BestClinic.co.uk provides information on liver transplantation in Turkey and helps you book an operation with expert surgeons. This content is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional.
How much does a liver transplant cost in Turkey?
Prices for liver transplants in Turkey are considerably lower than in other countries. For example, in the United States, the cost can reach €300,000, in France around €240,000 and in Spain around €260,000.
In Turkey, on the other hand, prices for a liver transplant start from €50,000, which includes a 15-day stay in hospital, transport, tests, an interpreter and meals. These lower prices are mainly due to the lower cost of living and competition between hospitals.
| Liver transplant in Turkey | 50.000 € |
Liver transplant in Turkey : Complete Guide
Thinking of having a liver transplant in Turkey? This comprehensive guide contains all the essential information you need to know about the procedure, recovery and associated costs. Find out why Turkey is a recommended destination and request a free personalised quote to get the best rates for a successful liver transplant in Turkey!
What is a liver transplant?
Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting part of a healthy liver from a donor into a failing liver. The aim of this surgery is to treat patients with serious liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, severe hepatitis and certain forms of liver cancer.
There are several types of liver transplant, but the most common is orthotopic transplantation, in which the diseased liver is removed and replaced with part of a healthy liver. If you don’t know, the liver is an organ that can regenerate itself. This is why only part of the donor’s liver is needed for the transplant. In Turkey, liver transplants from living donors are authorised for international patients, provided that the donor is a relative of the recipient.
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Who is this transplant intended for?
Liver transplantation is often the best option for patients with serious and irreversible liver disease. It is considered to be the gold standard treatment for many medical conditions such as :
- Chronic cholestatic liver diseases: such as primary biliary cirrhosis, sclerosing cholangitis and biliary atresia.
- Hepatic parenchymal diseases : including post-hepatitis cirrhosis, autoimmune cirrhosis and alcoholic cirrhosis.
- Fulminant and sub-fulminant hepatitis: when the liver is severely damaged in a very short space of time.
- Primary liver cancer: particularly when the cancer is at an advanced stage.
- Genetic metabolic diseases: such as Wilson’s disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and haemochromatosis, where metabolic imbalances lead to serious liver damage.
What are the contraindications?
Liver transplantation is not possible for everyone. Here are the main reasons why a person may not be able to receive this transplant:
- Visceral failure: such as severe heart or respiratory failure.
- Cancer affecting other organs: or if more than three tumours are present.
- Uncontrolled HIV infection: HIV is not always an absolute contraindication, but uncontrolled infection can pose additional risks.
- Dependence on alcohol or drugs: patients who are dependent on alcohol or drugs must prove that they have stopped before the operation.
- Advanced age : generally, transplantation is not possible for patients over the age of 65, unless they have no serious chronic illnesses.
- Poor health: if the patient is unable to withstand the operation or would be obliged to take anti-rejection drugs for the rest of their life.
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Why choose Turkey for a liver transplant?
Turkey stands out from other countries for its high medical standards and impressive success rates for liver transplants. What’s more, prices are lower than in other countries, making it a good destination for medical tourism.
Turkey has developed significant expertise in living donor liver transplants, with a 98% success rate. In 2019, the country even performed the highest number of living donor liver transplants in the world.
What is the procedure for a liver transplant in Istanbul, Turkey?
If you’re considering a liver transplant in Turkey, you’ll probably want to know more about the operation and what happens afterwards. Firstly, you should know that the best hospitals specialising in this surgery are in Istanbul. In these hospitals, from the initial consultation to the post-operative recovery period, every step is carefully planned and executed to ensure the best possible outcome for international patients. Let us take a closer look at how the operation is performed.
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The first consultation
The first step before a liver transplant in Turkey is a series of preliminary examinations to assess the patient’s state of health and check that there are no contraindications. During these examinations, patients receive a thorough medical assessment and blood tests, and the surgeon takes time to explain the rest of the procedure.
The donor must also be present to check compatibility between donor and recipient.
The course of the operation
Once this initial consultation has taken place, the liver transplant can take place in the operating theatre. The donor part of the liver is removed and the recipient is transplanted at the same time.
This delicate operation is carried out by a team of highly qualified Turkish surgeons and can last several hours, depending on the complexity of each case.
Post-operative care and follow-up
After the operation, the donor and recipient are placed in an intensive care unit and monitored for at least a day. Thereafter, the donor must remain in hospital for a further 4 or 5 days and the recipient for at least 10 days.
In all, patients need to stay in Turkey for at least 2 weeks in order to receive follow-up examinations and ensure that they are recovering properly.
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What are the common complications?
As with any advanced surgery, liver transplantation can sometimes lead to complications, although these are rare, such as :
- Rejection of the new liver
- Problems with the functioning of the graft
- Blood vessel problems, such as arterial blockages
- Biliary complications such as leaks or strictures
- Infections
- Side effects of drugs to prevent rejection
Liver transplantation in Turkey is therefore an advanced treatment available to international patients suffering from serious liver disease. Turkey has higher success rates than other countries, as well as lower fees, making it a good choice of destination for this transplant.
If you are considering a liver transplant in Turkey, don’t hesitate to ask for your free quote to obtain the best rates. Our team will be happy to provide you with information and support from A to Z to ensure that your operation is a success, with the help of recognised Turkish surgeons.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the life expectancy after a liver transplant?
Life expectancy after a liver transplant varies, but most patients can expect to live for several years, or even decades, with a good quality of life. On average, 90% of adult recipients live at least one year after transplantation, and 60% at least 10 years.
What is the success rate for a liver transplant in Turkey?
The success rate of liver transplantation in Turkey is very high, in excess of 90%. This is higher than in other countries. In France, for example, the success rate is 80%, and in the UK 85%. The risks are therefore slightly lower in Turkey.
Who can donate part of their liver?
Potential donors must be members of the recipient’s family, usually close relatives. They must undergo in-depth medical assessments to ensure that they are compatible, in good health and able to donate part of their liver.
What are the risks associated with a liver transplant?
The risks associated with a liver transplant include infection, graft rejection and surgical complications. There is also the risk of suffering the side-effects of immunosuppressive drugs that prevent rejection.
What are the long-term effects of a liver transplant?
Long-term liver transplantation significantly improves quality of life and extends the recipient’s life expectancy. However, the risk of rejection and the side effects of the drugs require constant medical monitoring.
How do you prepare physically and mentally for a liver transplant?
To prepare physically and mentally for a liver transplant, it is essential to follow medical recommendations, maintain good physical condition and receive good psychological support. This is important if you are to recover as quickly as possible.
