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Best Spina Bifida Surgery Doctors in Turkey for Australians

Compare top Spina Bifida surgery doctors and prices in Turkey. Find your best match here.

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Top doctors

13

Turkey

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Turkey
Ukraine
Czech Republic
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Poland
Thailand
AUD $8,234 - AUD $12,918
AUD $21,294 - AUD $35,490
AUD $21,294 - AUD $42,588
AUD $26,262 - AUD $48,976
AUD $28,392 - AUD $42,588
AUD $35,490 - AUD $63,882
AUD $0
AUD $11,357
AUD $22,713
AUD $34,070
AUD $45,427
AUD $56,784

What Bookimed patients actually pay for Spina Bifida surgery in Turkey

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$12K+

$16K+

AUD $10,789 – AUD $16,325

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Hasan Ozgur Ozdemir

  • 24 years of experience
  • Location: Turkey, Antalya
  • Professor Hasan Ozgur Ozdemir is a highly decorated neurosurgeon who took first place in the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Proficiency Exam. He currently treats patients at Medical Park Antalya Hospital Complex.

    • Specialises in endoscopic brain surgery – a less invasive approach for complex neural conditions
    • Expertise in spinal tumours and fractures within the lumbar and cervical regions
    • Member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society and the Turkish Medical Association
    • Tsun-set trained in minimally invasive surgery techniques
    • Completed his medical education at the English-language Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
  • Read more
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Price on request

Erkan Kaptanoglu

  • 34 years of experience
  • Location: Turkey, Istanbul
  • 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 paediatric neurosurgery and complex spinal cord reconstruction
    • Former Chairman of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group
    • Leads the Istanbul Brain and Spine Centre for complex surgical cases
    • Winner of multiple scientific awards for spinal cord regeneration research
    • Expertise in stem cell therapy and surgical management of spinal deformities
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Emad Abdallah

  • 14 years of experience
  • Location: Turkey, Bursa
  • Professor Emad Abdallah is a neurosurgery specialist at Turan Turan Health Group with a dedicated focus on paediatric conditions and spinal restoration.

    • Completed specialised training in paediatric neurosurgery to treat complex congenital conditions
    • Researched therapeutic spinal cord treatments involving Platelet Rich Plasma and Chondroitinase abc
    • Mastered minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques to reduce recovery times and scarring
    • Participated in the Mehmet Zileli advanced spinal surgery programme for complex cases
    • Author of published research on lumbar disc health and neurosurgical outcomes
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Price on request

Selman Dogan

  • 5 Excellent 1 review
  • 20 years of experience
  • Location: Turkey, Istanbul
  • The doctor is an experienced orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and shoulder replacement, serving international patients in Turkey. With expertise in managing trauma treatments of the spine and extremities, the doctor focuses on sports traumatology, including ligament and tendon injuries of the knee, such as meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

    Graduating from Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, and completing residency at Istanbul Umraniye Teaching and Research Hospital, the doctor also studied Orthopedic Oncology at Goztepe Teaching and Research Hospital. Areas of interest include lower and upper extremity trauma surgery, spinal surgery, hip and knee arthroplasty, and the treatment of childhood conditions like pes equinovarus and hip dysplasia.

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Gursel Saka

  • 29 years of experience
  • Location: Turkey, Istanbul
  • The doctor completed medical education at Karadeniz Technical University and specialized at the University of Health Sciences, Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital. With a focus on spine surgery, trauma surgery, and arthroplasty, the doctor has a particular interest in pelvis-acetabulum surgery. The doctor has performed numerous successful operations in orthopedics and traumatology. In 2014, the doctor was a finalist in the Tubitak XI Technology Awards. Currently, the doctor serves patients at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental Orthopedics and Traumatology Department.

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Ilhan Elmaci

  • 5 Excellent 3 reviews
  • 39 years of experience
  • accreditations:
  • Location: Turkey, Istanbul
  • Professor Ilhan Elmaci brings elite international credentials to spina bifida care, having trained in micro-neurosurgery under the world-renowned Professor Gazi Yasargil at Zurich University.

