Professional Experience
Dr. Gökçek has held significant roles in public and private healthcare settings, amassing broad surgical volume.
- 2020–present: Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Medipol University Pendik Hospital, Istanbul
- 2018–2019: Neurosurgeon, Al‑Kafeel Super Specialty Hospital, Karbala, Iraq—regularly performed advanced brain and spine procedures in adults and children
- 2015–2018: Specialist Neurosurgeon, Medistate Kavacık Hospital, Istanbul—focused on spinal surgery, trauma and degenerative cases
- 1994–2015: Senior Neurosurgeon and Trainer, Ankara Training & Research Hospital—carried out approximately 15–20 operations per month, trained residents and fellows
- Estimated volume: Thousands of successful operations on cranial, spinal and peripheral nerve cases
Academic Contributions
Dr. Gökçek integrates clinical practice with academic medicine through teaching and knowledge exchange.
- Instructor and mentor to neurosurgery residents and medical students for over two decades
- Presented lectures and surgical workshops on neuro‑oncology, vascular neurosurgery, skull‑base and spinal microsurgery at national and international gatherings
- Active interests in research areas such as brain tumours, aneurysm repair, paediatric neurosurgery and hydrocephalus management
- Contributed to development of simulation‑based training programs and case review sessions
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Gökçek treats a wide range of nervous system conditions using advanced surgical techniques, explained in patient‑friendly terms.
- Brain and skull‑base tumours: microsurgical and endoscopic removal of meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, gliomas
- Neuro‑vascular disorders: aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), hemorrhagic strokes, cavernomas
- Spine surgery: herniated discs (neck and lower back), spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spinal fusion and disc prosthesis
- Pediatric neurosurgery: hydrocephalus interventions (endoscopic third ventriculostomy), spina bifida and congenital spinal conditions
- Trauma care: head and spinal cord injury stabilization, treatment of fractures and intracranial bleeding
- Functional neurosurgery: addressing trigeminal neuralgia, tremor, epilepsy through microvascular decompression or deep brain stimulation
- Peripheral nerve conditions: decompression or tumour removal to restore nerve function without damage
Publications and Research
Dr. Gökçek has authored numerous peer‑reviewed articles, supporting his authority in neurosurgery.
Selected studies:
- Calcified intracranial hydatid cyst: case report. A rare parasitic cyst in the brain successfully excised; illustrates safe management of uncommon lesions.
- Spontaneous resolution of a traumatic vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm. Describes a rare vascular injury in the spine that healed without surgery; emphasizes clinical vigilance.
- Giant cell reparative granuloma of the axis. Surgical treatment in an anatomically complex region of the upper spine; demonstrates expertise in unusual tumour cases.
- Additional work on cerebral vasospasm, orbit hydatid cysts, intracranial foreign bodies and spinal epidermoid tumours further showcase his broad research footprint.
Patient Care Philosophy
Dr. Gökçek embraces a compassionate and clear approach to neurosurgical care.
- Focuses on open, honest communication to help patients understand their diagnosis and treatment plan
- Delivers complex information in simple terms, empowering patients to participate in decision‑making
- Supports international patients with remote review of imaging and online consultation before travel
- Understands cultural differences and offers multilingual care—fluent in Turkish and English, conversational in Arabic
- Receives frequent praise for precise surgical technique, fast recovery, and detailed postoperative follow‑up
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Gökçek maintains active involvement in respected neurosurgical communities.
- Member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society
- Member of the Turkish Medical Association
- Hospital is accredited as an academic medical centre by JCI standards
- Holds valid Turkish medical board certification in neurosurgery
FAQs
- Is Dr. Cevdet Gökçek board‑certified?
- Yes. He completed official neurosurgery training and earned certification from the Turkish Ministry of Health in 1994.
- What types of surgeries does he perform?
- He performs brain tumour resections, aneurysm repairs, spinal surgery including discectomy and fusion, hydrocephalus treatments, functional procedures for movement disorders, and paediatric neurosurgical operations.
- Does he treat international patients?
- Yes. He offers online pre‑consultations, remote review of scans, and tailored treatment planning to help patients coordinate care from abroad.
- How long is a typical hospital stay?
- The stay depends on the procedure. Simple lumbar micro‑discectomy may require 1–2 days in hospital. Complex brain or skull‑base surgery often requires 5–7 days, plus outpatient follow‑up.
- What languages does he speak?
- He is fluent in Turkish and English. He can also conduct care conversations in Arabic.
- How many surgeries has he performed?
- Over the course of more than 30 years, he has performed thousands of operations involving the brain, spine and peripheral nerves.
- What is his approach to training younger surgeons?
- He mentors trainees through simulation‑based training, surgical case reviews, and ethical guidance. He has trained residents and junior doctors especially during his time at Ankara Training & Research Hospital.
