Lung transplant in Turkey

Considering a lung transplant in Turkey? This ultimate guide contains everything you need to know about the procedure, recovery and cost in Istanbul. Request a quote and get the best price for successful surgery in Turkey.

BestClinic.co.uk provides information about a lung transplant in Turkey and helps you book an operation with qualified Turkish surgeons. This content is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

How much does a lung transplant cost in Turkey?

The cost of a lung transplant in Turkey varies from €60,000 to €90,000. This price includes the cost of transport, the appointment with the oncologist and surgeon, accommodation, translation services, and medication in an accredited partner hospital.

Lung transplant in Turkey 80.000 €

Introduction

Lung transplantation is another piece of medical magic. As complex as heart, liver or kidney transplants, this medical procedure offers a second chance of life to people suffering from cancer or other serious lung diseases.

Turkey, and Istanbul in particular, specialises in this type of thoracic surgery. It has become one of the world’s top five centres for organ transplants. And not without good reason! Its hospitals and clinics have state-of-the-art infrastructures.

And the cost of operations and treatment is relatively affordable compared with other countries. Are you looking for quality care? Turkish surgeons are highly experienced. They are among the most professional and qualified in the world. They know how to take good care of you and your sick body.

Thousands of international patients choose to seek medical care in Turkey every year to regain their health. Many of them have chosen to entrust their care to a medical travel agency. There are many advantages to be gained.

What is a lung transplant?

A lung that can no longer be healed can be replaced. The procedure is called medical transplantation. One or both lungs can be transplanted. This depends on the patient’s needs and the severity of their lung disease. The transplanted lung comes from a living or deceased donor whose lung health is impeccable and who also meets a number of criteria relating to :

  • Age (under 65)
  • Behaviour and lifestyle: non-smoker
  • Compatibility (lung size, blood group, etc.)

Worldwide, around 2,000 people undergo a lung transplant every year. In France, there are around 350 recipients every year.

Who is eligible for a lung transplant in Turkey?

The following criteria apply to candidates for a lung transplant in a Turkish hospital:

  • There is no minimum age for receiving a lung transplant, but you must be under 65.
  • Be in good physical condition to withstand the operation and its aftermath.
  • Not be suffering from any serious untreated illnesses , such as cancer.

Read our special report on radiotherapy in Istanbul.

When is a lung transplant possible?

This operation is an option in the following situations:

  • The disease affecting the lung is serious and irreversible and conventional medical and surgical treatments (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, etc.) no longer have any effect on it.
  • The infection has progressed to such an extent that the patient’s quality of life is severely affected
  • Medication and pulmonary rehabilitation are no longer able to control symptoms
  • The patient’s lung condition deteriorates rapidly, increasing the risk of death

Diseases include cancer, cystic fibrosis (CF),chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and sarcoidosis. After a thorough assessment of the patient and his or her condition, a specialist medical team decides whether or not a transplant is feasible .

Read our report on heart transplants in Turkey.

What are the risks, complications and side-effects?

Lung transplants involve risks and complications that it is important to be aware of before considering them.

Complications:

  • Sometimes the recipient’s immune system considers the new lung to be an invader and wants to reject it.
  • After the operation, some patients may have difficulty breathing. This may be due to the airways or the lungs themselves.
  • As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding during or after the operation.
  • Patients are likely to develop clots in the lungs or legs. These are known as pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis.

Side effects

Here are the undesirable effects of lung transplantation:

  • Recipients are required to take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection. These are responsible for side effects such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis and kidney problems.
  • Recovery from a lung transplant can be long and tiring.
  • The recipient may feel pain at the incision site and in the chest after the operation
  • Nausea, vomiting or digestive problems are often associated with the stress of the operation and the medication taken.

How is the operation carried out?

Lung transplantation in Turkey takes place in 3 stages:

Preparation

  • During the initial consultations, the doctors carry out a series of diagnoses and tests. The aim is to check whether the patient is in reasonably good health and whether their body is suitable for a transplant.
  • If the patient meets the ideal profile, he or she is placed on a waiting list to receive a lung that is compatible.
  • The patient and their family receive psychological support from the medical profession. This is important to help them reduce the stress before and after the operation.

