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Choosing to undergo a kidney transplant in Turkey has become an increasingly popular option for international patients seeking affordable, high-quality care. With modern facilities, internationally accredited surgeons, and a high transplant success rate, Turkey offers a reliable solution for those suffering from end-stage renal disease. Whether you are comparing kidney transplant cost, researching the best transplant hospitals in Turkey, or trying to understand the full kidney transplant process, this guide covers everything you need to make an informed decision.
What Is a Kidney Transplant?
A kidney transplant is not just a medical procedure. For many patients, it represents the end of years of dialysis, physical exhaustion, and constant dietary restrictions. It is the process of placing a healthy kidney from a living donor into someone whose kidneys can no longer filter waste from the blood effectively.
This surgery becomes essential when kidney failure reaches a point where life without treatment is no longer sustainable. A transplant can restore independence, improve overall well-being, and significantly extend life expectancy. In Turkey, these procedures are conducted under strict medical regulations, using internationally accepted standards.
What makes Turkey stand out is not just its experienced surgeons, but also the structured, transparent process offered to international patients, especially those with living donors in their families.
Who Can Get a Kidney Transplant?
Candidates for a kidney transplant are typically patients with chronic kidney disease who have reached end-stage renal failure. These individuals often depend on dialysis to survive. While dialysis keeps the body functioning, it cannot replace the full spectrum of what healthy kidneys do.
Doctors assess transplant eligibility based on medical condition, lifestyle, and ability to manage long-term medication. Having diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease does not automatically exclude someone from transplantation, but each case is examined individually. The presence of active infections or cancer, however, can delay or prevent approval.
In Turkey, foreign patients must bring their own living donor, usually a close family member. Clinics are not legally allowed to provide donors, which ensures ethical compliance and avoids legal complications.
How Is a Donor Kidney Chosen for Transplant?
The compatibility between the donor and recipient directly influences the outcome of the surgery. That is why selecting the right kidney is not just a medical necessity, but a foundational part of the process.
Doctors consider several critical factors:
- Blood group compatibility is essential for transplant success.
- HLA matching (human leukocyte antigen) reduces the risk of rejection by the immune system.
Donors also undergo full health screenings. Their medical history, kidney function, and current health status are all reviewed. A suitable donor should not have any chronic conditions or infections, and their kidney size must be appropriate for the recipient's body.
These assessments ensure that the transplant does not pose unnecessary risk to either the donor or the recipient.
Process of a Kidney Transplant in Turkey
Pre-Transplant Evaluation and Compatibility Tests
Before surgery, both the donor and recipient must complete a detailed medical evaluation. This stage includes blood tests, imaging scans, and immunological screening. The goal is to detect any issues that could complicate the transplant.
For international patients, this phase starts before they arrive in Turkey. A-Medical helps by submitting lab results to our partner hospitals, so doctors can provide early feedback. This step often saves time and ensures a smooth transition into surgery planning.
Required lab values include creatinine, total protein, glucose, bilirubin, and other key markers. These allow nephrologists and transplant teams to assess organ function and compatibility.
Surgical Procedure and Hospital Stay
The transplant surgery itself usually lasts three to four hours. The donor kidney is placed in the lower abdomen, and the patient is monitored in intensive care for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Hospitals in Turkey are equipped with dedicated transplant units, modern surgical theaters, and experienced medical teams. After surgery, the patient stays in the hospital for about one week. During this period, doctors closely monitor kidney function and begin immunosuppressive therapy.
This stage is critical. Adjustments to medication are often made based on how the recipient's body responds to the new kidney.
Aftercare and Monitoring Period
Recovery does not end when the patient leaves the hospital. The next few weeks are just as important. Patients attend regular follow-up visits to monitor for early signs of rejection or infection.
International patients are advised to stay in Turkey for two to three additional weeks after discharge. During this time, they undergo lab tests, ultrasound exams, and medication evaluations.
A-Medical coordinates follow-up care, translation services, and communication with doctors. Patients are not left alone to navigate this complex phase.
Kidney Transplant Cost in Turkey (2025 Overview)
The cost of kidney transplant in Turkey in 2025 ranges around 17,000 US dollars for adults and 20,000 US dollars for children. These figures include medical assessments, surgical fees, hospital stay, medication during the stay, and early aftercare.
