Prof. Ilhan Elmaci

Professor Ilhan Elmaci specializes in treating complex neurosurgical conditions, including tumors in difficult-to-access locations. When planning a procedure, he assesses whether the tumor can be removed as safely and completely as possible while preserving healthy tissue and brain function.

Neuro-oncology

Ilhan Elmaci performs surgical treatment of brain and spinal cord tumors, as well as skull base tumors, in adults and children. He also treats complex cases in which a tumor is located in a difficult-to-access area or close to structures responsible for vital functions. Depending on the situation, he uses microsurgical, endoscopic, and minimally invasive techniques.

Microsurgery of the brain and spinal cord

Ilhan Elmaci trained in microneurosurgery at the University of Zurich under Professor Gazi Yasargil, one of the founders of modern microneurosurgery. He uses microsurgical techniques to remove tumors located close to major blood vessels, cranial nerves, and functionally important areas of the brain. Neuronavigation and neuromonitoring provide more precise control during surgery and help reduce the risk of damage to structures responsible for speech, movement, and other vital functions.

Endoscopic skull base surgery

Ilhan Elmaci trained in endoscopic skull base surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. Today, he uses endoscopic techniques to treat pituitary adenomas and other skull base tumors. When the tumor’s location permits, surgery is performed through the nasal passages without a craniotomy (opening the skull), reducing surgical trauma and facilitating recovery after the procedure.

Vascular neurosurgery

Ilhan Elmaci trained in vascular neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University. He treats brain aneurysm, arteriovenous and cavernous malformations, Moyamoya disease, and other complex vascular disorders of the brain and spinal cord. Before surgery, he carefully studies the location of the abnormal vessels and their relationship to surrounding brain structures. This helps him select the safest surgical approach and reduce the risk of damage to healthy tissue.

Surgical treatment of epilepsy

Ilhan Elmaci may use microsurgical removal of the epileptogenic lesion, laser interstitial thermal therapy, or vagus nerve stimulation.

Laser interstitial thermal therapy

Ilhan Elmaci uses laser interstitial thermal therapy to treat selected deep-seated brain tumors, recurrent tumors, epileptic foci, and radiation necrosis. During the procedure, he introduces a laser probe through a small opening and guides it to the abnormal area, treating the affected tissue under MRI guidance. In certain cases, this method can avoid open surgery and reduce the impact on surrounding healthy brain structures.

When planning and performing complex procedures, Ilhan Elmaci uses technologies that improve orientation within the surgical field and help monitor the course of the operation:

• neuronavigation—precise localization of the tumor, blood vessels, and other important structures using MRI and CT data;
• neuromonitoring—monitoring nervous system function during surgery;
• operating microscope—high magnification and a detailed view of the surgical field;
• neuroendoscope—visualization of deep and difficult-to-access areas through a small surgical opening;
• intraoperative ultrasound—confirmation of the tumor’s location during surgery;
• intraoperative angiography—monitoring blood flow and vessel condition during vascular neurosurgical procedures;
• fluorescence-guided tumor visualization—clearer differentiation between tumor and healthy tissue during tumor removal.

When planning and performing complex procedures, Ilhan Elmaci uses technologies that improve orientation within the surgical field and help monitor the course of the operation:

• neuronavigation—precise localization of the tumor, blood vessels, and other important structures using MRI and CT data;
• neuromonitoring—monitoring nervous system function during surgery;
• operating microscope—high magnification and a detailed view of the surgical field;
• neuroendoscope—visualization of deep and difficult-to-access areas through a small surgical opening;
• intraoperative ultrasound—confirmation of the tumor’s location during surgery;
• intraoperative angiography—monitoring blood flow and vessel condition during vascular neurosurgical procedures;
• fluorescence-guided tumor visualization—clearer differentiation between tumor and healthy tissue during tumor removal.

Complex neuro-oncology cases are reviewed by Professor Ilhan Elmaci’s multidisciplinary collaborations. The specialists involved in selecting the treatment strategy include:

• a neurosurgeon;
• a medical oncologist;
• a neuroradiologist;
• a radiation oncologist;
• a neuroanesthesiologist;
• rehabilitation specialists.

The patient receives a coordinated treatment plan: the specialists determine whether surgery is needed, how extensive it should be, whether radiation therapy or medication will be required, and how recovery will proceed.

Patients can obtain a second medical opinion from Professor Ilhan Elmaci, including remotely, without traveling to Turkey.

A second opinion may be especially helpful if neurosurgery has already been recommended and the patient needs an additional assessment of:

• whether there are indications for surgical treatment;
• which surgical approach is optimal in the specific case;
• how much of the tumor or other lesion can be removed safely;
• whether minimally invasive techniques can be used instead of open surgery;
• whether additional examinations are required before treatment;
• what therapy or follow-up may be needed after surgery.

This allows the patient to receive an independent assessment of the case before traveling and understand which treatment options should be considered next.

• Graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Medicine.
• Completed his neurosurgery residency at the Professor Zeki Oral Neurosurgery Clinic at Bakirkoy Psychiatric Hospital.
• Completed microsurgery training at the University of Zurich under Professor Gazi Yasargil.
• Contributing to research, education, and advanced neurosurgical procedure at Marmara University School of Medicine, specifically at the Prof. Necmettin Pamir Clinic.
• Undertook advanced training in neuro-oncology and vascular neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University under Professors Donlin Long and Daniele Rigamonti.
• Completed training in endoscopic surgery and skull base surgery at the University of Pittsburgh.

• From 1993 to 2003, he worked in the Department of Neurosurgery at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine.
• From 2004 to 2010, he headed the Department of Neurosurgery at Goztepe Training and Research Hospital.
• Over the years, he worked at Acibadem, Medipol, Memorial, Liv Ulus, and Florence Nightingale hospitals.
• In 2021, he founded the Elmaci Neurosurgery Clinic.
• Since April 2026, he has continued his clinical and academic work in Elmaci Neurosurgery Clinic in Izmir and continued his neurosurgical practice with his team at Acibadem Kent Hospital in Izmir.

• Founder of the Skull Base Surgery Society and president of the organization from 2016 to 2021.
• Member of the Executive Committee of the European Skull Base Society (ESBS).