The whole world is talking about the Turkish surgeon's surgery in epilepsy, which affects millions of people. Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine Head of Neurosurgery Department and Yeditepe University Hospitals Neurosurgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Uğur Türe treats epilepsy successfully with the brain surgery method he developed.

Prof. Dr. Uğur Türe's Epilepsy Surgery Method

Classical temporal neurosurgery is performed from the front of the head. However, the procedure carries risks such as difficulty in reaching the back of the brain and damaging the brain. Stating that they performed the surgery on the nape region for such reasons, Prof. Dr. Uğur Türe said, “We brought a method, which we developed over time, to the world as a new surgical development. When approaching from the front of the head to take the posterior part of the hippocampus, the procedure may become impossible. However, with our method, the patient's hippocampus can be removed without touching any healthy and normally functioning brain tissue"

Prof. Dr. Uğur Türe is known for his expertise in skull base surgery, and he has also been involved in the development of new techniques for epilepsy surgery. One of the techniques he has helped to develop is called the "minimally invasive epilepsy surgery" (MIES) technique.

The MIES technique is a minimally invasive approach to epilepsy surgery that involves using a small incision to access the brain and remove the epileptic focus (the area of the brain where seizures originate). This technique aims to minimize the amount of brain tissue that is disrupted during surgery, which can reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes.

The MIES technique also involves the use of advanced imaging technologies, such as MRI and intraoperative neuronavigation, to precisely locate the epileptic focus and map the brain's functional areas. This can help to preserve important brain functions and reduce the risk of neurological deficits after surgery.

This surgical technique developed by Prof. Dr. Uğur Türe and his team was published in the Journal of Neurosurgery, a world-renowned scientific publication, in 2012 and shared with the scientific community. Stating that many surgeons around the world learned this method in training courses, Prof. Dr. Uğur Türe added that neurosurgery is a team effort.

Why Is Epilepsy Surgery Done?

Epilepsy surgery is performed to help control seizures in people with epilepsy who are not able to achieve seizure control with medications or other treatments. 

Epilepsy surgery may be considered as a treatment option when:

• Seizures are not well controlled with medications or other treatments.
• Seizures originate from a small, well-defined area of the brain that can be safely removed without affecting critical brain functions, such as speech or movement.
• Seizures are having a significant impact on the patient's quality of life, such as interfering with their ability to work, drive, or perform daily activities.

Epilepsy surgery is typically only recommended after a thorough evaluation by a team of specialists, including neurologists, neurosurgeons and other healthcare professionals who specialize in epilepsy. The evaluation process usually includes several tests to identify the location and extent of the seizure focus, as well as to assess the risks and benefits of surgery.

For Which Patients Is Epilepsy Surgery Suitable?

Epilepsy surgery is a treatment option for patients with epilepsy who have not responded well to medication or other treatments. The suitability of epilepsy surgery depends on various factors, including the type of epilepsy, the frequency and severity of seizures, the location of the seizure focus, and the individual patient's overall health. Ultimately, the decision to undergo epilepsy surgery is a complex one that should be made on a case-by-case basis, with careful consideration of the individual patient's medical history, type of epilepsy, and overall health status.

What Can You Expect From Epilepsy Surgery?

Here are some things you can expect from epilepsy surgery:

• Pre-surgical evaluation: Before the surgery, you will undergo a comprehensive evaluation that may include medical history review, neurological exams, imaging studies, and other tests to identify the location of the seizure focus and assess the risks and benefits of surgery.
• Hospitalization: Epilepsy surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. You will likely need to stay in the hospital after the surgery for observation and monitoring.
• Recovery period: Following the surgery, you will need time to recover from the procedure. You may experience some discomfort or pain, and your doctor will prescribe medications to manage these symptoms.
• Seizure control: The ultimate goal of epilepsy surgery is to control seizures. After the surgery, it may take some time for your brain to adjust to the changes, and you may continue to experience seizures for a short period of time. However, for many people who undergo epilepsy surgery, seizures are significantly reduced or eliminated altogether.
• Post-surgical follow-up: After the surgery, you will need to attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team to monitor your progress, evaluate your seizure control, and manage any ongoing symptoms or side effects.

What Are The Factors For A Successful Epilepsy Surgery?

The success of epilepsy surgery depends on several factors, including:

• Accurate identification of the seizure focus
• Location of the seizure focus
• Extent of the resection
• Age
• Overall health
• Post-operative care

It's important to note that not all patients with epilepsy are good candidates for surgery, and the decision to undergo surgery is typically made on a case-by-case basis by a team of healthcare professionals who specialize in epilepsy surgery.