Op. MD. Umut Yildirim

A 68-year-old retired watchmaker with essential tremor so severe he could no longer practice his craft sought help. Dr. Yildirim performed deep brain stimulation with intraoperative microelectrode recording while the patient attempted fine motor tasks. Post-op programming was adjusted over weeks to balance tremor control with preserving his unique proprioceptive sensitivity for delicate work.

A 42-year-old Syrian refugee and former architect, now working construction, developed progressive quadriparesis after a fall. Imaging revealed a previously undiagnosed congenital basilar invagination. Dr. Yildirim performed an occipitocervical fusion using patient-specific 3D-printed titanium implants. Recovery involved months of rehabilitation, with the patient eventually securing office work through a refugee assistance program.

An 8-year-old girl from a nomadic family presented with episodic leg weakness. Dr. Yildirim diagnosed a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula at T10, fed by an anomalous artery. He performed a minimally invasive hemilaminectomy with intraoperative indocyanine green angiography. The family's migratory lifestyle required a unique follow-up plan using telemedicine during their seasonal movements.

A 55-year-old olive oil producer developed trigeminal neuralgia specifically triggered by the scent of fresh olives. MRI showed neurovascular compression from a dolichoectatic basilar artery. Dr. Yildirim performed microvascular decompression via a retrosigmoid approach, preserving all hearing. The patient returned to harvest season without pain but reported a temporary altered perception of olive aromas.

A 17-year-old competitive freediver from a coastal village presented with recurrent syncope during deep dives. Dr. Yildirim discovered a rare cerebrospinal fluid leak at the cribriform plate, exacerbated by pressure changes. Using an endoscopic endonasal approach with a custom fibrin sealant, he repaired the defect. The patient returned to competitive diving after 6 months, now with modified equalization techniques.