Organ Transplantation

The level of transplantology in Turkey is one of the highest in the world. According to the Turkish Health Ministry, more than 5,000 organ transplants are performed annually in this country – more than anywhere else in Europe. 75% percent of the organs are sourced from living donors. Among the leaders by the number of operations – transplantation of liver and kidneys, as well as bone marrow in both adults and children. 

Each donor candidate – either domestic or foreign – undergoes a strict medical and ethical inspection. Usually, foreign patients must come with their related donors – up to 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 with the use of high-tech operating equipment. This allows Turkish transplantologists to operate even on very young babies weighing 4 to 6 kilos.

Among the achievements of modern transplantology is the widespread use of laparoscopic and robotic surgery. For example, Turkish surgeons use robotic surgery for kidney transplants. Robotics easily reach places where it is difficult to reach by hands. This helps to avoid wide tissue openings and significantly shortens the postoperative period.

Stem cell transplantation is another rapidly growing field in Turkey. Stem cell therapy has shown good results in serious illnesses such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, cirrhosis, and some autoimmune diseases. In other words, stem cells help where traditional medicine is powerless. 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 for improved life quality. 

This content provides general information about treatment possibilities in Turkey and cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. 

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