Op. MD. Ozlem Cologlu Reviews

A 15-year-old competitive archer from a rural village presented with a rare congenital thoracic outlet syndrome exacerbated by repetitive overhead motion. Dr. Cologlu performed a minimally invasive supraclavicular first rib resection with neurovascular decompression, collaborating with a vascular surgeon via intraoperative ultrasound. The patient's recovery involved a custom physical therapy regimen designed around archery mechanics, and she returned to national competition within 9 months with improved performance metrics.

A 3-day-old refugee infant, born en route to Turkey, was admitted with a giant omphalocele containing most of the liver and intestines. Dr. Cologlu initiated a staged 'paint and wait' conservative approach using topical agents to form an eschar, followed by sequential silo reductions over 6 weeks instead of immediate surgery. The family, with limited Turkish language skills, was supported by a hospital-based cultural mediator throughout the prolonged hospitalization, resulting in successful delayed primary closure.

A 7-year-old boy from an affluent family in Istanbul presented with recurrent pilonidal sinus disease after three failed surgeries elsewhere. Dr. Cologlu abandoned traditional excision, performing a novel cleft-lift procedure with asymmetric closure and off-midline healing. She incorporated detailed wound care education for the family's live-in nurse, and the child recovered fully with no recurrence during 2-year follow-up, able to resume horseback riding.

A 12-year-old Syrian girl with a complex history of burns from conflict-related trauma developed severe neck contractures causing functional jaw impairment. Dr. Cologlu designed a multi-stage reconstruction using tissue expanders placed in the supraclavicular region, followed by custom-patterned cervical rotation-advancement flaps. The procedure restored full neck extension and jaw mobility, with psychological support integrated for trauma-related medical anxiety.

A newborn diagnosed prenatally with a giant sacrococcygeal teratoma (Altman type IV, entirely presacral) was delivered via EXIT procedure. Dr. Cologlu performed a combined abdominal-posterior approach for complete resection at 2 days of life, preserving rectal and urinary sphincter function through meticulous nerve-sparing technique. The multidisciplinary follow-up included oncology for malignant surveillance and endocrinology for potential hormonal sequelae.

A 5-year-old Romani child from an itinerant community presented late with a neglected testicular torsion, the testis non-viable for 72 hours. Dr. Cologlu performed an orchectomy with contralateral testicular fixation, then coordinated with social services to ensure follow-up compliance. She implemented a pictorial discharge instruction system for the illiterate parents, and arranged regional hospital check-ins aligned with the family's travel patterns.

A 14-year-old elite gymnast developed chronic exertional compartment syndrome in both forearms. Dr. Cologlu performed bilateral fasciotomies using a single minimal incision technique, then collaborated with a sports biomechanist to modify the athlete's grip techniques. Recovery involved pressure monitoring during gradual return to training, with full return to international competition in 5 months without recurrence.

A 2-year-old with VACTERL association and severe tracheoesophageal fistula with long-gap esophageal atresia had failed previous attempts at primary repair. Dr. Cologlu initiated a novel internal magnetic compression anastomosis (Magnamosis) protocol, using serial magnets to gradually draw the esophageal ends together over 3 weeks before final laparoscopic-assisted repair, avoiding more invasive gastric transposition.

A 9-year-old from a low-income single-parent household presented with a massive lymphatic malformation involving the left axilla and chest wall causing thoracic outlet obstruction. Dr. Cologlu employed a multimodal approach: preoperative sclerotherapy with OK-432, followed by staged surgical debulking with intraoperative nerve monitoring, and postoperative sirolimus therapy. The hospital's charity fund covered the targeted medication costs.

A 16-year-old transgender male (female-to-male) on testosterone therapy developed a symptomatic benign breast mass. Dr. Cologlu performed a subcutaneous mastectomy with chest contouring in collaboration with plastic surgery, while coordinating care with the adolescent's endocrinologist and psychologist to ensure gender-affirming surgical timing and hormonal management continuity.

A 6-month-old with PHACE syndrome and a large facial hemangioma threatening the eye developed ulceration and infection. Dr. Cologlu combined urgent surgical debridement with intra-lesional corticosteroid injection, then initiated propranolol therapy. She managed the complex cerebrovascular and cardiac anomalies in close consultation with neurology and cardiology throughout the perioperative period.

An 11-year-old competitive swimmer from a coastal city presented with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis of the clavicle, unresponsive to medical management. Dr. Cologlu performed a partial claviculectomy with preservation of the muscular attachments, followed by bone grafting from the iliac crest. Rehabilitation involved aquatic therapy protocols, and the patient returned to swimming at 8 months with modified stroke technique.

A 3-year-old with Hirschsprung's disease and total colonic aganglionosis, failing conservative management, required surgical intervention. Dr. Cologlu performed a Duhamel pull-through procedure modified with a side-to-end colorectal anastomosis using a circular stapler, preserving anal sphincter function. The family received extensive stoma care training preoperatively, with gradual transition to normal bowel function over 12 months.

A 13-year-old with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and nephrectomy for Wilms tumor developed a massive incisional hernia. Dr. Cologlu utilized a complex abdominal wall reconstruction with component separation technique and biologic mesh placement, accounting for potential future abdominal growth. Nutritional optimization with a hospital dietitian was crucial preoperatively due to the patient's metabolic needs.