International Training Centre · Istanbul

International Training Platform
in Endoscopic Spine Surgery

All endoscopic techniques applied at only a handful of centres worldwide come together under the IESA umbrella. Alongside expert instructors who take an active role at international congresses and symposia, we offer comprehensive training programmes meticulously designed from live surgery observation through to one-to-one mentorship.

Fellowship Programme
Workshop · Hands-On Training
MasterClass · Case Analysis
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15+
Years Clinical Experience
3
Training Programmes
Live
Surgery Observation
1:1
One-to-One Mentorship

Why Istanbul Endoscopic Spine Academy?

Istanbul Endoscopic Spine Academy (IESA) is a pioneering platform built on the global experience and academic depth of Op. Dr. Tunc Koc, dedicated to delivering advanced training in endoscopic spine surgery. Our faculty actively presents at international congresses held in Japan, South Korea, Dubai, Argentina, India, the Netherlands and Brazil — the world's leading centres for this technology — and brings that exceptional expertise directly to colleagues in Istanbul.

Comprehensive Technical Coverage: All endoscopic techniques — transforaminal, interlaminar, uniportal and biportal — are taught to the highest application standards within a single centre.
Evidence-Based Curriculum: Scientifically grounded programmes that bring international congress experience and the latest literature directly into the training environment.
Internationally Recognised: An official certificate with international recognition upon completion of every advanced training programme.
ISMISS 2026 Japan Congress — Op. Dr. Tunc Koc
Istanbul Endoscopic Spine Workshop

Live Surgery Observation and
One-to-One Mentorship

Our educational philosophy goes beyond theoretical knowledge and cadaver workshops, placing real clinical experience at its core. Participants directly observe live patient surgeries, refining their surgical technique while developing the clinical decision-making skills needed even in the most complex cases.

Clinical Practice (Fellowship): Twice-weekly live surgery observation sessions at Acibadem Taksim Hospital, providing first-hand experience of advanced surgical procedures.
One-to-One Mentorship: Dedicated one-on-one sessions with expert instructors at our Nisantasi clinic, covering patient assessment and treatment planning.
Boutique Training Approach: Our small-group format ensures personalised feedback and intensive academic engagement for every participant.
Training Programmes

Three Formats. Comprehensive Training.

Step ahead in endoscopic spine surgery with programmes designed to match your level of experience and goals.

Advanced Academic Training

Fellowship

An advanced clinical training programme conducted one-to-one with Op. Dr. Tunc Koc, based on a master-apprentice model. Designed exclusively for 1–2 surgeons, this unique experience offers in-depth mentorship at every stage — from case analysis to live surgery observation.

  • Exclusive programme limited to 1–2 participants
  • Case analysis at Nisantasi clinic · Live surgery at Acibadem Taksim
  • Visiting or Clinical Fellowship from 1 week to 6 months
  • Internationally recognised official certificate upon completion
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Intensive 2-Day Training

Workshop

Led by IESA instructors, this programme is a two-day professional training camp in endoscopic spine surgery. Mornings are devoted to theoretical depth and case discussions; afternoons bring direct experience of surgical procedures in the operating theatre.

  • Maximum 5–6 participants
  • 2 days of theoretical and practical training
  • Live surgery observation
  • Internationally recognised certificate upon completion
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Case Analysis & Academic Depth

MasterClass

An interactive experience-sharing platform focusing in depth on specific surgical techniques, guided by IESA instructors and global authorities. It offers expert peer discussion for surgeons seeking to specialise in a chosen topic.

  • Capacity of 30–50 participants · highly interactive academic environment
  • Case and complication analysis · real operative videos and advanced literature review
  • 1-day intensive session · full focus on a specific technique
  • Internationally recognised certificate upon completion
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Instructors

Meet Our Expert Faculty

Leading names in endoscopic spine surgery who take an active role at international congresses and symposia.

Dr. Gun Choi, MD PhD
Founding
Honorary President
International Advisory Instructor · South Korea

Dr. Gun Choi, MD PhD

Neurosurgery Specialist · Wooridul Spine Hospital, Pohang · Faculty, Hanyang University

Dr. Gun Choi is one of the foremost pioneers of endoscopic spine surgery worldwide. President of Pohang Wooridul Hospital and a faculty member at Hanyang University Hospital, Dr. Choi has shaped the scientific foundations of this field with more than 3,000 endoscopic cases and over 10 SCI international publications.

Having described the ligamentum flavum splitting technique, popularised the trans-osseous (trans-iliac) approach for L5–S1 disc herniations, and developed innovative endoscopic solutions for migrated disc herniations, Dr. Choi is the founding president of the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Techniques (WCMISST) and former president of ISMISS (2011–2014).

Transforaminal Endoscopy Interlaminar Endoscopy Trans-iliac Approach Lig. Flavum Splitting WCMISST Founder
Profile Page Publications (ResearchGate)
Dr. Son Sang Kyu
UBE
Pioneer
Senior Instructor · South Korea

Dr. Son Sang Kyu

Spine Surgery Specialist · Head of Spine Centre, Kang Dong Hospital, Busan

Dr. Son Sang Kyu is one of the world's leading pioneers of the Uniportal Biportal Endoscopy (UBE) technique. A graduate of Kyungbuk National University School of Medicine, Dr. Son has been leading the development and organisation of UBE technique since 2003 and conducts international seminars in this field.

With more than 20 years of clinical experience as Head of the Spine Centre at Kang Dong Hospital, Dr. Son is an active member of numerous national and international organisations including the Korean Neurosurgical Society, ISMISS, ISUBE (International Society for Uniportal Biportal Endoscopy) and KOMISS. He has numerous publications in leading international journals including Neurospine, Neurosurg Focus and J Neurosurg Spine.

Uniportal Biportal Endoscopy (UBE) Endoscopic Discectomy Endoscopic Fusion ISUBE Member KOMISS Member
Publications (ResearchGate) OOT Profile
Op. Dr. Tunc Koc
Academy
Director
Founder · Academy Director

Op. Dr. Tunc Koc

Neurosurgery Specialist · Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Op. Dr. Tunc Koc is one of Turkey's leading names in endoscopic spine surgery. Applying all endoscopic techniques — transforaminal, interlaminar, uniportal and biportal endoscopy — with a high-volume practice, Dr. Koc has translated this experience into a systematic training platform within IESA.

An invited speaker and presenter at numerous international congresses and symposia including ISMISS Japan 2026 (18th World MISS Summit), South Korea (ISECSS) and Dubai EndoSpine 2025, Dr. Koc continues his researcher profile as the world's first to perform Endoscopic Nucleoplasty and Endoscopic RFA under HD camera guidance.

Transforaminal Endoscopy Interlaminar Endoscopy Uniportal Endoscopy Biportal Endoscopy Endoscopic Nucleoplasty
Full Biography → tunckoc.com Blog Posts

Apply to Our Programmes

Use the form below to request information about or apply to our Fellowship, Workshop or MasterClass programmes.

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