    • Completed advanced neuro-oncology and vascular neurosurgery fellowships at Johns Hopkins University in the US
    • Founded the Turkish Skull Base Society and serves on the European Skull Base Society executive committee
    • Uses advanced neuronavigation and neuromonitoring to protect nerve function during complex spinal procedures
    • Led the first neurosurgery clinic in Turkey to receive European Association of Neurosurgical Societies accreditation
  • Read more
Doctor's visit
Price on request

Dogan Gucluhan Guclu

  • 23 years of experience
  • accreditation:
  • Location: Turkey, Istanbul
  • Associate Professor Dogan Gucluhan Guclu is a leading neurosurgeon who served as Clinical Administrative Officer at the prestigious Bakirkoy Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital.

    • Completed advanced training in less-invasive spine surgery and spinal deformity at Saint Louis University
    • Expertise in spinal and peripheral nerve surgery recognised by the Turkish Neurosurgical Society
    • Extensive academic background with 6 book chapters and 31 medical publications
    • Specialises in pediatric neurosurgery and complex spinal decompression techniques
    • Active member of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies
  • Read more
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Azmi Hamzaoglu

  • 5 Excellent 1 review
  • 43 years of experience
  • Location: Turkey, Istanbul
  • Professor Hamzaoglu founded Turkey's first spine surgery centre and leads the Istanbul Scoliosis and Spine Center as a top orthopaedic specialist.

    • Trained at the Minnesota Spine Center in the United States
    • Completed advanced surgical residency at the University of Hokkaido in Japan
    • Specialises in orthopaedics and traumatology for complex spinal deformities
    • Former Head of department at Istanbul University's medical faculty
    • Established a dedicated centre focused on innovative surgical techniques for the spine
  • Read more
Doctor's visit
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Hakan Ozalp

  • 34 years of experience
  • Location: Turkey, Istanbul
  • Professor Hakan Ozalp is a senior neurosurgeon at Medipol Bahçelievler University Hospital who specialises in complex surgical interventions for the brain and spine.

    • Trained at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine as a brain and surgery specialist
    • Completed a fellowship at the University of Insubria in Italy
    • Previously served as a lecturer and specialist at Mersin University Faculty of Medicine
    • Has extensive experience managing neurosurgical cases at major private and training hospitals
  • Read more
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Cevdet Gokcek

  • 14 years of experience
  • Location: Turkey, Istanbul
  • Assistant Professor Cevdet Gokcek is a highly skilled neurosurgeon at Medipol University Pendik Hospital who specializes in complex paediatric brain and spine anomalies.

    • Maintains a success rate of 90 to 95 per cent for intricate newborn and paediatric neurosurgeries
    • Uses micro-neurosurgery and endoscopic techniques to treat myelomeningocele and other congenital spine conditions
    • Completed advanced neuro-endoscopy training at Ghent University in Belgium to perform minimally invasive procedures
    • Published 17 research articles and serves as a member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society
  • Read more
Doctor's visit
Price on request

Erkam Komurcu

  • 22 years of experience
  • Location: Turkey, Istanbul
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erkam Kömürcü is an experienced orthopedic surgeon. He specializes in orthopedics and traumatology. He has been board-certified by the Turkish Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (TOTEK) since 2010. He earned the title of Associate Professor in 2015.

    Dr. Kömürcü has strong expertise in hand and upper extremity injuries, spine surgery, sports injuries, pediatric orthopedics, and musculoskeletal tumors. He completed clinical fellowships, including one at the UCLA Spine Center. He has published over 35 international peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. His work has made a significant impact on orthopedic literature.

    He is an active member of several professional societies, such as the Turkish Spine Society and the Turkish Society of Sports Injuries. Dr. Kömürcü has also held important academic and administrative positions. He has trained many medical students and residents.

  • Read more
Package price fromAUD $8,518

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Bookimed Insights: Top Spina Bifida surgery Specialists in Turkey for Australians (2026)

