06/08/2025
In Memoriam: Professor Mahmut Gazi Yaşargil (1925–2025)
University of Zurich Neurosurgery Department
Mahmut Gazi Yaşargil, born July 6, 1925 in Lice, Diyarbakır, and deceased June 10, 2025 in Stäfa, Canton Zurich, Switzerland, was one of the towering figures in modern neurosurgery. From 1953 to 1993, he served as resident, senior surgeon, then full Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University Hospital Zurich, profoundly shaping the department into a global center for microsurgical innovation .
Key Contributions & Innovations
Pioneer of Microneurosurgery
Yaşargil is globally credited with founding microneurosurgery. His early work in Zurich introduced the routine use of operating microscopes in cranial surgery, redefining the discipline’s possibilities .
Surgical Microscope & First EC‑IC Bypass
After specialized training in microvascular surgery at the University of Vermont (1965–66), he returned to Zurich to perform the first human superficial temporal–middle cerebral artery (STA‑MCA) bypass on January 18, 1967—ushering in a new vascular neurosurgery era .
Development of Microsurgical Instruments
He pioneered a suite of microsurgical tools—adjustable retractors, aneurysm clips, micro‑instrument tables, ergonomic instruments, and more—that remain foundational in neurosurgical operating rooms worldwide .
Global Neurosurgical Training & Impact
Between 1973 and 1992, during his tenure as Department Chair at Zurich, Yaşargil personally oversaw and trained over 3,000 neurosurgeons from six continents in microsurgical techniques—many of whom went on to lead neurosurgery programs globally .
His magnum opus, the six‑volume “Microneurosurgery” series (1984–1996, published by Georg Thieme), remains the definitive reference for cerebrovascular microsurgery .
University of Zurich — Legacy & Recognition
In 1999, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons named him “Neurosurgery’s Man of the Century (1950–1999)”, acknowledging his transformative influence .
Since 2014, the University of Zurich Faculty of Medicine has hosted its annual “Yaşargil Conferences” in honor of his enduring contributions .
In July 2025, just after his 100th birthday, Zurich played host to the Yaşargil 100th Anniversary Symposium—an international gathering honoring his life and legacy—organized by the University Hospital Zurich in collaboration with WANS .
Milestones at the University of Zurich
Stage Years Highlights
Residency & Senior Surgery under Prof. Krayenbühl 1953–1965 Cerebral angiography, stereotactic surgery for movement disorders, early neurosurgical publications
Microvascular Fellowship in USA and return 1965–1967 Microsurgical training in Vermont and first human EC‑IC bypass in Zurich
Full Professor & Department Chair 1973–1992 Oversaw ~7,500 intracranial operations and global surgeon training
Founding Microneurosurgery Laboratory 1968–1993 Trained more than 3,000 neurosurgeons from across the world
Legacy—Precision, Passion, Teaching
Professor Yaşargil’s legacy at the University of Zurich is felt in every operating microscope, every vascular anastomosis performed, and every surgeon trained under his methods. His instruments, techniques, and scientific writings continue to guide present-day neurosurgery. The annual Yaşargil Lecture and Conference series ensure that his philosophy of precision and relentless innovation continues to inspire.
It was such a highlight in my career to meet, talk and learn from the Father of Modern Neurosurgery.
