Liver Transplant in Turkey
Liver Transplant in Turkey – Part I
Who Needs It and Why Turkey Is a Strong Choice
Why Is a Liver Transplant Performed?
A liver transplant is recommended for patients with end-stage liver failure or primary liver tumors within specific criteria — such as the Milan criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma.
It is also performed in cases of progressive liver diseases that no longer respond to medical treatment.
According to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), transplant decisions depend on clinical evaluation and patient priority on the waiting list. Doctors may use bridging treatments — such as local tumor therapies — to help patients remain eligible while waiting for a donor organ.
Why Turkey?
Over the past two decades, Turkey has developed one of the most advanced liver transplant programs in the world, with strong systems for both living-donor and deceased-donor transplants.
This approach shortens waiting times and offers new hope to patients.
Recent studies show excellent short- and mid-term survival rates and continuous improvement in surgical outcomes and quality programs.
Research from 2023–2025 confirms Turkey’s growing success in both living- and deceased-donor transplants.
Success Rates – What Do They Mean for Patients?
Globally, liver transplantation shows high survival rates in the first and third year after surgery.
When performed by experienced surgical teams within well-equipped hospitals, the outcomes of living and deceased donor transplants are very similar.
In Turkey, modern analyses show impressive survival and safety results, with some variations depending on each center’s expertise and the patient’s condition before surgery.
(Detailed survival data and complication rates will be shared in Part 3.)
Living Donors – Which Lobe Is Best?
The choice between using the right or left liver lobe from the donor depends on balancing donor safety with adequate graft size for the recipient.
A 2022 systematic review found that left-lobe donors experience fewer complications, with equally good outcomes for the recipient — provided that the graft is large enough.
This trend supports safer options for donors whenever size measurements allow.
Pre-Transplant Evaluation
Before surgery, both donor and recipient undergo a complete assessment that includes:
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Evaluation of disease severity (MELD score)
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Nutritional and psychological assessments
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Screening for hidden infections
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Heart and lung tests
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Detailed imaging of liver and blood vessels
For patients with liver tumors, the medical team may use bridging therapies to keep them suitable for transplant while waiting for a donor.
The AASLD recommends these therapies to reduce dropout rates from transplant waiting lists.
What Happens After Arriving in Turkey?
Upon arrival, patients follow a structured plan that includes:
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A comprehensive medical consultation
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A series of diagnostic tests (blood work, CT or MRI, cardiac and lung evaluations)
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A transplant committee meeting to review eligibility
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Scheduling the surgery once a suitable donor or organ becomes available
Experienced Turkish centers also offer fast-track pathways for living donors to minimize waiting time while maintaining strict safety standards.
A Note on Transparency
It’s important to understand that detailed outcomes — such as complication rates and survival percentages — may vary between centers based on surgeon experience, patient health, and accompanying conditions.
In Part 3, we will cover:
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Immunosuppressive medication protocols
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Monitoring for rejection
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Biliary and vascular complications
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Updated 2025 guidelines for post-transplant care and long-term outcomes
To begin your medical evaluation or treatment planning, you can contact Dr. Al-Akkad directly via WhatsApp.