Bookimed helps Australian patients find top Spina Bifida surgery surgeons in Turkey, collaborating with 13 leading specialists. The doctors in this ranking are selected based on their international credentials, clinical expertise, English proficiency, number of performed cases, and patient outcomes. The 2026 ranking is formed using verified data from actual patient cases — including reviews from Australian travellers — and current programmes from our partner clinics. All prices are displayed in AUD for easy comparison with Spina Bifida surgery costs in Australia.
RankDoctorexperienceGood Fit ForWhat Sets Them ApartClinic & LocationConsultation
#124 years of experienceMinimally invasive spinal and brain surgeryRanked first in the national neurosurgery proficiency exam. He specialises in endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques for the spine and brain, focusing on reducing recovery times for complex neural cases.
Turkey
Price on request
#234 years of experienceComplex paediatric spinal surgeryHeld a research fellowship at the University of Toronto specialising in spinal cord regeneration. He is a PhD-qualified specialist who has chaired national spinal surgery boards.
Turkey
Price on request
#314 years of experiencePaediatric spinal surgical casesPractises at Turan Turan Health Group with focused training in paediatric neurosurgery and minimally invasive spinal techniques. He has conducted advanced research into spinal cord injury recovery and therapeutic regeneration.
Turkey
Price on request
#439 years of experienceComplex spinal microsurgeryTrained at Johns Hopkins and Zurich University. He uses advanced surgical navigation to protect nerve pathways during spinal reconstructions, with over 110 international scientific papers published on neurological outcomes.
Turkey
from AUD $532
#523 years of experiencePediatric spinal deformity and decompressionExtensive training at the Cleveland Clinic and Saint Louis University in spinal deformity and less-invasive techniques. Former Clinical Administrative Officer with over 30 published research works.
Turkey
Price on request
#643 years of experienceComplex spinal deformitiesFounded the first dedicated spine surgery centre in Turkey. His international training in Japan and the US informs his approach to treating severe spinal malformations and congenital conditions.
Turkey
Price on request
#734 years of experienceComplex congenital spine malformationsProfessor Ozalp brings academic rigour to neurosurgery. His international training at the University of Insubria in Italy and senior lecturing background make him a reliable choice for delicate spina bifida repairs.
Turkey
Price on request
#814 years of experienceComplex myelomeningocele and paediatric casesMaintains a 90 to 95 per cent success rate in neonatal and paediatric spine anomaly surgeries. Trained in advanced neuro-endoscopy in Belgium to perform minimally invasive procedures on delicate nervous systems.
Turkey
Price on request

FAQ

These FAQs come from real patients seeking medical assistance through Bookimed. Answers are given by experienced medical coordinators and trusted clinic representatives.

What level of experience and qualifications do Spina Bifida surgeons in Turkey have?

Spina Bifida surgeons in Turkey hold advanced certifications and often possess over 30 years of clinical experience. These specialists undergo approximately 12 years of training. Many completed fellowships at prestigious institutions like the University of Toronto, UCLA Spine Center, and Johns Hopkins University.

  • Academic leadership: Surgeons serve as professors and heads of neurosurgery at top Turkish medical universities.
  • International credentials: Many hold certifications from the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS).
  • Research contributions: Top doctors have published 110+ scientific papers and edited major neurosurgery textbooks.
  • Multidisciplinary expertise: Teams combine pediatric neurosurgery with orthopedic oncology and specialized spinal cord regeneration.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish neurosurgery stands out due to the high concentration of specialists with diverse international training backgrounds. For instance, Dr. Ilhan Elmaci at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital trained in Zurich, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. Similarly, Dr. Erkan Kaptanoglu completed a specialized spinal cord injury fellowship at the University of Toronto. This cross-border training allows Turkish surgeons to apply various global techniques to complex congenital spine cases.

Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to choose specialists who work within multidisciplinary teams. They emphasize the relief of finding surgeons who manage every aspect of care. This includes addressing related issues like hydrocephalus and tethered cord in one hospital.

Which hospitals are known for having qualified Spina Bifida surgeons in Turkey?

Top hospitals in Turkey for Spina Bifida surgery include Istanbul Florence Nightingale and Hisar Hospital Intercontinental. These JCI-accredited facilities feature specialized neurosurgery units. Qualified surgeons often hold international fellowships from institutions like UCLA or the Cleveland Clinic. This ensures access to advanced microsurgical and endoscopic techniques.

  • Specialized expertise: Dr. Ilhan Elmaci at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital is an expert in microsurgical techniques.
  • Advanced training: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erkam Komurcu completed specialized spinal surgery training at UCLA Spine Center.
  • Complex case management: Dr. Gursel Saka at Hisar Hospital specializes in complex congenital spinal conditions.
  • Academic leadership: Many lead surgeons serve as professors at major institutions like Medipol University.

