Kidney transplant in Turkey

How much does a kidney transplant cost in Turkey?

The average cost of a kidney transplant in Istanbul, Turkey is €17500. This price includes 15 nights’ hospital accommodation for the recipient, 7 nights’ accommodation for the donor, anaesthesia, the surgeon’s expertise and experience, medicines, hospital fees determined according to the level of comfort required, post-operative follow-up, 3 meals a day, airport/hotel/clinic transport and the services of an interpreter.

Kidney transplant in Turkey

17500 €

Focus on kidney transplants in Turkey

One person in ten in the world suffers fromkidney failure, i.e. almost 850 million people. This serious health problem is caused by the inability of the kidneys to perform their function. The organs are therefore unable to filter liquids. As a result, the body is no longer able to evacuate toxins. This causes major damage to the body.

Kidney dysfunction is permanent and irreversible. It therefore becomes essential to set up an artificial blood filtration system, also known as haemodialysis. In layman’s terms, the patient is on dialysis for an indefinite period.

This treatment is a source of discomfort. Yet it only provides a partial improvement in the patient’s condition. But thanks to advances in modern medicine, there is now a solution that can provide a full recovery. A much better alternative to dialysis. It consists of a kidney transplant. This medical procedure promises to be complex. But transplant patients who receive the right treatment can expect to live longer.

Many international patients suffering from the disease have chosen to undergo a kidney transplant in Turkey. Turkey is known as a leading destination for organ surgery and transplantation. It also has a solid reputation in the field of medical tourism.

What is a kidney transplant in Turkey?

Definition of a kidney transplant

The kidney is a major organ in the human body. Its dysfunction leads to other serious health problems for the person affected. Transplantation or grafting is the best solution to kidney failure. The transplanted organ can perform the function of the diseased kidney .

A kidney transplant in Turkey involves surgery to remove organs that no longer function and to transplant healthy kidneys. Kidneys can be taken from living or deceased donors.

Who can donate a kidney?

In Turkey, 75 to 85% of kidney transplants are carried out between a living donor and a patient. This solution offers the best results. Any woman or man aged 18 or over can donate a kidney.

However, the donor must be in perfect health. They must not have any illnesses that could cause the transplanted organ to fail. These include diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure.

The donor must also meet the requirements of the ethics committee. It should be emphasised that organ donation is a voluntary act. Donors are therefore not entitled to any reward.

The transplanted kidney must be compatible with the recipient. This is why it is often required that the donor and recipient have a relationship. This is a factor that can increase the success rate of the operation. The donor should therefore be a relative, spouse or close friend of the patient. If this is not possible, the patient is placed on the transplant waiting list.

In most cases, these candidates are waiting for a cadaveric donor. Anyone can consent to organ donation at the time of death. All they have to do is sign an authorisation form and give it to their family.

How do I find a donor?

Patients in need of organ transplants undergo various clinical tests. The same conditions apply to people wishing to join the donor pool. The tests carried out enable the medical team to check the compatibility between a donor and a recipient.

Who is eligible for a kidney transplant in Turkey?

Kidney transplants in Turkey are obviously intended for people whose kidney function is impaired. This treatment is indicated in cases of

• End-stagerenal disease such as diabetic nephropathy;
• Failure of dialysis, a renal replacement treatment designed to help patients enjoy a better quality of life;
• Presence of symptoms ofchronic renal failure.

A candidate for kidney transplant treatment must meet a number of conditions. Firstly, they must be in excellent health. They also need to be in good physical condition to withstand theoperation. Candidates for kidney transplantation in Turkey must not suffer from any of the following:

• Serious liver disease
• Heart disease
• Acute lung disease;
• Cancer
• A serious ongoing infection.

How does the operation work?

For a kidney transplant to be carried out in Turkey, a donor must be available. The process is carried out in several stages.

Preparation

Kidney transplants must be carried out in a specialist hospital or clinic. The patient must schedule a medical trip to Turkey a few days before the operation. International patients generally choose large hospitals in major cities such as Istanbul. They enjoy a certain reputation and are easier to reach.

Before being admitted to hospital for the transplant, patients undergo a series of tests, including

• A blood test to identify their blood group;
• A test called tissue typing to distinguish them from other individuals using human leukocyte antigens (HLA);
• A crossmatch test to confirm compatibility between the donor and the recipient (an essential process in the case of a living donor);
• Serology tests to detect viruses such as hepatitis and HIV;
• A chest X-ray;
• An electrocardiogram for patients aged 50 or over;
• A CAT scan;
• Various tests to identify any contraindications.

Organs are also removed on theday of the operation. This is a surgical procedure requiring the intervention of real specialists. A race against time is launched. The kidney removed must be transported quickly to the transplant centre in a special refrigerator.

Kidney transplantation

Kidney transplant surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. The operation lasts between 2 and 4 hours. A team of kidney transplant experts performs the operation. Turkish surgeons are now applying a modern surgical technique: laparoscopy.

This minimally invasive method involves making small incisions. This reduces the risk of infection and optimises the success rate. However, these experts have also mastered the technique of open surgery. This involves making deeper and larger incisions.

Recovery

After the operation, the patient is placed in an isolated room. They must be protected from any risk of infection. Themedical team closely monitors the patient’s state of health. It works to detect the slightest side-effects or complications such as haemorrhage. Patients also receive a range of medical care. These include anti-rejection and anti-inflammatory drugs.

The hospital stay lasts a minimum of 10 days. Thereafter, the patient must make regular visits to receive new care instructions and for check-ups. After a few weeks, they can resume a normal life.

However, certain activities are prohibited during the 6 to 8 weeks following surgery, such as

• Lifting or carrying heavy objects
• Intense physical exercise;
• Driving a car.

What are the risks, complications and side-effects of a kidney transplant in Turkey?

A kidney transplant in Turkey is carried out under strict conditions. But even if health professionals act meticulously, problems can still arise. The risk of rejection is the most serious. The patient could lose the transplanted organ. Other side effects and complications include

• Haemorrhage ;
• The formation of blood clots, which can lead to vascular complications;
• Infection;
• Infections in the incised area or other parts of the body;
• Pain;
• Obstruction of the urethra;
• Heart problems;
• Anxiety or depression.

Why have a kidney transplant in Turkey?

There are many advantages to having a kidney transplant in Turkey. It is one of the country’s specialities . Turkey is recognised as the world leader in kidney transplantation.

• The number of operations exceeds 3,500 every year.
• There are many donors available.
• Statistics show that 80% of organ transplants are carried out on living donors.

It should also be noted that since the first kidney transplant was carried out in 1978, the techniques used have continued to progress. The same applies to the medical care provided to patients. The Turkish Ministry of Health has invested heavily in improving this care. It has also introduced strict controls to ensure the quality of transplant programmes.

Hospitals and transplant centres must achieve the regulated success rate. This must be greater than 85%. In addition to all this, the country has highly qualified specialists in the treatment of kidney disorders and kidney transplants. They come from renowned universities and also have a wealth of experience. All this is a guarantee of reliability.

Turkey, particularly the major cities such as Istanbul, also has modern healthcare facilities. It can offer international patients optimum comfort and a high level of safety.

To top it all off, the cost of a kidney transplant in Turkey is very low. Finally, patients and their families can also take advantage of their medical trip to discover Istanbul. Several places of rare beauty, such as the Bosphorus, are well worth a visit.

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