Our dossier on kidney transplants in Turkey.

Operation

It takes around 4 to 8 hours to replace a lung. In the case of a double-lung transplant, the operation takes between 6 and 12 hours.

  • The recipient is put under general anaesthetic in the operating theatre
  • An incision is made in the chest using a method that varies according to the number of lungs to be transplanted
  • The diseased lungs are removed
  • The surgeons attach the new lungs to the patient’s blood vessels and airways using sutures and staples.

Our dossier on liver transplantation in Turkey.

Convalescence

  • After a lung transplant, the patient usually stays in hospital for between 7 and 14 days. During this time, the doctors closely monitor the patient’s state of health.
  • Once discharged from hospital, they must visit their doctor regularly to check that their new lungs are working properly and to adjust their medication if necessary.
  • The patient also undergoes a pulmonary re-education programme to improve her physical and respiratory capacity.

What are the results of a lung transplant in Turkey?

Results vary according to a number of factors. Overall, around 85% of patients survive one year after a lung transplant. This rate falls over time, to 70-75% after five years and around 50% after ten years.

Several factors can influence the success of a lung transplant. For example

  • Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have a 46% survival rate five years after surgery.
  • It is 42% over the same period for those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Finally, for patients with pulmonary fibrosis, the five-year survival rate is 36%.

Patients who survive thoracic surgery can often see a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Read our report on pancreas transplants in Turkey.

How long can I stay in Turkey for this operation?

For a lung transplant in Turkey, you should plan to stay for 2 to 3 months:

  • A few days to a week for pre-operative examinations and assessments,
  • 2 to 3 weeks in hospital after the operation,
  • 1 to 2 months for post-operative follow-up and regular medical check-ups.

Why have a lung transplant in Turkey?

There are several advantages to having a lung transplant in Turkey:

  • Operations carried out by experienced surgeons
  • The cost of medical procedures is often lower than in Western countries.
  • Advanced medical technology.
  • Tourist destination served by several international flights.

In France, around 44 airlines offer this service. Note that Istanbul is 3 hours and 55 minutes by plane from Paris.

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Frequently asked questions about lung transplantation

Does a lung transplant hurt?

During the operation, the patient is under general anaesthetic and therefore feels no pain. However, it is normal to feel some discomfort during the recovery period. Painkillers are generally prescribed for pain after the operation.

What is the success rate for a lung transplant in Turkey?

The success rate can be as high as 98%. This rate can be explained by the quality of the country’s health policy and its high-level hospital infrastructure. The professionalism of Turkish surgeons is also one of the factors contributing to a better success rate.

Where is the best country for a lung transplant?

Turkey is a destination of choice for organ transplants, including thoracic surgery, because of its lower medical costs. In addition, Turkish clinics and hospitals are equipped with the latest technology. As a result, operations are safer and more efficient.

What is the minimum age for a lung transplant?

The minimum age for a lung transplant varies according to medical condition and transplant centre criteria. Children and adolescents can be candidates. There is no strict age limit for adults. However, ideal candidates are often under 60.

What is the minimum length of stay in Turkey for a lung transplant?

You may need to stay in Turkey for around 2 to 3 months. The pre-operative period lasts a few days to a week. Hospitalisation may take 2 to 3 weeks. After the operation, you will need to wait another 1 to 2 months for follow-up.

What are the risks of a lung transplant?

One notable risk is the rejection of the organ by the patient’s body. This requires the patient to take immunosuppressive drugs, which have the negative effect of lowering the immune defence system. Not to mention surgical complications (bleeding, blood clots, anaesthesia, etc.)

How do I organise my trip to Turkey for a lung transplant?

To leave with peace of mind and concentrate on your recovery, it’s best to entrust the organisation of your stay to a medical tourism agency like ours. We can plan everything from A to Z, from choice of hotel to accommodation, from translation services to finding clinics.


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