Bookimed Expert Insight: A key trend among premier Turkish surgeons is their extensive international academic background. For instance, Dr. Ilhan Elmaci trained in micro neurosurgery under Professor M. Gazi Yaşargil in Zurich and studied neurooncology at Johns Hopkins. This level of global exposure allows Turkish clinics to offer highly specialized care typically found in major Western medical centers.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the need for a full team that includes pediatric anesthesia and neonatal ICU support. They often feel more confident in large university-affiliated hospitals where follow-up care for shunts and wound management is readily available. Experience with complex myelomeningocele cases is noted as a vital factor when choosing a specialist.

Do surgeons in Turkey offer prenatal (fetal) repair for spina bifida?

Qualified neurosurgeons in Turkey perform prenatal spina bifida repair using advanced in-utero closure techniques. These procedures focus on myelomeningocele repair to protect the spinal cord from amniotic fluid. Highly specialized teams at JCI-accredited hospitals manage these complex surgeries between 19 and 26 weeks of gestation.

  • Surgical methods: Teams utilize open fetal surgery or minimally invasive fetoscopic repair techniques.
  • Integrated specialty care: Procedures require perinatologists, pediatric neurosurgeons, and neonatologists working in unified programs.
  • Advanced credentials: Surgeons like Dr. Cevdet Gokcek hold specialized fetal spinal repair training from Ghent University.
  • Safety protocols: Specialized centers include intensive maternal-fetal monitoring and high-level neonatal intensive care units.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows Turkish neurosurgeons often have deep international training specifically for fetal anomalies. Dr. Ilhan Elmaci established comprehensive fetal repair protocols after training at Johns Hopkins and Zurich. Dr. Cevdet Gokcek even reports a 100% success rate in fetal surgery techniques at Medipol University Pendik Hospital. This indicates that Turkey offers expertise levels comparable to leading Western fetal surgery centers.

Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize that successful fetal repair relies on an integrated NICU and maternal-fetal medicine team. Patients note that this is not a routine procedure and requires staying near the hospital for several weeks. They often suggest asking doctors exactly how many prenatal repairs their specific team performs each year.

How quickly can a Turkish spina-bifida surgeon operate after birth?

Turkish spina bifida surgeons typically operate within 24 to 48 hours after birth. Specialists act quickly to close the spinal opening. This rapid intervention helps protect the nervous system. Early surgery also reduces the chance of infections. Some centers even perform fetal surgery before week 26.

  • Surgical timing: Most procedures occur within the first two days after delivery.
  • Newborn stabilization: Doctors confirm the baby is stable before beginning anesthesia.
  • Combined treatments: Surgeons can address hydrocephalus using shunting during the same session.
  • Fetal intervention: Prenatal options are available at specialized centers before the 26th week.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish specialists often hold dual expertise in neurosurgery and pediatric orthopedics. For example, Dr. Ilhan Elmaci at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital trained at Johns Hopkins and Zurich. This international training allows surgeons to manage both the spinal cord closure and associated skeletal issues simultaneously. Prof. Dr. Cevdet Gokcek brings 30+ years of experience to these complex neonatal cases.

Patient Consensus: Parents note that surgery feels fast but only starts once the baby is medically stable. They emphasize the importance of having a neonatal intensive care unit ready immediately. Many felt relieved when the surgical team protected the spinal lesion right after birth.

What does the patient–doctor relationship look like when receiving care in Turkey?

Turkish healthcare combines high-level medical expertise with a host-guest dynamic. Doctors often treat patients as guests rather than clients, showing deep concern for well-being. This relationship is typically result-focused, balancing authoritative surgical guidance with warm, empathetic interactions between clinical teams and families.

  • Academic authority: Leading surgeons like Dr. Cevdet Gokcek often hold prestigious academic and teaching roles.
  • International training: Many specialists carry fellowships from top institutions like the UCLA Spine Center.
  • Result-driven care: Trust is built through surgical precision and responsiveness rather than long social dialogues.
  • Coordinated support: Translators and patient coordinators manage communication to bridge any potential language barriers.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Analysis of leading specialists like Prof. Dr. Ilhan Elmaci and Dr. Azmi Hamzaoglu shows a pattern of international collaboration. These experts often bring techniques from institutions like Johns Hopkins or the Minnesota Spine Center directly to their Istanbul clinics. For patients, this means the relationship is built on a foundation of global surgical standards rather than just local practices.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that surgeons often appear very direct and fast-moving, which is usually seen as a sign of professional confidence. They appreciate when the medical team uses plain language to explain complex imaging and recovery steps. Real experiences show that while the surgeon focuses on the procedure, dedicated coordinators handle most daily logistical needs.