Neurosurgery

Brain Tumour Surgery in Turkey

Brain tumour treatment demands two things above all: an experienced neurosurgeon and access to the full range of treatment modalities. Istanbul offers both, Vellum Select curates two neurosurgeons whose combined experience exceeds 30,000 treated patients and whose complementary expertise spans open microsurgery, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, neuronavigation, awake craniotomy, and intraoperative imaging.

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The critical advantage of having both surgical and radiosurgical expertise on the same platform is that treatment recommendations are driven by what is best for the tumour and the patient, not by the limitations of a single technique.

Conditions This Treatment Addresses

Meningioma arrow_forward

Frequently Asked Questions
About Brain Tumour Surgery in Turkey

What types of brain tumours can be treated in Turkey?

Virtually all types — meningiomas, gliomas (low and high grade), brain metastases, acoustic neuromas, pituitary adenomas, and other less common tumour types. Treatment approach (surgery, Gamma Knife, or combined) is determined by tumour type, size, location, and patient factors.

How do you decide between surgery and Gamma Knife?

The decision depends on tumour size (Gamma Knife is most effective for tumours under 3cm), location (deep or eloquent-area tumours may favour Gamma Knife), the need for tissue diagnosis (surgery provides biopsy; Gamma Knife does not), and whether the tumour is causing dangerous pressure (requiring surgical decompression). Having both options available through Vellum Select means the recommendation is always based on what is best for the patient.

How long is the hospital stay for brain tumour surgery?

For open microsurgery: typically 3–7 days in hospital, followed by 2–4 weeks of recovery before flying home. For Gamma Knife: typically same-day or one-night stay, with return to normal activities within 1–2 days.

Are the hospitals JCI-accredited?

Yes. Both Medical Park Göztepe and Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir hold JCI accreditation — the gold standard for international healthcare quality.

Can I get a second opinion before committing to treatment?

Absolutely. Vellum Select encourages patients to share their MRI and medical records for a preliminary assessment before travelling. Both Prof. Akakın and Prof. Kılıç review cases remotely and provide treatment recommendations based on imaging and clinical history.

Treatment Modalities

Microsurgical resection, open craniotomy with tumour removal using operating microscopes, neuronavigation, and intraoperative monitoring. Indicated for tumours that require tissue diagnosis (biopsy), tumours causing mass effect (pressure on the brain), and large or accessible tumours where complete surgical removal is the goal. Prof. Dr. Akın Akakın performs microsurgical brain tumour resection using awake craniotomy when the tumour is located near eloquent brain areas (speech, motor function).

Gamma Knife radiosurgery, non-invasive treatment using focused radiation beams. Ideal for small to medium-sized tumours, deep-seated lesions, multiple metastases, and tumours in locations where open surgery carries unacceptable risk. Prof. Dr. Türker Kılıç pioneered Gamma Knife in Turkey and has treated over 30,000 patients. Read more about Gamma Knife →

Combined approach, some tumours benefit from surgical debulking followed by Gamma Knife to treat residual tumour. Having both modalities available within the same curated network enables seamless treatment planning.

Common Brain Tumour Types Treated

Meningiomas, the most common benign brain tumour, arising from the meninges (brain coverings). Treatment depends on size, location, and symptoms. Small, asymptomatic meningiomas may be monitored. Symptomatic or growing meningiomas are treated with surgery or Gamma Knife.

Gliomas, tumours arising from brain tissue itself. Low-grade gliomas may be monitored or surgically resected. High-grade gliomas (glioblastoma) require aggressive multimodal treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Brain metastases, tumours that have spread to the brain from cancers elsewhere (lung, breast, melanoma, kidney). Gamma Knife is particularly effective for brain metastases, treating multiple lesions in a single session without craniotomy.

Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas), benign tumours of the hearing and balance nerve. Treated with microsurgery or Gamma Knife depending on size and hearing status.

Pituitary adenomas, tumours of the pituitary gland causing hormonal dysfunction. Read more about Pituitary Tumour Treatment →

Cost in Turkey

Treatment	UK Cost	Turkey Cost
Brain tumour microsurgery	£15,000–£30,000	£8,000–£15,000
Gamma Knife radiosurgery	£15,000–£25,000	£5,000–£10,000
Biopsy (stereotactic)	£5,000–£10,000	£3,000–£5,000

Your Surgeons

Prof. Dr. Akın Akakın, Microsurgical brain tumour resection, neuronavigation, awake craniotomy. 300+ DBS operations and extensive neuro-oncological experience. Trained under Prof. Albert L. Rhoton Jr. at the University of Florida.

Prof. Dr. Türker Kılıç, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, brain tumour management. 30,000+ patients treated. Pioneer of Gamma Knife in Turkey. H-index 40, 200+ publications.