Best Gamma Knife Doctors Abroad for Australian Patients

Professor Mehmet Osman Akcakaya is a highly specialized neurosurgeon who completed a prestigious clinical fellowship in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery at Hannover Medical School in Germany.

• Specialises in precise Gamma Knife radiation for complex brain conditions
• Expert in microsurgery of peripheral nerves following advanced training in Tel Aviv
• Professor at Demiroglu Bilim University Medical Faculty, training the next generation of surgeons
• Leads the neurosurgery team at the JCI-accredited Florence Nightingale Hospital
• Maintains a strong focus on functional neurosurgery and neurological restoration

Neurosurgery Training: Gazi University, Department of Neurosurgery, 2011 

H index: 10, I10 Index: 12 Citations: 296

 Dr Mehmet Tonge has international and nationwide 32 publications, 12 book chapters, 92 oral and poster presentations and 41 invited lectures, mostly on Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. 

Work & Training experience:

2004-2011: Gazi University, Department of Neurosurgery (Residency)

 2008: Zurich University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery (Intraoperative MRI applications), Switzerland 

2008: Zurich University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery: Microneurosurgery, white matter dissection, interventional neuroradiology courses, Switzerland 

2011 – 2012: Sinop Ataturk State Hospital, Neurosurgeon

 2012 – 2013: Cankiri State Hospital, Neurosurgeon 

2013 – 2014: Istanbul Medipol University, Department of Neurosurgery & Gamma Knife Center (Ass Prof) 

2013 – now: Maastricht University Neurosurgery & Neuroscience Department (Visiting scientist, PhDc) The Netherlands 

2014: Maastricht University, The Netherlands: Deep Brain Stimulation Fellowship 2014-2018: Istanbul Memorial Hospital Neurosurgery: Staff Neurosurgeon

 2016-2018: Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital (Consultant, Gamma Knife Center) 

2018-now: Istanbul Medipol University (Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery, Gamma Knife Center) Ass. Prof.) 

Dr Mehmet Tonge has completed 4-year cycle EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) Training courses. 

Clinical areas of interest:

 • Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery

 • Surgery for movement disorders

• * MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

 • Gamma Knife Radiosurgery 

• Surgery for pain & spasticity 

• Psychosurgery

Research areas of interest: 

• Deep brain stimulation

• * MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

 • Stereotactic radiosurgery 

Administrative duties:

 • Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Sterotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Section: Board member 2015- 2017 

• Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Sterotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Section: Board member (Secretary) 2017-2019

 • Turkish Skull Base Society: Board member 2016-2018

 • Turkish Skull Base Society: Supervisory board member 2018-2020

 • Deep Brain Stimulation and Movement Disorders Surgery Society: Executive Board Member, (Accountant) 2023-still 

Memberships: 

• WSSFN (World Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Society) 

• ESSFN (European Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Society)

 • Deep Brain Stimulation and Movement Disorders Surgery Society

 • Deep Brain Stimulation Society 

• International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society 

• Leksell Gamma Knife Society 

• EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) 

• Turkish Neurosurgical Society

• Turkish Skull Base Society

Sample Publications: 

1. Tonge M. Technological developments in electric based DBS. Deep Brain Stimulation 2024 4(36-41) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdbs.2023.12.001 

2. Akgul E, Onan HB, Islek I, Tonge M, Durmus Y, Barburoglu M, Azizova A, Erol C, Hakyemez B, Sencer S, Aydin K, Arat A. Flow diverter stents in the treatment of recanalized intracranial aneurysms. Interv Neuroradiol. 2021 Aug;27(4):481-489. doi: 10.1177/1591019921990507. Epub 2021 Jan 28. PMID: 33509011; PMCID: PMC8580529. 

3. Mulders AEP, Temel Y, Tonge M, Schaper FLWVJ, van Kranen-Mastenbroek V,Ackermans L, Kubben P, Janssen MLF, Duits A. The association between surgical characteristics and cognitive decline following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2021 Jan;200:106341. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106341. Epub 2020 Nov 3. PMID: 33160716. 

