Research

Two lines of research run alongside my clinical work and feed each other: cadaveric microsurgical neuroanatomy, and the translation of that anatomy into patient-specific digital models used before surgery.

Surgical neuroanatomy

Laboratory work in Athens (2018–2019), at the Acıbadem CASE Laboratory (2019), at Yeditepe University (2020) and with The Neurosurgical Atlas (2022–2023) forms the basis of my published anatomical studies. Topics include a tentorial cut that preserves the cerebellar tentorial bridging veins in supracerebellar approaches (Journal of Neurosurgery cover, January 2024), the connectivity-based parcellation of the angular gyrus (Brain Structure and Function cover, January 2023), the sublabial transmaxillary route to the inferior orbit, the dorsal projection of the anterior thalamic nucleus, the intrinsic fibre anatomy of the brainstem and the venous circle of Trolard.

Three-dimensional modelling and virtual reality

I build three-dimensional models from routine MRI, CT angiography and angiography data and use them to plan craniotomies, microscope trajectories and clip angles. Published work includes a virtual anatomical atlas for posterior fossa approaches with a method for creating patient-specific surgical models, a virtual atlas of the deep brain nuclei, a three-dimensional video guide to deep brain stimulation targets, and a preliminary study on setting up a microsurgical neuroanatomy laboratory with a virtual operating room. Photogrammetry of cadaveric dissections and their presentation in augmented reality belong to the same line.

Operative video publications

A series of my operations has been published as peer-reviewed operative videos, mainly in Operative Neurosurgery and Neurosurgical Focus: Video. The videos are not embedded on this site; each is listed with its journal reference and DOI on the Publications page.

Teaching

I chair the Young Neurosurgeons Committee of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society (2025–2027), serve as Scientific Publication Coordinator of Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi, the Society’s Turkish-language journal, and have taught in cadaveric white-matter dissection and endoscopic skull base courses. I am open to collaboration on anatomical studies, modelling methods and multicentre clinical series: yucel@yuceldogruel.com.