Treatment abroad » Doctors » Neurosurgery » Turkey » Prof. Ilhan Elmaci

Prof. Ilhan Elmaci

Neurosurgeon

21 reviews

Istanbul, Turkey

Clinical experience: over 35 years

Languages: English

Mekan Japarov

Verified review

C7 fracture, vertebroplasty

After fracturing my C7 vertebra in an accident, I underwent surgery performed by Professor Dr. Ilhan Elmaci, who carried out a vertebroplasty to restore the stability of my cervical spine.

Almost a year later, I have recovered to practically the same condition I was in before the injury. I am deeply grateful for his professionalism, care and support throughout this entire journey.

Thank you, Professor Dr. Ilhan Elmaci.

14/05/2026

damla su eryılmaz

Verified review

Neurosurgical operation

We seem to be among Professor Ilhan's first patients in Izmir. After a bad experience elsewhere, we turned to him urgently and he saw us right away. A wonderful doctor and surgeon. We did not encounter any of the negative outcomes we had been warned about at another hospital. We left the hospital happy and satisfied.

22/04/2026

filiz pekin

Verified review

Complex neurosurgical operation

In a very high-risk and complex case, where many doctors said they could not operate and refused to take on the procedure, Professor Dr. Ilhan Elmaci successfully performed my surgery.

Thanks to his attentiveness, knowledge and reassuring approach from the beginning to the end of the process, I regained my health.

I thank him and his team for their work.

The way Professor Dr. Ilhan Elmaci communicates with the patient, explains the entire process in detail and clearly, and his trust-inspiring approach are truly invaluable.

14/04/2026

MERVE PEZÜK

Verified review

Neurosurgical operation

During one of the most difficult periods of our lives, our dear doctor performed surgery on my brother with great success, and we are very grateful to him. Thanks both to his medical knowledge and to the confidence he instilled in us, we came through this process stronger. His attentiveness, patience and detailed explanations before and after the surgery were very valuable to us. The existence of such kind-hearted doctors who are masters of their craft gives hope. Endless gratitude to him and his welcoming team.

09/04/2026

Tuba Kızıltepe

Verified review

Vertebral compression fracture

From the bottom of my heart, I thank our wonderful doctor, Professor Ilhan Elmaci, and his valuable team, who performed a vertebroplasty on my father on the morning of 21.01.2026. As always, you are magnificent — it's so good that you exist. Thank you so much, may you live a long life.

Back in 2014, when the professor worked at a different hospital network, he also operated on my husband for an aneurysm and saved his life.

28/03/2026

Damla Şimşek

Verified review

Thoracic spine herniation

My path crossed with the professor a year ago during surgery for a herniated disc in my back. The operation, which almost every doctor I had consulted considered too risky and refused to perform, Professor Ilhan said: "I will do it." And my surgery was very successful. After all the risks that were taken, everything went well, and now I am healthy again and able to walk. A huge thank you to the professor and his team.

14/12/2025

Abdulbosit Akbarov

Verified review

Arteriovenous malformation

From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank our doctor Ilhan Elmaci and his entire team. We are from Uzbekistan, and when our son was diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation, we understood that this is one of the most complex pathologies in brain neurosurgery. Our boy is only 17 years old, so you can imagine the grief that befell us. But thanks to the clinic manager of Florence, Alisher, we were connected with our esteemed doctor. The operation lasted 17 hours. Two days later our boy was already in the ward. And 15 days later we were home. Our boy is healthy. Ilhan Elmaci is a true professional. THANK YOU for the attentive and caring attitude of the doctor, his team and the nurses. They brought our boy back to life and gave us hope. We wish everyone health and success in science.

22/09/2025

Natalia Lutsiv

Verified review

Neurosurgical condition

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Professor Ilhan Elmaci and his wonderful team. They are not only masters of their craft but also people with big hearts, who inspire with their strength of spirit, boundless energy and genuine support.

I express my deep gratitude to Dr. Azan, the dedicated assistants, the outstanding team of anesthesiologists, the caring and highly qualified nurses, Pınar, Esra, Esme and everyone who took part in this journey, including those whom I may have unintentionally failed to mention.

Your professionalism, warmth and humanity create an atmosphere of trust, confidence and inspiration. I have immense respect and boundless gratitude for your dedication, compassion and devotion to your patients.