4. Wetzelaer P, Vlis T, Tonge M, Ackermans L, Kubben P, Evers S, Kocabicak E, Temel Y. Management of Hardware Related Infections after DBS Surgery: A Cost Analysis. Turk Neurosurg. 2018;28(6):929- 933. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.21511-17.1. PMID: 29465741. 

5. Bedirli N, Emmez G, Ünal Y, Tönge M, Emmez H. Effects of positive end- expiratory pressure on intracranial pressure during pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in a porcine mode. Turk J Med Sci. 2017 Nov 13;47(5):1610-1615. doi: 10.3906/sag-1609-17. PMID: 29152942. 

6. Sari R, Tonge M, Bolukbasi FH, Onoz M, Baskan O, Silav G, Elmaci I. Management of Failed Cranioplasty. Turk Neurosurg. 2017;27(2):201-207. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.15395-15.0. PMID: 27593759. 

7. Tonge M, Kocabicak E, Ackermans L, Kuijf M, Temel Y. Final Electrode Position in Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: A Comparison of Indirect and Direct Targeting Methods. Turk Neurosurg. 2016;26(6):900-903. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.13739-14.1. PMID: 27337232. 

8. Tonge M, Ackermans L, Kocabicak E, van Kranen-Mastenbroek V, Kuijf M, Oosterloo M, Kubben P, Temel Y. A detailed analysis of intracerebral hemorrhages in DBS surgeries. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2015 Dec;139:183-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2015.10.017. Epub 2015 Oct 23. PMID: 26513430. 

9. Silav G, Bölükbaşı FH, Özek E, Tönge M, Önöz M, Elmacı İ. A Simple Technique for Bone Storage after Decompressive Craniectomy in Children. Pediatr Neurosurg. 2015;50(3):161-4. doi: 10.1159/000381748. Epub 2015 May 14. PMID: 25998533. 

10. Yilmaz MB, Donmez H, Tonge M, Senol S, Tekiner A. Vertebrojugular arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysm formation due to penetrating vertebral artery injury: case report and review of the literature. Turk Neurosurg. 2015;25(1):141-5. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.8247-13.1. PMID: 25640560. 

11. Kurt G, Tönge M, Çeltıkçı E, Çapraz I, Serdaroğlu A, Bılır E. Surgery for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy: experience of a single institution. Turk J Med Sci. 2014;44(5):866-70. doi: 10.3906/sag-1307- 30. PMID: 25539559. 

12. Yılmaz MB, Tönge M, Emmez H, Kaymaz F, Kaymaz M. Neuroprotective effects of quetiapine on neuronal apoptosis following experimental transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2013 Jul;54(1):1-7. doi: 10.3340/jkns.2013.54.1.1. Epub 2013 Jul 31. PMID: 24044072; PMCID: PMC3772279. 

13. Yilmaz MB, Egemen E, Tonge M, Kaymaz M. Transoral protrusion of a peritoneal catheter due to gastric perforation 10 years after a ventriculoperitoneal shunting: case report and review of the literature. Turk Neurosurg. 2013;23(2):285-8. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.4904-11.1. PMID: 23546921. 

14. Omerhodzic I, Tonge M, Matos B, Musabeliu E, Raspanti C, Ferdinandov D, Galimova R, Muroi C, Balik V, Kursumovic A. Neurosurgical training programme in selected European countries: from the young neurosurgeons' point of view. Turk Neurosurg. 2012;22(3):286-93. doi: 10.5137/1019- 5149.JTN.5133-11.0. PMID: 22664994. 

15. Ergun E, Kurt G, Tonge M, Aytar H, Tas M, Baykaner K, Ceviker N. Effects of phenytoin sodium on dura mater healing in a rat model of CSF leakage. Turk Neurosurg. 2011;21(4):471-6. PMID: 22194102. 

