World-renowned neurosurgeon Prof. Dr. Mahmut Gazi Yaşargil, often credited with revolutionizing brain surgery through the development of microsurgical techniques, passed away on June 11, 2025, in Istanbul at the age of 99.
Born on July 6, 1925, in Lice, Diyarbakır, Yaşargil moved to Ankara with his family at a young age. After completing his early education in Turkey, he pursued medical studies in Germany. However, following the turmoil of World War II, he continued his medical training at the University of Basel in Switzerland. His professional journey began in 1953 when he joined the University of Zurich as a neurosurgery specialist. Between 1965 and 1967, he expanded his expertise in microvascular surgery during his time in the United States, laying the foundation for what would become known as “microneurosurgery.”
Dr. Yaşargil introduced a series of groundbreaking innovations to the field of neurosurgery. These included the use of the operating microscope, refined bipolar coagulation techniques, and the development of aneurysm clips—tools that significantly enhanced the safety and precision of brain surgery. Over the span of his career, he performed more than 7,500 brain surgeries and mentored hundreds of neurosurgeons, many of whom have gone on to lead departments and institutions around the world.
From 1973 to 1993, he served as the head of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Zurich, transforming it into one of the world’s leading neurosurgical centers. Following his retirement from Zurich, Yaşargil accepted an invitation from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, where he continued to teach and operate well into his later years.
In 1999, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons named him the “Neurosurgeon of the Century,” honoring his immense contribution to modern medicine. He is widely regarded as the founder of modern microneurosurgery, a field that has saved countless lives and reduced the risks associated with complex brain operations.
Later in life, he returned to Turkey and remained active in education, frequently participating in courses and lectures, particularly at Yeditepe University. He continued to inspire new generations of neurosurgeons with his deep knowledge and passion for teaching.
Dr. Yaşargil was also known for his lifelong partnership with his wife, Dianne Bader-Gibson, who worked alongside him as a surgical nurse for decades. Together, they formed a unique and enduring professional team.
His passing just weeks before his 100th birthday marks the end of an era in neurosurgery. Prof. Dr. Gazi Yaşargil leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that will continue to shape and guide the practice of neurosurgery for generations to come.