02/09/2025

melek melek

Verified review

Brain cavernoma

My dear doctor, esteemed Professor Dr. Ilhan Elmaci, is a highly accomplished specialist in his field.

In April he successfully removed a cavernoma (a vascular cluster) that was located in my brain.

He is a kind, warm person and physician, with excellent communication with patients both before and after surgery.

Because of my condition I searched for doctors for a long time, and in the end I found Professor Ilhan. From the very first visit I said: yes, my surgery must be done by Professor Ilhan. The disease in my brain had begun to negatively affect my right arm and hand; it was hard for me to write and I had coordination problems. On the third day after surgery I tried to write — my handwriting had recovered and my hand was as healthy as before. Recovery was very fast. Everyone joked: "Did you really have brain surgery?" I returned to my previous state of health very quickly.

Endless gratitude to my dear doctor, esteemed Professor Dr. Ilhan Elmaci, and his wonderful team.

14/06/2025

Gizem Sunay

Verified review

Pituitary adenoma

Greetings to you, professor, from Poland! We met the professor on one of our difficult days. My husband's treatment is still ongoing, and with God's help everything will be fine. He was diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma. For me, Ilhan Elmaci is one of the top 5 doctors in the world!

03/04/2024

Selma Arslan

Verified review

Brainstem cavernoma

After examinations for weakness, dizziness, loss of balance and numbness of the left side of my face, which began in early June 2023, I was diagnosed with a hemorrhage caused by a brainstem cavernoma.

The doctors who reviewed the examination results said that the lesion could not be removed, or that surgery was extremely risky and could leave many irreversible consequences, up to complete dependence on others. I was only 44 years old. I had recently retired, my youngest son was still in primary school, and I had so many plans for life.

In the end, we found my Professor Ilhan. After thorough examinations, he explained to me, drawing on science, statistics and his own experience, that surgery was necessary. Thanks to his detailed explanations, sincerity and ability to inspire trust, I agreed to the operation.

The surgery went very well. No lasting complications arose. Professor Ilhan Elmaci and his team supported me greatly throughout the entire process and continue to do so to this day. May God protect you. It's so good that you exist.

13/10/2023

Nurcan Akman

Verified review

Third ventricle cyst

My husband was found to have a cyst in the area of the third ventricle. We consulted very many doctors, but when we met Professor Ilhan, we immediately understood that we had come to the right place. His experience and self-assurance, his calmness, his welcoming demeanor and his tireless answers to our questions prepared us for the operation, including emotionally. With his excellent team and the latest technology, the operation was performed like fine handiwork, and afterwards we quickly returned to our former life. I love them very much. I wish everyone a speedy recovery.

26/03/2023

Neela Azizi

Verified review

Neurosurgical treatment

Hello everyone. I want to share my opinion with you. I strongly recommend that you seek treatment with Professor Ilhan Elmaci. We met him during very serious and difficult days of our lives. My young daughter was ill; we met him, and from the very first meeting he had a wonderful attitude. While he was talking with us, we felt as if we had no problem at all — he truly healed our spirit as well. We chose him among very many professors thanks to his talent and his approach. He is the best.

14/12/2022

Enes Can Büyükköse

Verified review

Chordoma

During my father's surgery process, we met, one by one, with everyone considered the best in Turkey. We consulted them all, and my father was diagnosed with a chordoma. After a very thorough evaluation, we chose to trust our Professor Ilhan, with whom we felt the closest connection and about whom we had heard that he performs operations using the most advanced technology. This is how we made the most correct decision of our lives. Professor Ilhan is without doubt the best in his field. He helps not only physical but also emotional health. You forget that you are ill. Close your eyes and trust Professor Ilhan — you will not regret it for a second.

22/06/2021

İpek Büyükköse

Verified review

Chordoma

Four months ago, after my husband was diagnosed with a chordoma, we began searching for a doctor. Since the location of the tumor carried a fatal risk, the doctor who would perform the operation was very important. The nerves could have been damaged after surgery. After all the research we did, we chose Professor Dr. Ilhan Elmaci, whom we called the Bill Gates of his field. His calm, serene, trust-inspiring attitude toward the patient impressed us greatly. He made us feel very safe, and after a 12-hour operation he showed us once again, with his smile, that we had not been mistaken. A huge thank you to you and your team. May you touch the lives of many patients with such beauty.

