Liver Transplantation in Turkey: The Importance of Experience

There has been a significant improvement in liver transplantation in the past few decades. With the development in surgical techniques, the effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs, and the growing survival rates, Turkey has become the best country for live transplants. Liver transplant has become standard therapy for diseases like acute liver failure, end-stage liver disease, and metabolic disorders. Moreover, today, many private hospitals in Turkey offer the most advanced technology and medical treatments in the world. So, in this article, we will talk about the growth of liver transplants in Turkey.

Major Issues with Liver Transplant in Turkey

In recent years, one of the significant problems in liver transplants is the limited organ availability. Cadaveric or deceased donors alone are unable to meet the increasing organ needs. So, many countries started live donor liver transplant programs to meet the organ requirement needs. Also, when it comes to deceased donor transplants, these are high in Western countries and lower in Asian countries. The reasons for higher rates of live donor liver transplants in Asian countries are religion-based and, in others, lack of awareness regarding organ donation. So, in countries like Turkey, the organ donation rate is insufficient. That is why live donor liver transplant is just two-third in Turkey.

History of Liver Transplant in Turkey

Thomas Starzl et al. performed the world’s first liver transplant in 1963; unfortunately, the patient died. The same team performed the first successful liver transplant in 1967. 

Strong et al. reported the first successful LDLT in 1989, and Haberal et al. performed the first liver transplantation in Turkey in 1988. Also, the same team completed the first successful partial LDLT in 1990. And in 1989, the Ministry of Health in Turkey initiated a national organ sharing program. The Ministry of Health established the National Coordination Centers to allocate dead donors in 2001. So, nine National Coordination Centers have been constructed in major Turkish cities. Turkey currently has more than 45 liver transplant clinics. However, only around one-quarter can perform more than 20 liver transplants every year.

Common Conditions for Liver Transplant in Turkey

One of the most common causes of liver transplants in Turkey in the adult age group is viral hepatitis. Besides, cholestatic diseases are the most common cause of liver transplants in the pediatric age group. In fact, at Ege University, 64 percent of adult patients received liver transplantation due to cirrhosis. And in Turkey, hepatitis B is the most prevalent cause of cirrhosis (approximately 60% of cirrhotic individuals). Cholestatic disorders were responsible for 69 percent of transplants in the pediatric age group.

Biliary atresia and Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis formed the majority of cholestatic disorders in pediatric patients. The median MELD score in liver transplantation patients at Ege University was 20. Only MELD scores of 14 or higher can be added to the cadaveric waiting list in Turkey.

Best Hospitals for Liver Transplant in Turkey

Turkey houses a wide range of clinics and hospitals for liver transplants. Turkey has many renowned hospitals with skilled and experienced surgeons. So, almost all liver transplant hospitals and clinics are JCI-Certified and equipped with machines and equipment. Also, when it comes to the cost of liver transplants in Turkey, it is competitive than in other countries. Currently, there are 45 liver transplantation centers in Turkey. 25, out of which are state universities, three research and training hospitals, nine private universities, eight foundation universities, and three research and training hospitals. 

The top hospitals for Liver transplants in Turkey are:

• Medical Park Bahcelievler Hospital
• Acibadem Bakirkoy Hospital
• Anadolu Medical Center Hospital
• BAU Medical Park Göztepe
• Liv Hospital Ankara
• Medipol University Hospital
• VM Medical Park Florya Hospital
• Medicana Bursa Hospital
• Medicana Konya Hospital
• Acibadem International Hospital

Cost of Liver Transplant in Turkey

Turkey is affordable when it comes to liver transplant costs. So, the average price starts from USD 50,000 to USD 80,000. However, it depends on various factors such as donor availability, type of transplant, hospital quality, room category, and surgeon’s experience. Therefore, Turkey’s overall liver transplant cost is almost one-third of other countries like Germany, the UK, and the USA. Many patients worldwide visit Turkey to save money on their liver transplant treatment. 

Turkey boasts the top hospitals for liver transplants, ensuring the best quality and affordability. So, if you are looking for the top-most hospitals and precise quotes from these hospitals, visit Lyfboat today! The website offers detailed information that helps you get the best liver transplant in Turkey at affordable packages. To read more our health blogs, click here!