Black Sea Hospital's Spine Surgery Leap Redefines Regional Care

ÜNYE, Türkiye – April 09, 2026 – In a significant advancement for regional healthcare, Çakırtepe Hospital, nestled on Türkiye’s picturesque Black Sea coast, has successfully performed its first Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE) spine surgery. The procedure, led by Orthopedics, Traumatology and Spine Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Mehmet Onur Sarıhan, introduces a highly advanced, minimally invasive technique to the region, positioning Ünye as an emerging center for sophisticated medical care.

This milestone not only marks a surgical first for the hospital but also signals a strategic move to democratize access to cutting-edge treatments that were once primarily available in major metropolitan centers like Istanbul and Ankara.

The Future of Back Surgery Arrives in Ünye

Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy is at the forefront of modern spine surgery, representing an ultra-minimally invasive approach that dramatically enhances patient outcomes. Unlike traditional open surgery, which requires large incisions and significant muscle retraction, UBE utilizes two small entry points on the same side of the spine. One portal is for a high-definition endoscope, providing a magnified and brilliantly illuminated view of the surgical field, while the other serves as a working channel for specialized instruments.

The clinical advantages are substantial. The technique involves a pure muscle-splitting approach, navigating natural tissue planes to reach the spine. This method leaves the critical paraspinal muscles largely intact, avoiding the cutting and stripping that cause significant postoperative pain, muscle atrophy, and longer recovery periods in conventional surgeries. As a result, patients experience less blood loss, reduced pain, and a much faster return to mobility. Studies indicate that hospital stays for UBE procedures can be as brief as two to three days, a stark contrast to the lengthy hospitalizations often required for open spine surgery.

The precision afforded by the endoscopic camera allows surgeons to navigate complex anatomy and address issues like herniated discs and spinal stenosis with unparalleled accuracy. This high level of visualization helps to decompress nerve roots more effectively, leading to high rates of "excellent" or "good" patient outcomes and sustained neurological improvement. Having been pioneered in South Korea, UBE's adoption is growing globally due to its proven success, and its arrival in Ünye signifies a major step forward for patient care in the region.

A Regional Hospital's Leap Forward

The introduction of UBE surgery at Çakırtepe Hospital is the culmination of a focused effort to elevate local healthcare standards. For years, patients in the Black Sea region facing complex spinal conditions often had to endure the cost and logistical burden of traveling to larger cities for advanced treatment. This new capability promises to change that dynamic, offering world-class care close to home.

The procedure's success is anchored by the expertise of Op. Dr. Mehmet Onur Sarıhan. A graduate of Erzurum Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Sarıhan completed his specialization in Orthopedics and Traumatology in 2003. His extensive experience in both public and private institutions is complemented by a specialized focus on modern techniques. As a member of the Endoscopic Spine Surgery Association, his work with UBE is a testament to his commitment to minimally invasive solutions for conditions like lumbar and cervical disc herniations and spinal stenosis.

By investing in both the technology and the specialized talent required for UBE, Çakırtepe Hospital is not just adding a new service—it is making a profound statement about its commitment to the community. This move strengthens the regional healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that local residents have access to the same high standards of care as those in major urban hubs.

Beyond the Metropolis: A New Health Tourism Model

While improving local access is a key driver, this surgical milestone also sharpens Çakırtepe Hospital's competitive edge in Türkiye's booming health tourism market. The nation is a global leader in the field, attracting an estimated two million medical tourists in 2024 and generating billions in revenue, thanks to its combination of high-quality care and affordability.

Traditionally, this market has been dominated by large hospital groups in Istanbul and Antalya. However, Çakırtepe Hospital is carving out a unique niche by offering a compelling alternative. It provides advanced treatments at costs that are often significantly lower than those in Western countries and even more competitive than prices in Türkiye's larger cities. This cost-effectiveness is paired with a powerful, intangible asset: the location itself.

Ünye offers a tranquil, restorative atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the congestion of major metropolitan centers. Patients and their families can recover in a peaceful coastal setting known for its fresh air, natural beauty, and slower pace of life. The hospital actively promotes this synthesis of medical excellence and restorative travel, creating a holistic healing journey that addresses both physical and emotional well-being.

Comprehensive Care from Afar and Up Close

Çakırtepe Hospital's vision extends far beyond a single specialty. The institution is building a comprehensive health tourism platform that includes high-demand services in dermatology, aesthetics, and advanced eye health treatments like smart lenses. Furthermore, it provides access to rare laboratory diagnostics, including allergy and genetic testing, allowing for more thorough and integrated patient care under one roof.

The hospital’s long-standing commitment to quality is underscored by its "Baby-Friendly Hospital" designation, a title it has held since 2012. This global initiative by the WHO and UNICEF recognizes facilities that provide an optimal level of care and support for maternal and infant health, particularly in promoting breastfeeding.

To support its growing number of international and long-distance patients, the hospital has also implemented a robust remote healthcare system. Regulated under national guidelines, these services allow for consultations, treatment planning, and follow-up care in fields like psychiatry, dietetics, and neurosurgery. This continuity of care ensures that the patient's journey begins before they arrive in Ünye and continues long after they have returned home, providing a seamless and supportive medical experience. This blend of advanced procedures, comprehensive services, and a deeply patient-centered philosophy demonstrates how regional hospitals can become powerful centers of medical innovation and international care.