Intestinal transplant in Turkey

How much does an intestinal transplant cost in Turkey?

The cost of an intestinal transplant varies between €50,000 and €100,000. This amount includes the fees of the surgeons and medical team, post-operative care, including medical monitoring, immunosuppressive drugs and intensive care, the hospital stay before and after the transplant and pre-operative examinations.

Intestinal transplant in Turkey

From €50,000

Intestinal transplantation is one of the most popular surgical operations inIstanbul and Ankara, Turkey. Hospitals and clinics there use highly advanced technologies. The surgeons? Among the best in the world when it comes to organ transplants. By choosing this destination for your treatment, you will benefit from top-quality service.

What is an intestinal transplant in Turkey?

Intestinal transplantation is a relatively rare medical procedure worldwide. In France, only 190 transplants have been recorded since 1993. But what exactly does it involve? The aim of this type of surgery is to replace a diseased or non-functioning intestine with a healthy one. The healthy intestine rarely comes from a living donor.

It may involve transplanting the small intestine, the colon, or both. The surgery is carried out in medical establishments with highly specialised equipment. Like all transplants, it requires the expertise of specialist transplant surgeons. The most competent? You will undoubtedly find them in Turkey.

After the transplant, patients can hope to regain normal intestinal function. The operation provides optimal absorption of dietary nutrients, thereby improving quality of life.

Who should undergo an intestinal transplant in Turkey?

To be considered an ideal candidate for this operation, here are the criteria:

• Adults with less than 100 cm of small intestine remaining
• Children with less than 40 cm of small intestine remaining.
• Be in good general health
• Be in good physical condition, regardless of age, to withstand major surgery and the immunosuppressive treatment that will follow.
• Not suffer from any serious uncontrolled illness: active infection or untreated cancer.

Read our file on kidney transplants, bone marrow transplants, liver transplants and pancreas transplants in Turkey.

When can an intestinal transplant be carried out in Turkey?

This is an ultimate option for international patients who are facing symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders classified as clinically incurable. Surgical doctors generally prescribe it to patients with :

• Congenital diseases (short bowel syndrome, etc.)
• Inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease,
• Cases of intestinal necrosis resulting from an interruption in the blood supply.
• Serious surgical complications
• Chronic abscesses, tumours or other problems that block the intestine.

Candidates for intestinal transplantation in Turkey are rigorously assessed by a specialist medical team to determine their eligibility.

What are the risks, complications and side-effects?

Intestinal transplantation, although potentially life-saving, involves a number of risks, complications and side-effects.

Risks and complications

• The immune system refuses to recognise the transplanted intestine(rejection)
• The new intestine may produce cells that attack the recipient’s tissues.
• Sometimes, the intestinal graft may develop vascularisation problems requiring surgery.
• A type of blood cancer (lymphoma) may develop over the long term in some transplant patients.

Side effects

• Gastrointestinal problems: abdominal pain, diarrhoea, ulcers, which may affect the patient’s digestive system.
• Immunosuppressive drugs prescribed to prevent graft rejection can lead to high blood pressure in some people and an increased risk of developing diabetes and certain cancers.
• Fatigue and weakness

Monitoring and prevention

The success of an intestinal transplant depends largely on post-operative monitoring. Regular medical check-ups enable any signs of graft rejection to be monitored and immunosuppressive drugs adjusted accordingly.

Preventing infections is also extremely important. After an intestinal transplant, the immune system is weakened by the drugs. Prophylactic treatments are therefore essential to prevent infections. These include antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals. These are known as immunomodulation strategies.

How does the operation work?

Preparation

• Initial consultation accompanied by a series of medical tests to assess the patient’s general state of health. This includes blood tests, medical imaging and functional assessments.
• Mental preparation with psychologists and social workers to help prepare mentally for the procedure.

Transplant surgery

• The patient will receive a general anaesthetic and will therefore be unconscious throughout the operation.
• The surgeon removes the diseased intestine
• The donor intestine is then implanted and connected to the recipient’s blood vessels and organs. This stage determines the success of the transplant.
• The surgical team carefully checks that the blood is circulating correctly in the new organ.
• After surgery, the patient is transferred to an intensive care unit for the first 24 to 48 hours. Vital signs, haemodynamic parameters and graft function are carefully monitored

Recovery and follow-up

To detect any complications early on and ensure a good quality of life for the patient, regular visits to the doctor are essential for several weeks after the operation. It is advisable to book accommodation close to the hospital.

What are the results of an intestinal transplant in Turkey?

The results are impressive. Intestinal transplants have a one-year survival rate of 80% in specialised Turkish establishments. These figures are the result of the expertise of Turkish surgeons. But the quality of post-operative care also plays a huge role.

How long will I have to stay in Turkey for this operation?

You will need to stay in Turkey for a total of between 7 and 11 weeks

• Arrival 3 to 7 days before the operation for medical assessments and preparations.
• Post-operativehospitalisation between 4 and 6 weeks.
• Consultations, tests and adjustment of treatment for 2 to 4 weeks.

Why have an intestinal transplant in Turkey?

Turkey has become a favourite destination for organ transplants, including intestinal transplants. There are several reasons for this:

• The operations are carried out by highly qualified specialists trained at world-renowned institutions.
• The transplant centres are managed by dedicated multidisciplinary teams.
• Its cutting-edge medical technologies enable high-quality care to be provided.
• Many Turkish hospitals are accredited by international bodies
• Care, from diagnosis to follow-up, including hospital operations, is less expensive than in Western countries
• The country is well served by international flights.

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