Neurosurgeon – Izmir, Türkiye

I am Dr. Kaan Tugberk Ozdemir, a neurosurgeon based in Izmir, Türkiye. At my private clinic, I evaluate patients with conditions affecting the brain, spine, spinal cord and peripheral nerves, provide surgical consultations and offer second opinions for patients who have been advised to undergo surgery.

I graduated from Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine and completed my neurosurgery residency at Ankara City Hospital. During my specialist training, I gained extensive clinical and surgical experience across a broad range of neurosurgical conditions, including brain and spinal tumors, neurovascular diseases, hydrocephalus, cranial and spinal trauma, degenerative spine disorders and peripheral nerve compression syndromes.

Following my residency, I continued my clinical practice in Izmir, including approximately three years at Medicana International Izmir Hospital. I now see patients at my own clinic in Izmir and perform surgical procedures at affiliated hospitals when surgery is indicated.

My Clinical Areas of Interest

My main areas of clinical interest include:

• Lumbar and cervical disc herniation

• Lumbar and cervical spinal stenosis

• Scoliosis and kyphosis

• Spinal stabilization and fusion procedures

• Brain, spinal cord and spinal tumors

• Brain aneurysms and vascular disorders

• Hydrocephalus

• Peripheral nerve surgery

• Functional neurosurgery and deep brain stimulation

Functional neurosurgery and movement disorders are among my particular fields of interest. I have participated in a DBS course and clinical observership in Chicago, focusing on deep brain stimulation procedures for Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. This experience allowed me to observe patient selection, surgical targeting and multidisciplinary follow-up in a different clinical setting.

Scientific Research

In addition to my clinical work, I am actively involved in scientific research. I have completed my doctoral thesis in Cancer Biology at Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, and the formal degree process is ongoing.

My doctoral research investigated the effects of MDA-19 on the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways in glioblastoma cells.

I have also participated in experimental research investigating high-intensity therapeutic ultrasound in glial tumor cell cultures. My research interests bring together neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, cancer biology and emerging medical technologies.

I believe that combining clinical experience with scientific research is essential for understanding new treatment possibilities and providing patients with care based on current medical evidence.

My Approach to Patient Care

Every patient’s condition, symptoms and expectations are different. For this reason, I do not base treatment decisions on an MRI or radiology report alone. I consider the patient’s medical history, neurological examination, imaging findings, daily limitations and personal treatment goals together.

Surgery is not automatically the first option for every neurosurgical condition. When appropriate, I discuss non-surgical treatments and follow-up strategies with my patients. If surgery is recommended, I explain the purpose of the procedure, available alternatives, potential benefits, possible risks and expected recovery process in clear language.

My goal is to help patients understand their condition and participate actively in treatment decisions. I believe that trust, clear communication and an individualized, evidence-based approach are fundamental to good medical care.

International Patients and Second Opinions

International patients may contact my clinic for an initial review, surgical consultation or second opinion. Medical reports, MRI or CT images, current medications and previous treatment records can be reviewed before travel when appropriate.

An online preliminary assessment can help determine whether an in-person neurosurgical examination or further testing may be required. However, a final diagnosis and treatment decision may require a physical examination and additional investigations in Izmir.

Dr. Kaan Tugberk Ozdemir
Neurosurgeon – Izmir, Türkiye