The Cost of Liver Transplant in Turkey
Turkey is the ideal choice for every patient seeking treatment abroad, as it is distinguished by the high quality of its medical services and affordable prices. The cost of a liver transplant in Turkey is less than one-fifth of the cost in the United States!
Liver Transplant and the Cost of Liver Transplant in Turkey
Organ transplants are very complex procedures. A suitable donor must be found who matches the patient, and then a series of complicated surgical steps are performed, which can lead to serious complications if not carried out by a skilled surgeon. After surgery, multiple medications are required to maintain the transplanted organ.
Liver Transplant in Turkey
Organ transplants in Turkey began in 1975, and the first liver transplant was performed in 1988.
Today, Turkey has more than 30 centers and hospitals that perform organ transplants, making it one of the leading countries worldwide in this field.
The Cost of Liver Transplant in Turkey
Organ transplant procedures are very expensive worldwide, but Turkey provides them at excellent prices.
In addition, Turkey offers a large number of hospitals equipped with the latest technologies for diagnosis and treatment, and highly skilled doctors with extensive expertise in their specialties—all at prices much lower compared to other countries.
These services have made Turkey one of the top destinations for medical tourism, attracting patients who travel specifically to receive treatment.
The cost of a liver transplant in Turkey ranges from $50,000 to $80,000, while the same procedure in the U.S. costs about $500,000—making Turkey the best option.
American hospitals do not provide additional benefits beyond those offered in Turkey that would justify the higher cost. Turkey offers all the latest technologies recommended by international studies, as well as highly qualified medical staff holding degrees from leading global universities.
👉 Contact Dr. Al-Akkad’s team now to get the lowest cost liver transplant in Turkey at the highest quality.
The Liver Transplant Procedure in Turkey
To perform a liver transplant in Turkey, the patient must provide a donor. Transplants from deceased donors are not available for foreign patients.
Turkey also sets conditions for donor eligibility, such as:
- The donor must be a relative of the patient up to the fourth degree.
- If not a relative, there must be proof of a close relationship (photos, documents, etc.).
- A medical committee determines compatibility after conducting tests on both donor and patient to reduce the risk of organ rejection.
Indications for Liver Transplant
Due to the high cost and difficulty of finding suitable donors, liver transplants are performed only in specific cases—most commonly liver failure.
Types of liver failure:
- Acute liver failure – often caused by an overdose of harmful drugs.
- Chronic liver failure – usually due to liver cirrhosis caused by:
- Hepatitis B or C
- Fatty liver disease
- Hemochromatosis (iron accumulation due to a genetic condition)
- Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation)
- Alcoholism
- Biliary obstruction
Liver Transplant Surgery Steps
- Performed under general anesthesia.
- The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen, disconnects blood vessels to and from the liver, and removes the diseased liver.
- The donor liver is placed in the same position, and its blood vessels and bile ducts are connected.
- After ensuring proper blood flow and no bleeding, the incision is closed.
- Post-surgery, the patient must take immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection, including:
- Cortisone
- Mycophenolic acid
- Cyclosporine
Complications of Liver Transplant
Like any major surgery, liver transplants carry potential risks:
- Bleeding
- Wound infections
- Bile leakage
- Biliary duct obstruction
- Organ rejection
- Seizures
Side effects of post-transplant medications include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent infections
Post-Transplant Advice
- Strict adherence to prescribed medications to prevent rejection.
- Avoid contact with infected individuals due to weakened immunity.
- Avoid live-virus vaccines for 6 months post-surgery; afterward, get annual flu shots.
- Regular medical follow-ups to detect complications early.
- Complete abstinence from alcohol.
Choosing a Hospital for Liver Transplant in Turkey
Before selecting a hospital, ask:
- How many liver transplants are performed annually?
- What is the hospital’s annual success rate?
- What are the exact costs, including pre- and post-surgery hospital stay?
- Does the hospital use the latest international technologies?
Dr. Al-Akkad’s team helps patients access the best hospitals in Turkey for liver transplant surgery at the lowest cost.
Success Rate of Liver Transplants
- 89% success rate within the first year.
- 75% success rate within five years.
- Rates are improving; in 2018, success rates were 80.5%, and now exceed 90%, despite the lower cost in Turkey.
Conclusion
Liver transplants are among the most expensive surgeries worldwide, costing up to $500,000 in the U.S..
In Turkey, the same surgery costs only $70,000, with equally high-quality medical care.
Liver transplants are primarily required in cases of chronic liver failure associated with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B/C, fatty liver, genetic diseases, alcoholism, or biliary obstruction.
📌 Sources
- Liver transplant
- Survival rate of liver transplant
- Indications for liver transplant