14/05/2021

Hülya İpek

Verified review

Brain tumor

We met our professor during a very difficult time. Although the destination was obvious, like many others, we began searching for a doctor. We spoke with every specialist we could reach who was willing to listen to us. While we still couldn't come to terms with the illness, we ran from doctor to doctor trying to find a solution.

When we contacted the professor's assistant, Emine, we were met by an understanding person who treated us as if we were her own close relatives. A meeting was arranged for us right away.

After talking with Professor Ilhan, we understood: becoming a doctor is not easy, but it is even harder to remain both a human being and a doctor at the same time — to be able to put yourself in the place of the patient and their family. Despite having hundreds of patients, he was able to truly understand us. The years devoted to education and knowledge had not made him arrogant. On the contrary, he treats people with humanity and welcomes us with care every time.

The professor's team was so professional that his positive attitude could be felt in every staff member. Ms. Emine and Mr. Ramazan thought of everything, from the first to the last day of our hospital stay, as if it concerned members of their own family.

Our doctors, Professor Gökhan Akdemir and Dr. Fatih Han Bölükbaşı, were wonderful people. Even when Professor Ilhan was not around, we felt at ease. They never once made us feel that our calls and worries were a burden to them.

To Professor Ilhan Elmaci, Professor Gökhan Akdemir, Dr. Fatih Han Bölükbaşı, the assistants Emine and Ramazan, the intensive care nurses and everyone else, we express our endless gratitude. Especially to our professor, who built such a team.

As the relatives of Mustafa Bal, we kiss the hands of our doctor, in whom a true human being and a true physician come together.

18/12/2016

Hatice İnce

Verified review

Cerebellar tumor

I wish everyone good health. If you are reading these reviews, it most likely means you have encountered a brain condition. My child had a tumor in the cerebellum, 4 cm in size. It was very large. I traveled to many places and spent a great deal of money.

In the end, first and foremost thanks to the Almighty, and then to Professor Ilhan, we found a solution. Four years have now passed and, thank God, all is well.

Many professors said that after the operation the child would not be able to stand or would remain disabled. Professor Ilhan performed the surgery, and now my child is completely healthy.

I thank the Almighty.

11/11/2016

Esra Yılmaz

Verified review

Neurological condition

I met Professor Ilhan Elmaci on the recommendation of another doctor. I have been his patient since 2003. Our whole family is very glad to have met him.

When you come to an appointment during a hard and difficult period, he greets you with modesty, kindness and sincere care. He explains the illness in detail, in simple and clear language, never tiring of answering questions.

I wholeheartedly recommend him to everyone. Thanks to Professor Ilhan and his team, I feel well, thank God. A huge thank you to the entire team. I wish you continued success. I love you all very much. My prayers are always with you.

26/01/2016

Cemal Karaca

Verified review

Chordoma

Among all the doctors I have ever had to consult, he is one of the few who inspires a person with a genuine sense of trust and confidence. May God bless him.
About a month ago, we were fortunate enough to meet him. At the very moment when we were on the verge of despair and could have lost my mother, he appeared in our lives. My mother had a chordoma, and the tumor was already compressing the nerves. She was practically losing the ability to move both sides of her body.
Thanks to the complex and successful operation performed by this doctor, with God's help and his skill, my mother is still with us. No matter how much I thank you, doctor, it will never be enough. May God never deprive us of such doctors, who take responsibility for their work and stand by their patients.
My mother's name is Şayizer Ünlüçifçi. Thanks to you, she has regained her health, and her treatment is successfully continuing. To all relatives of patients who find themselves in despair, I sincerely recommend this doctor. When you come to him, you will see everything for yourself.

11/03/2014

Deniz Öztürk

Verified review

Cerebral aneurysm

Doctor, to me you are the most modest, the most kind-hearted and the most trustworthy person in the world. We have missed you very much. We will surely see each other soon, because I have been diagnosed with an aneurysm.
With love and respect.

