Op. MD. Umut Yildirim Reviews

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.

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 31-year-old professional calligrapher experienced sudden loss of fine motor control in her dominant hand. Imaging revealed a cavernous malformation in the primary motor cortex hand knob area. Dr. Yildirim used awake craniotomy with direct cortical stimulation mapping during writing tasks, achieving complete resection while preserving eloquent tissue. Her calligraphy style evolved during recovery, incorporating the subtle tremor into a new artistic signature.

A 73-year-old retired fisherman with Parkinson's disease developed severe camptocormia (bent spine syndrome) that prevented him from boarding his boat. Dr. Yildirim performed bilateral subthalamic nucleus DBS with additional leads placed in the pedunculopontine nucleus area. Postoperative programming over months restored his upright posture enough to return to recreational fishing.

A 19-year-old university student and esports competitor presented with debilitating migraine with aura triggered by screen flicker. Transnasal sphenoid endoscopy revealed a cephalocele with CSF pulsations irritating the dura. Dr. Yildirim repaired it using a multilayer technique with abdominal fat graft. The patient returned to competition with modified monitor settings after 3 months.

A 47-year-old single mother and textile factory worker developed hemifacial spasm after years of operating vibrating machinery. MRA showed compression from a persistent trigeminal artery variant. Dr. Yildirim performed endoscopic-assisted microvascular decompression through a keyhole retromastoid approach. She returned to work with accommodations after 8 weeks, using the experience to advocate for workplace ergonomic assessments.

A 60-year-old beekeeper experienced progressive balance issues that threatened his livelihood. Imaging revealed a large vestibular schwannoma with brainstem compression. Dr. Yildirim performed a translabyrinthine approach with cochlear nerve preservation and intraoperative facial nerve monitoring. Though hearing was sacrificed, balance recovered sufficiently for him to continue beekeeping with modified techniques.

A 28-year-old pregnant woman (32 weeks gestation) presented with sudden onset paraplegia. MRI showed a spinal arteriovenous malformation rupture at T6. In coordination with obstetrics, Dr. Yildirim performed emergency embolization followed by staged resection after cesarean delivery. Mother and child survived, with the mother achieving partial ambulation with assistive devices after intensive rehabilitation.

A 12-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis type 2 and bilateral vestibular schwannomas had failed previous radiation. Dr. Yildirim performed staged resections using a hearing preservation approach on the better-hearing side first, with auditory brainstem implant placement during the second surgery. The multidisciplinary approach included genetic counseling for the family and tailored auditory rehabilitation.

A 64-year-old retired chemistry teacher developed complex partial seizures manifesting as olfactory hallucinations of specific chemical compounds. Depth electrode monitoring localized onset to the left uncus. Dr. Yildirim performed selective amygdalohippocampectomy via a transsylvian approach. Seizure freedom allowed return to volunteer tutoring, though he reported nostalgic longing for the phantom chemical scents.

A 39-year-old long-haul truck driver presented with positional headaches and papilledema. Imaging showed a giant arachnoid granulation causing intracranial hypertension. Dr. Yildirim performed venous sinus stenting with pressure gradient monitoring. The patient returned to driving with scheduled breaks for positional changes and continues annual monitoring of stent patency.

A 22-year-old aspiring musician with a chiari malformation developed exercise-induced headaches that prevented practice. Dr. Yildirim performed posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty using a collagen matrix rather than autologous pericranium to minimize donor site pain affecting instrument positioning. Recovery involved gradual return to playing, with the patient composing a piece about the surgical experience.