What this category covers
Transplant surgery replaces a failing organ with a healthy one. This category covers two operations within gastroenterology and abdominal surgery: liver transplantation and transplantation of the pancreas. They are among the most complex operations in medicine, and they are done only in specialised centres with a dedicated transplant team, intensive care and a laboratory able to monitor the patient closely afterwards. You can read about the wider field on our page for gastroenterology treatments in Turkey.
The two operations differ in purpose. A liver transplant is considered when the liver has failed or is failing, for example from advanced cirrhosis, certain liver cancers that meet strict criteria, acute liver failure or some inherited conditions. The liver is the only organ that can regenerate, which is why a living donor can give part of it. A pancreas transplant is much less common. It is usually offered to people with type 1 diabetes who have severe complications, and it is often combined with a kidney transplant.
Liver & Pancreas Transplant in Turkey
Who may be considered
Whether a transplant is suitable is never decided from a form alone. The transplant team reviews the diagnosis, the stage of disease, other health problems, the strength of the heart and lungs, infection status and the support available at home. Some conditions, such as active infection or a cancer that has spread, usually rule surgery out. Others, such as alcohol-related disease, normally require a period of documented abstinence.
Key points that help the team give a realistic answer:
- the recent reports, scans and blood tests, including the liver or pancreas function results;
- the treatments already tried and the opinion of the doctors who know you best;
- whether a living donor is available, which for the liver may allow surgery to be planned rather than waiting for a deceased donor;
- how you will manage medicines and check-ups for the rest of your life.
Living donation is regulated. Hospitals usually need approval from an ethics committee and checks on the donor's health and consent, and the rules for patients from abroad can differ from those for residents. Ask the hospital to set out in writing what applies to you.
What the trip and recovery look like
A transplant is not a short medical trip. Expect an assessment first, sometimes over several days, then the operation, an intensive care stay and a hospital stay that is measured in weeks. After discharge, most patients are asked to remain near the hospital for a further period so that blood tests, drug levels and wound checks can be done often. The exact length varies with the operation, the patient and any complications, and a responsible team will give a range instead of a fixed date.
Lifelong medicines that suppress the immune system are part of every transplant, and they bring their own risks, including infection. Before you travel, ask how follow-up will continue at home, which of your own doctors will take over care and how the hospital will share records with them. A companion is usually needed throughout, and a living donor needs their own recovery time and care plan.
What affects the price
Transplant costs depend on the organ, whether the donor is living or deceased, the patient's condition on arrival, the length of intensive care and ward stay, the medicines and tests needed and any complications or second operations. A combined operation costs more than a single one. The donor's assessment and surgery are usually part of the plan for a living-donor transplant. Because so much depends on how the recovery goes, ask whether the written plan states what is included, what is billed separately and how unexpected costs are handled. No figure can be responsibly given before the team has seen your records.
How to check a transplant centre
Confirm that the hospital is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health and is authorised to perform transplants. Ask which surgeons would operate and how many liver or pancreas transplants the team performs each year, and what its results are for patients with a condition like yours. Check that there is an adult or paediatric intensive care unit as appropriate, a transplant hepatology or endocrinology service, a blood bank and 24-hour cover. Ask how complications are handled and who is available if you have a problem after you leave. A good centre will answer these questions openly and put its answers in writing.
How an enquiry with us works
You can send a free quote request with your diagnosis, age and recent medical reports. We pass them to licensed hospitals with transplant programmes, and a specialist reviews them. If the team believes a transplant could be appropriate, you receive a written plan that names the surgeon, the proposed approach, the expected length of stay and the full price. If more tests are needed first, the plan says so. Asking is free and does not commit you to travel. A coordinator can help with appointments, accommodation, transfers and questions before and after your stay.
Hospitals with Gastroenterology in Turkey
Other Gastroenterology categories
Frequently asked questions
A liver transplant is considered when the liver has failed or is failing, for instance from advanced cirrhosis, acute liver failure, some inherited conditions or certain early liver cancers. A transplant team decides after reviewing the diagnosis, scans, blood tests and general health.
Yes, in many cases. The liver can regenerate, so a healthy living donor may give a portion. Donors go through health and consent checks, and approval rules apply, so ask the hospital what is required for your situation.
It is usually offered to people with type 1 diabetes who have serious complications, often together with a kidney transplant. It is a much less common operation than a liver transplant and only a few specialised centres perform it.
Longer than for most operations. Expect an assessment, the surgery, intensive care and a hospital stay of weeks, then a further period nearby for frequent checks. The team will give you an estimated range, not a fixed date.
You take medicines that suppress the immune system, usually for life, and have regular blood tests and check-ups. Plan how your own doctors will take over follow-up at home before you travel.
Only the transplant team can say, after reviewing your reports, scans and health history. Send them through our free quote form and a hospital will tell you whether a transplant may be appropriate or what further tests are needed.
It depends on the organ and the donor. Where a living donor is available, surgery can usually be planned. For a deceased donor, availability and rules for patients from abroad differ, so ask the hospital to explain in writing.