Assoc. Prof. M.D. Halil Kara

As a 72-year-old retired marine biologist, I discovered a rare desmoid tumor during a routine scan. Dr. Kara didn't just see a complex abdominal mass; he recognized my passion for diving and crafted a surgical approach that preserved my core muscles. His team used advanced intraoperative imaging to navigate around critical structures, and six months later, I was back documenting coral reefs in the Red Sea.

My 8-year-old daughter, a competitive gymnast, developed an unusual congenital diaphragmatic hernia that went undetected until she began experiencing breathing difficulties during floor routines. Dr. Kara performed a minimally invasive robotic repair through three tiny incisions. What amazed us was how he explained the procedure to her using gymnastics analogies. She returned to competition within three months, winning her first regional medal.

During my solo motorcycle trip across Turkey, I suffered a traumatic liver laceration after an accident in rural Anatolia. Airlifted to Acibadem Maslak, Dr. Kara performed emergency damage-control surgery at 2 AM. His innovative use of a specialized hemostatic mesh saved me from major resection. What stood out was his follow-up care—he personally coordinated my rehabilitation with a clinic back in my hometown in Norway.

As a 45-year-old professional pastry chef, I faced career-ending news: a rare neuroendocrine tumor entwined with my pancreatic duct. Dr. Kara proposed a novel parenchyma-sparing procedure instead of standard Whipple surgery. He collaborated with hospital chefs to create a personalized post-op nutrition plan that maintained my sense of taste. I recently opened my third patisserie in Istanbul.