Since 2024, he has been a general surgery specialist and department coordinator at Anadolu Medical Centre Hospital. He previously led Organ Transplantation and HPB Surgery at Ankara Güven Hospital.

He graduated from Ege University Faculty of Medicine (1979–1985). He completed his residency at Izmir Atatürk Training and Research Hospital (1988–1993). He trained in organ transplantation as a clinical fellow at Rush-Presbyterian–St. Luke’s in Chicago (1994–1997). He also worked as a researcher with the UCLA Liver Transplant Program.

He served as associate professor and later professor of general surgery at Dokuz Eylul University. He was on the faculty of its Liver Transplantation and HPB Surgical Unit. His memberships include the Turkish Surgical Society, Turkish HPB Surgery Society, Liver Transplantation Society, IHPBA, and ELTR.

Professor Samet Yardimci is a specialist in gastrointestinal surgery who ranked first in Turkey's national surgical subspecialty exam.

• Trained at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston, focusing on oncological surgery
• Specialises in surgical gastroenterology – the surgical management of the entire digestive system
• Uses laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that reduces scarring and speeds up recovery
• Former educator at Marmara University, training the next generation of general surgeons
• Expertise in inflammatory bowel disease surgery and organ transplantation

Professor Halil Alis has performed over 1,100 surgical procedures and leads the general surgery team at Valued Med Hub Hospitals.

• Specialises in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery – focusing on conditions of the liver and pancreas
• Performs laparoscopic procedures – using small incisions for less post-operative pain and faster recovery
• International Active Member of the International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists, Oncologists
• Member of the International School of Surgical Oncology, contributing to research in pancreatic diseases

General Surgery 

Colorectal Surgery 

Obesity and Metabolic Surgery 

Medical Director 

Brief Curriculum Vitae 

I was born in Trabzon on 15.07.1969. After I attended Ismetpaşa Primary School and Cumhuriyet Secondary School, I was graduated from Trabzon High School. I had medical education and training in School of Medicine of Karadeniz Technical University from 1986 to 1992. I worked as medical practitioner in Alacahan subdistrict, Kangal District, Sivas City in 1992-1993 and in Sivas Police Headquarters to fulfill the conscription. I was assigned as Health Group Manager and Medical Practitioner in Dernekpazarı District of Trabzon in 1993-1994. I passed the Examination for Medical Specialty in 1995 and I had my residency training and education at Department of General Surgery in Istanbul School of Medicine of Istanbul University from 1995 to 2000. I was awarded the title of “General Surgeon” after I submitted the medical specialty thesis titled “Relationship between gastrointestinal tumors and HLA” in 2001. After I worked at a privately owned hospital in 2000-2002, I started working in General Surgery Clinic of Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital in 2003. I had rotation in General Surgery Clinic of School of Medicine in Istanbul University for 9 months in 2007. I was awarded the title “Associate Professor of General Surgery” in 2010. I undertook Management duties in Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital from November 2012 to December 2013 and in Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital from December 2013 to April 2015. I had been Head of Education and Administrative Affairs, General Surgery clinic at Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital since 2010. I am Medical Director and General Surgeon at VM Medical Park Florya Hospital in Istanbul Aydın University as of 2017. 

I have intentionally dealt with renal transplantation during my residency education. After I was awarded the title “medical specialist”, I participated to diagnostic & therapeutic endoscopy, bariatric surgery, laparoscopy and robotic surgery educations abroad for short periods. I am intensively dealing with any and all laparoscopic surgical procedures (especially bariatric and gastrointestinal system surgery) and diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound) in this clinic since 2003 and I also play the role of trainer. I do and train others about General Surgery procedures with Da Vinci Robotic system since 2010. 

I authored 74 papers that are published in SCI and SCI-e journals and 55 papers that are published in local journals, along with 7 book chapters and 86 papers presented in local congresses and 180 papers presented in international congresses. 

I am member of Turkish Surgical Association, Turkish Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Turkish Association of Endoscopic – Laparoscopic Surgery, Turkish Association of Obesity Surgery, Turkish Transplantation Centers Coordination Association and Istanbul Surgical Association. I am also member of International Active Member of Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), International Active Member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), International Active Member of International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists, Oncologists (IASGO), International Active Member of International School of Surgical Oncology (ISSO), International Active Member of International Federation Surgical Obesity (IFSO). 

Date of Birth: July 15th, 1969 

Educational Status: 

Bachelor’s Degree School of Medicine Karadeniz Technical University 1992 

Medical Specialty Department of General Surgery, Istanbul School of Medicine İstanbul University 2001 

Title of Medical Specialty Thesis (abstract is attached) and Supervisor: 

1. “Relationship between gastrointestinal tumors and HLA”. February 2001 Supervisor: Prof. Uluğ Eldegez, M.D. 

