Home
About Us
Treatments
Patient Guide
Services
- Fibo Aesthetic
- Fibo Hair
Contracted Organizations
Contact Us

Home
About Us
Treatments
Patient Guide
Services
- Fibo Aesthetic
- Fibo Hair
Contracted Organizations
Contact Us

Organ Transplantation

Understanding Kidney Transplant

Kidney Transplant is a surgical procedure, replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor. It’s essential for those with end-stage kidney disease. The surgery involves finding a compatible donor, meticulous surgical procedure, and postoperative care to prevent rejection. In Turkey, renowned for its healthcare services, kidney transplants are performed by experienced surgeons using advanced medical technology at competitive costs. Patients receive comprehensive care from pre-surgery assessments to post-surgery recovery, ensuring a high success rate.

What is Kidney Transplantation?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a diseased or non-functional kidney with a healthy one from a donor. It is a life-saving solution for individuals with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), where the kidneys can no longer filter waste effectively.

In Turkey, kidney transplant procedures are performed by highly skilled surgeons using advanced medical technologies. Patients benefit from comprehensive care plans that include pre-surgery evaluations, donor matching, and post-operative management, ensuring high success rates and improved quality of life.

The Anatomy and Function of the Kidneys

Kidney Role: Kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste, balancing electrolytes, and regulating blood pressure.
Location: Located in the abdominal cavity, they work 24/7 to maintain the body’s internal balance.

When kidney function drops below 15%, dialysis or transplantation becomes necessary.

Causes of Kidney Failure

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to function effectively. Common causes include:

Diabetes: The leading cause of chronic kidney disease.
Hypertension: High blood pressure damages kidney tissues over time.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units.
Polycystic Kidney Disease: A genetic condition leading to cyst growth in the kidneys.

Timely intervention with a kidney transplant can restore normal function and extend life expectancy.

Kidney Transplant Cost in Turkey

Price Comparison – Turkey vs. Other Countries

Turkey offers world-class kidney transplants at significantly lower costs compared to Western nations.

Country	Average Cost
United States	$250,000–$400,000
United Kingdom	£40,000–£60,000
Turkey	$15,000–$25,000

The affordability, combined with excellent healthcare standards, makes Turkey a preferred choice for international kidney transplant patients.

Most Affordable Cities for Transplant – Istanbul, Antalya

Istanbul:
- Renowned for its premium hospitals like Acıbadem Healthcare Group and Memorial Hospitals Group.
- Costs range from $18,000 to $25,000, offering advanced facilities and experienced surgeons.
Antalya:
- A hub for medical tourism, combining quality care with scenic recovery options.
- Slightly more affordable, with prices ranging from $15,000 to $20,000.

Both cities provide top-tier medical services, allowing patients to choose based on their preferences and budgets.

Clinic Facilities and Modern Technology

Turkish clinics are equipped with:

Robotic-Assisted Surgical Tools: Ensures precision during transplantation.
Advanced Imaging Systems: Allows accurate pre-surgical assessments.
Dedicated Transplant Units: Focuses on infection control and patient comfort.

These features enhance the overall experience for patients, ensuring safety and successful outcomes.

The Kidney Transplant Procedure

The kidney transplant procedure is a meticulously planned process, ensuring the best outcomes for patients suffering from end-stage kidney failure. It involves donor selection, pre-surgery evaluations, the surgery itself, and post-operative care.

Finding a Suitable Donor

The success of a kidney transplant heavily depends on finding a compatible donor.

Types of Donors

Living Donors:
- A healthy kidney is donated by a living individual, often a family member or friend.
- Living donor transplants generally have higher success rates due to better planning and timing.
Deceased Donors:
- Organs are obtained from deceased individuals who have registered as organ donors.
- Compatibility is assessed through blood type and HLA matching.

Turkey’s advanced donor matching systems ensure compatibility, reducing the risk of organ rejection.

Preparation and Evaluation

Before surgery, patients and donors undergo thorough evaluations to ensure the procedure’s safety and effectiveness.

Recipient Evaluations:

Blood Tests: Determine blood type compatibility and assess overall health.
Imaging Tests: CT scans and ultrasounds evaluate the condition of the kidneys and surrounding tissues.
Psychological Assessments: Ensures the patient is mentally prepared for surgery and post-operative lifestyle changes.

Donor Evaluations:

Comprehensive health screenings are performed to confirm the donor’s suitability.
Medical history and genetic compatibility are reviewed to ensure the donated kidney will function optimally in the recipient.