29/01/2014

Safiye Erdem

Verified review

Brain tumor

A wonderful, modest, kind, knowledgeable, sincere, reliable and top-class doctor. He patiently answers all our questions again and again, never showing any tiredness or irritation. A very attentive specialist from A to Z.
We are endlessly grateful to Professor Ilhan Elmaci, who performed brain surgery on my husband with great success, as well as to all the doctors on his team.
Thank you so much. May God bless you, doctor.

08/09/2013

Neurosurgeon

Clinical experience: over 35 years

Professor Ilhan Elmaci is one of Turkey’s leading neurosurgeons with over 35 years of clinical experience. He is the founder of his own neurosurgical center — the Elmacı Neurosurgery Clinic & Institute (Istanbul), which since November 2023 has operated at the Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital as an affiliated surgical site. The professor specializes in complex and high-tech neurosurgical interventions — brain tumors, pituitary adenomas, skull base and spinal cord tumors, and cerebrovascular diseases.

He completed comprehensive international training at three of the world’s leading neurosurgical schools: the University of Zurich, the clinic of Professor M. Gazi Yaşargil (microneurosurgery) — Switzerland; the clinic of Professors Donlin M. Long and Daniele Rigamonti at Johns Hopkins University — USA (neuro-oncology and vascular neurosurgery); the University of Pittsburgh — USA (endoscopic skull base surgery).

Professor Elmaci sums up his professional approach as follows: “to treat only to the extent necessary while preserving the patient’s quality of life.”

Why patients choose Professor Elmaci:

One of the most experienced neurosurgeons in Turkey — over 35 years of clinical practice.
Founder of his own neurosurgical center — the Elmacı Neurosurgery Clinic & Institute, created for research, education and individualized patient care.
Highly specialized in the most complex areas — brain tumors, pituitary adenomas, skull base and spinal cord tumors, and cerebrovascular diseases.
International training at three of the world’s leading centers — Zurich (Yaşargil’s clinic), Johns Hopkins and Pittsburgh (USA).
Use of modern minimally invasive techniques — microsurgery, endoscopic neurosurgery, endoscopic pituitary surgery, laser thermotherapy (LITT), awake craniotomy.
Treatment of adults and children — neurosurgical interventions are performed in both age groups.
Author of more than 130 scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals and over 200 presentations, books and chapters.
Founder and President (2016–2021) of the Turkish Skull Base Society, and a member of the executive committee of the European Skull Base Society (ESBS).
Sees patients in Turkish and English.

At Istanbul Florence Nightingale, where the professor currently operates, modern intraoperative equipment is available: neuronavigation, neuromonitoring, intraoperative neuro-ultrasonography, O-Arm CT, equipment for awake craniotomy and laser thermotherapy (LITT). The Florence Nightingale Group was founded in 1989 and today comprises the largest network of private clinics in Istanbul.

Achievements and Awards

Founder and President (2016–2021) of the Turkish Skull Base Society (Kafa Tabanı Derneği).

Under his leadership, the neurosurgery clinic of the Göztepe Training and Research Hospital received accreditation from the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS).

Founder of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Faculty of Medicine of Medipol University (2012).

Founded his own clinic, the Elmacı Neurosurgery Clinic & Institute, in 2021.

Professor of Neurosurgery title — Acıbadem University, 2010.

More than 130 scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

More than 30 publications in national peer-reviewed journals.

More than 200 presentations, monographs and book chapters.

Member of the executive committee of the European Skull Base Society (ESBS).

About Dr. Ilhan Elmaci

Specialization

Central nervous system tumors (main focus, in adults and children): brain tumors, skull base tumors, spinal cord tumors, pituitary adenomas.
Cerebrovascular diseases and brain hemorrhages (in adults and children): cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernomas of the brainstem and spinal cord.
Spinal diseases: herniated discs of the lumbar and cervical spine, spinal canal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative diseases, compression fractures.
Hydrocephalus (in adults and children) — shunt surgery and endoscopic treatment.
Functional neurosurgery: trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, spasticity (selective dorsal rhizotomy, baclofen pump).
Chiari malformation and syringomyelia.
Severe traumatic brain injuries.
Peripheral nerve diseases.