General Surgeon Büyük Anadolu Hospital 2001-2003 

General Surgeon Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2003-2006 

General Surgeon Istanbul University Emergency Surgery Clinic, Department of General Surgery, Istanbul School of Medicine 2006-9 months 

General Surgeon Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006-2010 

Associate Professor of General Surgery Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2010-…

Head of Training and Administrative Affairs, General Surgery Clinic Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2010 - …

 Doctorate thesis / proficiency in art studies supervised: 

1. Ede, B., “Changes in Thyroid Hormones After Thyroid Surgery”, Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006. 

2. Dodur B., “Factors Influencing Mortality and Morbidity in Gastrointestinal Bleeding” Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006. 

Duties undertaken in Projects: 

1. “Enteral Stents for Colonic Obstructions (ESCO): Prospective, randomized European multisentric study, comparing enteral stent followed by elective surgery versus emergency surgical treatment in malignant colonic obstruction. “ European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) Clinical Trial Center (CTC) Clinical Trial gov. Identifier: NCT00591695 

2. A phase III, randomized, double-blind, parallel group efficiency and safety study that compares safety and efficiency of oral dabigatran etexilate (150 mg BID) with warfarin (INR = 2.0-3.0) in semiannual treatment of acute symptomatic thromboembolism following initial treatment with a parenteral anticoagulant agent, which is approved for the relevant indication, minimum for five days – RECOVER II” Protocol code 1160.46

Editorialships: 

1. General Surgery Department, Advisory Board, Turkish Clinics Medical Sciences Journal, 2010 

2. “Global Journal of Surgery” Editorial Board 2010 

Scientific Organization Memberships: 

1. Turkish Surgical Association 

2. Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 

3. Turkish Association for Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgery 

4. Turkish Obesity Surgery Society 

5. Organ Transplantation Centers Coordination Association 

6. Istanbul Surgical Association 

7. International Active Member of Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). 

8. International Active Member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) 

9. International Active Member of International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists, Oncologists (IASGO). 

10. International Active Member of International School of Surgical Oncology (ISSO). 

11. International Active Member of International Fedaration Surgical Obesity (IFSO)

Professor Gokhan Yilmaz serves as a senior specialist at Medipol University Pendik Hospital, focusing on abdominal surgical oncology and glandular disorders.

• Specialises in hepatobiliary surgery covering complex cyst removals in the pancreas and liver
• Focuses on laparoscopic techniques – uses small incisions for less scarring and quicker hospital discharge
• Serves as Assistant Professor at Istanbul Medipol University, a top-tier medical training centre
• Trained at Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, a major surgical hub in Turkey

Dr. İlhami Soykan Barlas was born in the year 1977 in Istanbul Moda. He is graduated from Kadıköy Anadolu High School and Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine. He was awarded the title of General Surgery Specialist after completing his general surgery specialization in Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital in the year 2008. 

He went to Scotland 2 times in the years 2006-2007 and received advanced laparoscopic education. He awarded with ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey in the year 2009 for his contributions to the establishment of Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital Burn Center and for his related works. 

After completing his compulsory service at Kastamonu İnebolu State Hospital between the years 2009-2011, resigned from his duty at the state owned institutions, returned to Istanbul and started to work in private sector. He has been working as kidney transplant and general surgery specialist in Florence Nightingale group of hospitals since the year 2013. Since the year 2017, he has been serving as academic Doctor Lecturer in Faculty of Medicine of Demiroğlu Science University. He has more than 20 articles published in national and international journals in general surgery and kidney transplant and more than 30 proceedings that are submitted in national and international congresses. 

He also has been the book editor and chapter author on kidney transplant and he also has been chapter author in various surgery books. Dr Soykan Barlas has been awarded the title ‘General Surgery Associate Professor’ in the year 2020. Currently, he has been working within the organization of Medical Park Group of Hospitals .

 EXPERIENCES 

 İstanbul Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital 2003-2008 (Specialization Education ) 

 İstanbul Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital 2009 

 İnebolu State Hospital 2009-2011 (Compulsory Service Duty) 

 Private Hospitalium Şişli Hospital 2012-2013 

 Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Center 2013-2020 

 Demiroğlu Science University Faculty of Medicine Surgery Department Lecturer 2017- Present 

 İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Center 2020- Present 

 Private Osmanoğlu Hospital Şişli 2020-2022 Medical Park Göztepe Hospital 2022- present.

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES 

1.Soykan Barlas,ArzuAkan,YavuzEryavuz,GirayYavuz,SedatKamalı,Gülçin Kamalı: PrimaryHydatidosis of thegluteusmuscle:Report of a caseandreview of theliterature. Ind JSurg.2016; 78(2): 161–162. 