Surgical Steps Explained

The kidney transplant surgery itself is a carefully coordinated procedure involving a team of skilled surgeons, anesthesiologists, and medical staff.

Anesthesia:
- The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Surgical Incision:
- A small incision is made in the lower abdomen to access the transplant site.
Kidney Placement:
- The new kidney is positioned in the recipient’s pelvis.
- Blood vessels from the donor kidney are connected to the recipient’s blood vessels to restore circulation.
Urine Flow Connection:
- The ureter from the donor kidney is connected to the recipient’s bladder to ensure normal urinary function.
Closure and Monitoring:
- The incision is closed, and the patient is transferred to the ICU for post-operative monitoring.

Duration of Surgery

Surgery Time: Typically lasts 3–4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Hospital Stay: Most patients remain in the hospital for 5–7 days for recovery and observation.

Post-Transplant Recovery and Care

The recovery phase after a kidney transplant is as crucial as the surgery itself. Proper care ensures long-term success and helps patients regain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Immediate Aftercare: Hospitals in Istanbul, Antalya

ICU Monitoring

After surgery, patients are closely monitored in a sterile Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to prevent infections and ensure the new kidney functions properly.
Vital signs, such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, and urine output, are tracked continuously.

Medications

Patients are prescribed immunosuppressive drugs to prevent the immune system from rejecting the new kidney.
Pain management medications and antibiotics are also administered to ease recovery.

Top Hospitals for Aftercare

Istanbul: Memorial Hospitals and Acıbadem Healthcare Group are equipped with advanced ICUs and transplant specialists.
Antalya: Facilities like Medstar Antalya Hospital offer personalized aftercare packages for international patients.

Long-term Management: Medication and Lifestyle

Medication Regimen

Immunosuppressive Therapy: Must be taken daily to prevent organ rejection. Common medications include cyclosporine and tacrolimus.
Regular Check-ups: Frequent blood tests and imaging ensure the transplanted kidney is functioning optimally.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Dietary Changes:
- Low-sodium, high-protein diets are recommended to support kidney health.
- Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining kidney function.
Exercise:
- Light physical activities, such as walking or yoga, are encouraged to improve overall health.
- Strenuous activities should be avoided during the first few months of recovery.
Avoiding Risks:
- Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly discouraged as they can damage the transplanted kidney.

Success Stories and Patient Reviews

Before and After Experiences

Maria’s Journey:

Before: Maria, a 39-year-old patient from Germany, struggled with severe fatigue and daily dialysis due to kidney failure.
After: Following her transplant in Antalya, she regained her energy and returned to work within six months.

Ahmet’s Story:

Before: Ahmet, a 52-year-old from Istanbul, relied on dialysis three times a week.
After: His successful kidney transplant at Acıbadem Hospitals restored his independence and allowed him to travel again.

Stories from Women Patients

Women often face unique challenges, such as hormonal fluctuations and post-pregnancy health concerns. With specialized care in Turkey, these challenges are effectively managed, ensuring smooth recovery.

Stories from Men Patients

Male patients frequently highlight improvements in energy levels and physical endurance after transplantation, allowing them to resume activities like sports and travel.

Why Choose Turkey for Kidney Transplant?

Medical Expertise and Accreditation

Turkish hospitals are internationally accredited, meeting global standards of safety and quality.
Surgeons specializing in kidney transplant procedures are trained in leading medical institutions worldwide.

Comprehensive Health Packages

Turkey offers all-inclusive health packages covering:
- Pre-surgery evaluations.
- Surgery and ICU care.
- Post-operative follow-ups and accommodation.

These packages are especially attractive for international kidney transplant patients, ensuring a seamless experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Kidney Transplant Different in Turkey?

Affordability: Costs in Turkey are 50–70% lower than in Western countries.
Expertise: Renowned surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities ensure high success rates.

How Long is the Typical Recovery Time?

Most patients resume normal activities within 4–6 weeks post-surgery.
Full recovery, including return to strenuous activities, may take 3–6 months.

Are Transplant Costs Covered by Insurance?

Many international insurers partially or fully cover kidney transplants in Turkey.
Patients are advised to confirm coverage details with their insurance provider.

With its advanced medical technology, experienced professionals, and cost-effective care, Turkey has established itself as a global leader in kidney transplantation. From pre-surgery assessments to long-term recovery support, patients receive world-class treatment every step of the way.

The indicated treatments are performed in the hospitals that we have agreements with.