Mehmet Hacıhanefioğlu, MD

Mehmet Hacıhanefioğlu, MD is a neurosurgeon at Acibadem Altunizade Hospital in İstanbul, where he provides care within the Neurosurgery Unit. His work covers the assessment and surgical management of conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system, and he has more than 57 years of experience in medicine.

Dr. Hacıhanefioğlu graduated from Türk Maarif Koleji in 1969 and went on to study medicine at İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, graduating in 1978. He completed his specialty training in Neurosurgery at the same faculty in 1983. He has been part of Acıbadem Healthcare Services since 2002. He is a member of CNS, EANS and the Türk Nöroşirürji Association.

Clinical focus

The clinical practice of Dr. Hacıhanefioğlu centers on neurosurgery, the branch of surgery concerned with disorders of the brain, the spine and spinal cord, and the nervous system more broadly. Within the Neurosurgery Unit he evaluates patients presenting with neurological symptoms, reviews their imaging and any previous treatment, and considers whether surgical management is appropriate in each individual case. Where surgery is not indicated, or where further investigation is needed before a decision can be made, this is discussed openly with the patient.

Each patient’s situation is assessed on its own merits. Decisions about whether to operate, the timing of any procedure and the alternatives that may be available depend on the specific diagnosis, the findings on imaging, the patient’s general health and the patient’s own priorities. Dr. Hacıhanefioğlu explains the potential benefits and risks of the options under consideration so that patients and, where appropriate, their families can take an informed part in decisions about care. Neurosurgical treatment often involves several stages, from initial assessment through to follow-up, and the plan may be adjusted as new information becomes available.

How Dr. Hacıhanefioğlu works with international patients

Dr. Hacıhanefioğlu consults in Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for patients who speak other languages. Before a visit, the Acibadem international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, such as MRI, CT, X-ray or ultrasound reports, laboratory and pathology results, operative notes and discharge summaries, and arranges appointments and organizes the hospital visit. A first consultation typically covers the patient’s history and symptoms, a review of existing imaging and previous treatments, a clinical examination and a discussion of the options. Video consultation is available for international patients who wish to discuss their case before deciding whether to travel, or who need to review matters after treatment; what can be concluded from such a consultation depends on the completeness of the records and imaging available for review, and an in-person examination may still be required.