16. Emmez H, Tonge M, Tokgoz N, Durdag E, Gonul I, Cevıker N. Radiological and histopathological comparison of microporous polysaccharide hemospheres and oxidized regenerated cellulose in the rabbit brain: a study of efficacy and safety. Turk Neurosurg. 2010 Oct;20(4):485-91. doi: 10.5137/1019- 5149.JTN.3300-10.2. PMID: 20963698. 

17. Emmez H, Yildirim Z, Kale A, Tönge M, Durdağ E, Börcek AO, Uçankuş LN, Doğulu F, Kiliç N, Baykaner MK. Anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of α-lipoic acid on spinal cord ischemiareperfusion injury in rabbits. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2010 Sep;152(9):1591-600; discussion 1600-1. doi: 10.1007/s00701-010-0703-9. Epub 2010 Jun 10. PMID: 20535507. 

18. Kurt G, Tonge M, Börcek AO, Karahacioglu E, Gurel O, Baykaner K, Ceviker N, Aykol S. Fractionated gamma knife radiosurgery for optic nerve tumors: a technical report. Turk Neurosurg. 2010 Apr;20(2):241-6. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.1681-09.3. PMID: 20401852. 

19. Emmez H, Kale A, Tönge M, Cakir A, Ceviker N. Two meningiomas with different histological grades in the same patient. Case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2010;50(8):686-8. doi: 10.2176/nmc.50.686. PMID: 20805656.

Dr. Siriporn Cheawchanwej is an aesthetic and anti-aging physician. She holds a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and completed advanced training at the School of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and in Facial Design at Mae Fah Luang University.

Her international training includes Restylane seminars in Sweden (2006–2008) and the International Symposium of Botulinum Toxin in Korea. She also attended the Asia Pacific Rhinoplasty Expert Forum in Seoul, the International Congress of Minimal Invasive Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Seoul, and IMCAS Asia 2009.

Dr Ramazan Uyar is an award-winning neurosurgeon at Medical Park Antalya who received the prestigious Dr Cengiz Cetin thesis prize for his work on vagus nerve stimulation.

• Specialises in neuro-oncology, focusing on complex brain and spinal cord tumours
• Expertise in surgical management of aneurysms and hydrocephalus
• Trained at the Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine and Göztepe Training Hospital
• Managed neurological surgical units as a former Chief Physician at several state hospitals
• Focuses on both adult and paediatric neurosurgical cases

Professor Hasan Ozgur Ozdemir earned first place in the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Proficiency Exam, marking him as a top-tier specialist in his field.

• Specialises in endoscopic brain surgery and vascular operations for aneurysms
• Extensive background in treating brain and spine tumours at Medical Park Antalya
• Completed advanced training in minimally invasive surgery techniques
• Member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society and the Turkish Medical Association
• Former Associate Professor at Baskent University Department of Neurosurgery

Dr. Bugra Bilge Keseroglu specializes in robotic and laparoscopic urology. His robotic work includes radical prostatectomy (conventional and Retzius-sparing), radical cystectomy, sacrocolpopexy, and Burch colposuspension. His laparoscopic work includes radical prostatectomy with lymph node dissection, radical cystectomy, sacrocolpopexy, and Burch colposuspension. He also performs laparoscopic nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, all endourological surgeries (stone surgery and endoscopic procedures), HOLEP, and female incontinence surgery.

Education: Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine, 1990–1996. Specialization: S.B. Ankara Training and Research Hospital, 1997–2002. Experience: Yozgat State Hospital, 2002–2006 and 2012–2016; Yozgat Private Hospital, 2006–2011; S.B. Ankara Training and Research Hospital, 2016–2019; Bilkent City Hospital, 2019–2024.

Associate Professor Ozdogan Selcuk completed a highly prestigious clinical fellowship under Professor Gazi Yasargil – the surgeon widely recognised as the father of modern neurosurgery.

