Organ Transplantation

According to the Turkish Health Ministry, more than 5,000 organ transplants are performed annually in Turkey – more than anywhere else in Europe, and amongst the highest in the world. Circa 75% percent of the organs are sourced from living donors.

Transplants for liver, kidneys and bone marrow for adults, and bone marrow for children are the organ transplant operations that are performed most frequently each year in Turkey.

Each donor candidate – either domestic or foreign – undergoes a strict medical and ethical consultation and assessment. Usually, foreign patients must come with their related donors – up to a 4th degree relative, but there are exceptions. For example, if a patient who requires a bone marrow transplant is unable to find a suitable related donor at home, they may use the services of the Turkish National Donor Bank.

Organ transplant operations are performed in Turkey according to the latest protocols and using state-of-the-art medical and operating equipment. This enables specialist doctors in Turkey to perform organ transplants across a very wide age range. This includes even on very young babies, following a comprehensive consultation and assessment involving the parent/s.

The advances in technology as it relates to organ transplants means that the use of laparoscopic and robotic surgery is now widespread. For example, Turkish surgeons use robotic surgery for kidney transplants. This robotic technology is able to easily reach places where it would be difficult to reach by hand. This helps to avoid wide tissue openings and significantly shortens the post-operative period.

Stem cell transplantation is another rapidly growing field in Turkey. Stem cell therapy has shown good results in the treatment of serious illnesses such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, cirrhosis and some autoimmune diseases. Stem cells help where traditional medicine is of little or no benefit. They are used to replace functional cells that have died as a result of an injury or illness. For most patients, this is the only chance, if not for full recovery, then at least