2.Metin Kement, Hakan Ahmet Acar, İlhami Soykan Barlas, Nihat Aksakal, Cem Gezen, Uygar Düzci, Mustafa Öncel: Clinical evaluation of a temporaryfecalcontainmentdevicefornonsurgicalfecaldiversion in perinealburns. Ulus Trauma Emergency Surgery Journal. 2011; 17(2): 123-127 

3.Bilgin Y, Hot S,BarlasIS,AkanA,Eryavuz Y:Short andlongtermresults of harmonicscalpelhemorrhoidectomyversusstaplerhemorrhoidopexy in treatment of hemorrhoidaldisease. Asian J Surg. 2015;38(4):214-9. 

4.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Sakaci T, Koc Y, Basturk T, Akin EB, Ecder T. NewOnsetDiabetesAfterKidneyTransplantationandPretransplantHypoma gnesemia.ProgTransplant. 2016 Mar;26(1):55-61. doi: 10.1177/1526924816633949. 

5.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Altunrende F, Akin EB, Ecder T. CalcifiedDouble J StentafterSequentialLiverandRenalTransplantationAssociatedtoprim aryOxalosis: Case Report. BANTAO journal, 2015;13(2), 97-99. 

6.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, KuskuCabuk F, Akin EB, Ecder T. A veryraretumor in a renaltransplantdonorcandidate: primarymesentericneuroendocrinetumor.InternationalJournal Of AdvancesIn Case Reports, 2015;2(4):244-249 

7.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Akin EB, Ecder T. Shouldtransplantureter be stentedroutinelyor not?EurRevMedPharmacolSci. 2014;18(23):3551-6. 

8.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Koc Y, Basturk T, Sakaci T, Akin EB, Ecder T. Theincidence of newonsetdiabetesaftertransplantationandrelatedfactors: Singlecenterexperience. Nefrologia, 2017;37(2):181-188. 

9.Akin EB, Aydogdu I, Barlas IS. Introducing RobotAssistedLaparoscopicDonorNephrectomyAfterExperienceInHandAssistedRetroperitoneoscopicApproach. TransplantProceedings 2019;51, 2221-222. 

10. Barlas IS, Aydogdu I, Sinangil A, Atan Ucar Z, Koc Y, Sardogan C, Akin EB. IncisionalComplicationsandCosmetic Evaluation AfterHand-AssistedRetroperitoneoscopicDonorNephrectomy. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2215-2220. 

11. Barlas IS, Aydogdu I, Sinangil A, Atan Ucar Z, Koc Y, Ecder T, Akin EB. HandAssistedNephretomyPredisposesIncisionalHerniationInObeseL ivingDonors. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2210-2214. 

12.Sinangil A, Atan Ucar Z, KocY, Barlas IS, Abouzahir S,Ecder ST, Akin EB. TheOutcome of DesensitizationTherapy in Immunologically High-risk KidneyTransplantation: Single-Center Experience. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2268-2273 

13.GodeOguten E, Barlas IS, Akin EB. MentalDistressSymptomsand Life SatisfactionamongLivingKidneyDonors: FrequencyandAssociationwithSubjectiveEvaluations. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2232-2236 

14. Atan Ucar Z,Sinangil A, Koc Y, Barlas IS, AbouzahirS, Ecder T, Akin EB. TheClinicalPrognosis Of TheRenalRetransplantPatients: A Single Center Experience. TransplantProceedings 2019;51, 2274- 2278. 

15. Barlas IS, Demir M, Akın EB. A single-center nineyearexperience in pediatrickidneytransplantation. Cumhuriyet MedicalJournal 2020; 42 (1), 126-135

Professor Ibrahim Aliosmanoglu has completed over 2,000 hepatobiliary operations with a 95 per cent success rate. He leads the organ transplantation unit at Medical Park Antalya.

• Specialises in hepatobiliary surgery involving the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts
• Former manager of the liver and pancreas transplantation unit at Akdeniz University
• Achieved a 90 per cent success rate across 1,000 liver transplant procedures
• Researched protective treatments for pancreatic and hepatic damage
• Trained at Uludag and Baskent University faculties of medicine

Associate Professor Levent Kaptanoglu is a specialist in hepatobiliary surgery at VM Medical Park, focusing on complex digestive system conditions. He completed a prestigious surgical fellowship at Northwestern University in the United States.

• Treats pancreatic cysts and diseases within the hepatobiliary system
• Practises at VM Medical Park Pendik – a high-volume surgical centre
• Member of the American Society for Transplantation
• Former Chief Assistant at Kartal Training and Research Hospital
• Maintains international surgical standards as a member of the German Society of Surgery

The doctor is a seasoned general surgeon with extensive experience in various prestigious institutions. The doctor has been affiliated with the Istanbul Medipol University General Surgery Clinic and has contributed to the Turkish Colon and Rectum Surgery Society and the Turkish Ostomy Surgery Society. The doctor also has a background in the Malatya Gastrointestinal Surgery Society.