Treatment methods:

Microneurosurgery and endoscopic neurosurgery
Endoscopic surgery of the pituitary gland and skull base
Awake craniotomy — for operations in functionally significant areas of the brain
Neuronavigation and intraoperative neuromonitoring
Intraoperative neuro-ultrasonography
O-Arm CT (intraoperative computed tomography) for spinal surgery
Laser Induced Thermal Therapy (LITT)
Microsurgical tumor staining techniques
Microvascular decompression (for trigeminal neuralgia)
Immunotherapy and translational preclinical research in neuro-oncology

Education

Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey — higher medical education, medical degree.
1987–1993 — Bakırköy Mental and Neurological Diseases Hospital, Istanbul — residency in neurosurgery, specialization completed in 1993.
1991–1992 — University of Zurich, M. Gazi Yaşargil Clinic, Switzerland — fellowship in microneurosurgery.
During his tenure at Marmara University (1993–2003) — fellowship at the clinic of Professors Donlin M. Long and Daniele Rigamonti at Johns Hopkins University, USA — advanced training in neuro-oncology and vascular neurosurgery.
2003 — awarded the title of Associate Professor of Neurosurgery.
During his tenure at Göztepe Hospital (2004–2010) — completed a course in endoscopic skull base surgery at the University of Pittsburgh (USA).
2010 — awarded the academic title of Professor of Neurosurgery at Acıbadem University.

Clinical experience

1987–1993 — resident physician, Department of Neurosurgery, Bakırköy Mental and Neurological Diseases Hospital, Istanbul.
1993–2003 — lecturer and associate professor at the Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul.
2004–2010 — chief physician of the neurosurgery clinic at the SB Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul.
2010–2012 — professor at the Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Acıbadem University, Istanbul.
2012–2014 — founder and head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medipol University, Istanbul.
2014–2018 — head of the neurosurgery department at the hospitals of the Memorial Health Group in Istanbul.
Since 2021 — founder and director of his own neurosurgical center, the Elmacı Neurosurgery Clinic & Institute, Istanbul.
2021–2023 — performed surgical interventions at Liv Hospital Ulus, Istanbul.
From November 2023 to the present — performs surgical interventions at the Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital (affiliated clinic) together with the team of the Elmacı Neurosurgery Clinic & Institute.

Teaching activity

1993–2003 — lecturer and associate professor at the Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University.
2010–2012 — professor at the Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Acıbadem University.
2012–2014 — founder and head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medipol University.
Regular participation in international neurosurgical courses and congresses as a lecturer and speaker.

Scientific activity

Professor Elmaci’s bibliography includes more than 130 scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journals, more than 30 articles in national peer-reviewed journals, as well as over 200 presentations, monographs and book chapters.

Main areas of scientific research:

Surgery of brain, skull base and spinal cord tumors (neuro-oncology)
Pituitary adenoma surgery
Vascular neurosurgery — aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernomas
Immunotherapy and translational preclinical research in neuro-oncology
Endoscopic neurosurgery and skull base surgery
Laser thermotherapy (LITT) in neurosurgery
Awake craniotomy for operations in functionally significant areas of the brain
Microsurgical tumor staining techniques

Membership in professional organizations

Turkish Skull Base Society (Kafa Tabanı Derneği) — founder, president from 2016 to 2021.
ESBS — European Skull Base Society — current member of the executive committee.

The clinic where the doctor sees patients

Florence Nightingale Hospital

4.2

17 reviews

Turkey, Istanbul

Istanbul Florence Nightingale is a modern multidisciplinary hospital that is part of the Florence Nightingale Hospitals Group, one of Turkey’s leading private medical networks (the group was founded in 1989 and is named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing). The hospital is located in the Çağlayan district (Şişli, on the European side of Istanbul) and is designed as a new-generation “smart hospital.” Its building has a capacity of 219 beds and was the first hospital facility in Turkey to receive the international TÜV Hessen Green Building certificate for sustainable construction (“Green Building”).

The clinic is equipped with a full range of modern diagnostic and surgical equipment and operates according to international medical quality standards. The hospital includes departments of neurosurgery, cardiology and cardiac surgery, oncology, orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, intensive care, radiology and nuclear medicine, as well as its own laboratories and operating units. Istanbul Florence Nightingale treats both Turkish and international patients and, as part of the Florence Nightingale Group, ensures a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to treatment — with the possibility of jointly managing complex cases by specialists from different fields.

Published 18.06.2026