Turkish surgeons breakthrough to prevent brain surgery risks

Innovative folding technique marks significant milestone in neurosurgical advancements, establishing Türkiye as leader in cutting-edge medical solutions

ANKARA, Türkiye (MNTV) – Neurosurgeons in Türkiye have developed a groundbreaking surgical technique that significantly reduces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage—a potentially life-threatening complication of brain surgery.

The pioneering method, introduced by experts at Ankara University’s Faculty of Medicine, has garnered international acclaim and was recently featured on the cover of Neurosurgical Focus, the official journal of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Developed under the leadership of Associate Professor Dr. Onur Özgüral, the innovation—termed the “Folding Technique in Duraplasty”—provides a more effective way to seal the brain’s protective membrane after surgery.

Dr. Eyüp Bayatlı, a faculty member involved in the research, explained that CSF leakage is a major challenge in neurosurgery, particularly in operations on the back of the brain.

“Traditional suturing methods often fail to prevent leakage in some cases,” Dr. Bayatlı told Anadolu Agency (AA).

“This prompted us to develop a new approach, which we have now successfully applied to select patients.”

One of the major advantages of the technique is that it does not require additional materials, making it a cost-effective and globally accessible solution for neurosurgeons.

Data from 2,500 brain surgeries conducted over five years at Ankara University’s Neurosurgery Clinic confirm that the method completely prevented CSF leakage in patients who received the treatment, demonstrating its effectiveness.

Persistent CSF leakage can lead to severe infections, including meningitis, posing life-threatening risks to patients.

By eliminating the problem at its root, the innovative folding technique marks a significant milestone in neurosurgical advancements, further establishing Türkiye as a leader in cutting-edge medical solutions.