Education includes a medical degree from Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Medicine, and general surgery training at Istanbul Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital.

Professor Yahya Ozel trained in hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery at Tokyo University Hospital – a global leader in complex abdominal procedures.

• Specialises in pancreatic surgery and managing hepatobiliary diseases affecting the liver and pancreas
• Uses surgical endoscopy and ERCP – a technique to diagnose and treat pancreatic duct blockages
• Skilled in laparoscopic surgery using small incisions for faster patient recovery and less scarring
• Holds the Turkish Surgical Proficiency Certificate for high standards in surgical practice
• Former academic faculty member at Dogus University – trained the next generation of specialist surgeons

Professor Hanifi Onalan is a senior surgical expert at Atlas University Hospital with specialized training in endoscopic diagnosis and treatment.

• Performs ERCP – a specialized procedure to examine and treat bile ducts and pancreatic issues without open surgery
• Certified in videoendoscopy – uses cameras for high-definition imaging of internal cysts and digestive organs
• Specialises in laparoscopic hernia and gastric surgery – focuses on smaller incisions for faster patient recovery
• Based at Atlas University Hospital – a leading medical training and research centre in Turkey

Professor Mehmet Tahir Oruç is a surgical leader who trained at the University of Pittsburgh's hepatobiliary division – a global hub for complex liver and pancreas care.

• Specialises in hepatobiliary surgery focusing on the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas
• Professor at İstinye University – one of Turkey's leading medical faculties
• Completed laparoscopic gastrointestinal training at the Cuschieri Skills Centre in Scotland
• Member of the Association of Endoscopic Laparoscopic Surgeons
• Former Chief of Surgery at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital

The doctor graduated from Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, with medical education in English. She completed her residency in the General Surgery Department at Marmara University. Her clinical focus includes the treatment of breast pain, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, pilonidal sinus, and lipomas. She employs advanced techniques such as laser and Longo hemorrhoid surgeries, as well as local laparoscopic day surgery for pilonidal sinus. The doctor has contributed to local and international medical journals and participated in numerous congresses.

Education and Specialization

Republic University Faculty of Medicine

Republic University Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Surgery Specialization - Expertise

Experience

Karabük Women's and Children's Hospital Pediatric Surgery Clinic (Specialist Doctor)

Karabük State Hospital Pediatric Surgery Clinic (Specialist Doctor)

Karabük University Faculty of Medicine Training and Research Hospital Pediatric Surgery Department (University Lecturer)

Professional Memberships

Pediatric Surgery Association

Pediatric Urology Association

Courses and Certificates

Presentation Techniques Course, 2018 Istanbul

Neuromarketing Course, 2018 Istanbul

IMS Data Training Course, 2018 Istanbul

Incontinence Course, 2017 Antalya

Cerebral Palsy Children's Symposium, 2013, Karabük

Doubtful Genital Structure Meeting in Child, 2012, Karabük

Workshop International Hypospadias, 2012, Istanbul

Abdominal and Colorectal Surgery in Children, 2010, Istanbul

Current Approaches to Lower Urinary System Diseases Symposium, 2009, Kırıkkale

Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Symposium in Children, 2009, Malatya

Basic Intensive Care Training Course, 2009, Sivas

Protective Child Health Nutrition and Alternative Medicine Applications Symposium, 2008, Kırıkkale

Newborn Resuscitation Program, 2007, Sivas

Thorax Course in Children, 2007, Çeşme

The doctor has extensive experience in general surgery, having worked at Taksim Training and Research Hospital General Surgery Clinic from 2001 to 2006. This was followed by roles at Nigde State Hospital, Selimpaşa Emergency and Traumatology Hospital, and Basaksehir State Hospital, where the doctor honed skills in emergency medicine and traumatology. The doctor's career reflects a strong focus on surgical procedures and emergency medical care.

Professor Ertan Emek focuses on pancreatic surgery and minimally invasive oncology at Valued Med Hub Hospitals, having trained at Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine.

• Specialises in hepatobiliary surgery covering the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas
• Uses minimally invasive oncological surgery – smaller incisions for quicker recovery times
• Expert in complex abdominal procedures including liver and kidney transplantations
• Qualified at the prestigious Istanbul University Department of General Surgery
• Manages both benign and malignant conditions affecting the pancreatic system

Professor Cemaleddin Ertekin is a leading specialist in pancreatico-biliary surgery at Valued Med Hub Hospitals. He focuses on complex disorders of the pancreas and bile ducts.

• Performs endoscopic diagnostic treatment – uses tiny cameras for precise internal imaging and biopsies
• Professor at Istanbul University – teaches the next generation of general surgeons
• Expert in gastroenterology surgery – manages conditions involving the entire digestive tract
• Specialises in trauma and emergency surgery for critical abdominal cases