• Holds a PhD in Molecular Medicine from Yeditepe University
• Trained at Saint Louis University in the USA for advanced neurosurgical techniques
• Specialises in neuro-oncology and the treatment of complex brain tumours
• Member of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies
• Active member of the Turkish Neurosurgery Society's Neurovascular and Neuro-oncology groups

The doctor completed medical education at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine and specialized in neurosurgery. Further training included a Cerebrovascular Research Fellowship at Yale School of Medicine. The doctor is a member of the Turkish Neurosurgery Association, Turkish Spine Association, and AOSpine. Awards include the Turkish Neurosurgery Society's Young Neurosurgeon Encouragement First Prize in 2017. The doctor has participated in organizing several neurosurgery courses and congresses, contributing as both an instructor and committee member.

Professor Ilhan Elmaci is a specialist neurosurgeon who trained at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Zurich – some of the world's most prestigious medical institutions.

• Founding chairman of the Turkish Skull Base Society and executive member of the European equivalent
• Specialises in treating complex brain and spinal tumours in both adults and children
• Uses advanced tools like neuronavigation and intraoperative neuro-ultrasonography for high precision
• Developed and headed several neurosurgery departments across Turkey's leading hospitals
• Published over 110 international scientific papers on neuro-oncology and vascular surgery

General Information and Presentation

He completed his primary education at Şenlikköy Primary School and his secondary education at the Istek Foundation Florya Bilge Kagan High School. He graduated from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in 2001. He completed his specialist education in Istanbul Medical Faculty Neurology Department in 2006. In 2006 he worked at the Neurology Clinic and the PharmaZentrum Research Center of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Basel, Switzerland. Between 2007 and 2011, Bakırköy Prof. Dr. He worked at Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital in the 3rd Neurology Clinic and in the Dementia and Movement Disorders policlinics. Since October 2011, he has been working at Istanbul University of Science, Faculty of Medicine, Neurology, USA.

Experience

İstanbul Bilim University Faculty of Medicine Neurology, 

Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital 

Kadıköy Florence Nightingale Hospital Neurology Clinics, 

Gayrettepe Metropolitan Florence Nightingale Hospital PET department.

Dr. Mehmet Osman Akcakaya is a neurosurgeon with 18 years of experience. He specializes in microneurosurgery and functional neurosurgery. He treats head trauma, brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal disorders. Dr. Akcakaya uses advanced surgical techniques for these complex conditions.

He has received several awards, including the Second Prize for 'Best Oral Presentation' at the Congress of the Nervous System Surgery Society. He completed a 4-year training program with the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). He also holds the EANS board certificate (Part I). Dr. Akcakaya has completed fellowships in Israel and Germany.

He is a member of the Turkish Association of Neurosurgery and EANS. He has also served on scientific committees for international courses on endoscopic spine surgery.

Associate Professor Ramazan Sari is a highly skilled neurosurgeon currently based at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital. He completed an accreditation programme with the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies to maintain high standards in brain surgery.

• Held academic teaching roles at Medipol University and Eurasia University
• Specialises in precise Gamma Knife radiosurgery for brain tumours and vascular malformations
• Helped establish the Department of Neurosurgery at Medipol University
• Member of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS)

Professor Salih Murat Imer is a highly specialised neurosurgeon who completed advanced training in treatment for vestibular schwannomas and skull base tumours using the Leksell Gamma Knife in France.

• Holds a professorship in neurosurgery and founded the neurosurgery department at Okan University Hospital.
• Trained in functional disorders and radiosurgery at the Timone University Hospital in Marseille.
• Certified by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies following a five-year specialist training cycle across Europe.
• Contributed to over 60 published peer-reviewed medical articles and nine book chapters on neurosurgical techniques.
• Practices at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, a facility known for taking on complex neurological cases.

Associate Professor Mustafa Yavuz Samanci is a highly specialised neurosurgeon who completed a dedicated clinical fellowship in Gamma Knife Radiosurgery at the Koç University School of Medicine.

• Completed advanced Gamma Knife training in Miami, USA, focusing on the latest ICON and Esprit systems
• Serves as the Secretary of the Turkish Neuromodulation Society, leading developments in functional neurosurgery
• Active member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society and the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies
• Holds a PhD in Neuroscience from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, bringing deep research expertise to patient care

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