Compared to Western Europe or the United States, the cost in Turkey is lower by 40 to 60 percent. However, the difference in price does not reflect a difference in quality. Turkish hospitals maintain international healthcare standards.
Patients should be aware that the cost does not usually include travel, accommodation outside the hospital, or long-term medication. These should be planned separately with assistance from coordinators like A-Medical.
5 Reasons to Choose Kidney Transplant in Turkey
There are several strong reasons why international patients choose Turkey for kidney transplant procedures:
- High success rate: Turkey has a transplant success rate of over 95 percent.
- Cost-effectiveness: The procedure is significantly more affordable without sacrificing quality.
- Shorter wait times: With a family donor, surgery can be scheduled within weeks.
- Experienced professionals: Turkish surgeons are board-certified and internationally trained.
- Integrated patient support: A-Medical ensures smooth coordination from first contact to recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Kidney Transplant in Turkey?
The complete process for international patients generally takes 20 days. This includes pre-surgical evaluation, donor screening, hospital admission, surgery, and early post-surgical monitoring.
A key advantage is the absence of long national waiting lists. As long as the patient provides a living donor and the tests show compatibility, the timeline is relatively short.
Submitting lab results in advance helps avoid delays. Our team can usually confirm transplant eligibility within a few days after receiving full medical documentation.
Recovery Timeline After a Kidney Transplant in Turkey
Recovery time varies slightly between individuals, but most patients spend one week in the hospital after surgery. In the following weeks, they attend outpatient checkups to fine-tune medication and monitor kidney function.
After the initial three to four weeks, many patients begin to resume light activities. Full recovery, including return to work or travel, usually occurs within two to three months.
Following a strict medication routine and avoiding infections during this period is essential. Patients receive clear guidance on hygiene, diet, and physical activity from their medical team.
Risks and Complications of a Kidney Transplant
As with any major surgery, a kidney transplant carries risks. The most common complications include organ rejection, infections, and side effects from medication.
Doctors use immunosuppressive drugs to lower the risk of rejection, but this also makes the patient more susceptible to illness. Regular blood tests help catch problems early.
Other possible issues include blood clots, bleeding, delayed kidney function, and complications related to anesthesia. However, these are monitored and managed carefully in Turkey’s leading transplant centers.
Success Rate of Kidney Transplants in Turkey
The success rate for kidney transplants in Turkey consistently exceeds 95 percent in the first year. Long-term outcomes are equally strong when patients follow medical guidance.
Success is measured by how well the transplanted kidney functions and how long it remains active. Many patients in Turkey experience over 10 years of healthy kidney function after surgery.
Factors that influence success include donor-recipient compatibility, medication adherence, and overall health. Hospitals track success metrics and participate in international audit systems.
Top Clinics for Kidney Transplant in Turkey
Liv Hospital
Liv Hospital in Istanbul is one of the most advanced centers for kidney transplant in Turkey. It provides full-service transplant programs, combining experienced surgeons, advanced diagnostics, and international patient care.
Patients who choose Liv Hospital for their kidney transplant surgery in Turkey benefit from high success rates, modern facilities, and seamless pre- and post-operative support. Kidney transplant procedures are performed by Dr. Zuhal Atan Uçar and Prof. Dr. Süleyman Tevfik Ecder, both known for their work in nephrology and transplantation.
This clinic has become a preferred destination for international patients seeking an affordable and high-standard kidney transplant in Turkey, especially when compared to costs in the US or Europe.
Florence Nightingale Hospital
Florence Nightingale Hospital in Istanbul is a trusted name for patients pursuing a kidney transplant in Turkey. The hospital is recognized for its integrated transplant program, which includes diagnostics, surgery, and aftercare all within one facility.
Prof. Dr. Barış Akın, who leads the kidney transplant team, is known internationally for his contributions to transplant medicine. The hospital attracts patients who want reliable and proven kidney transplant procedures in Turkey.
For those comparing options for a kidney transplant surgery in Turkey, Florence Nightingale offers a strong combination of medical excellence and supportive international patient services.
Medical Park Antalya
Medical Park Antalya is one of the busiest centers for kidney transplant in Turkey, offering care for both local and international patients. The hospital is known for its structured transplant program and commitment to high surgical standards.
Kidney transplants are performed by Prof. Dr. Havva Asuman Yavuz, an expert in nephrology and transplantation. Her team handles a large number of kidney transplant surgeries in Turkey each year, focusing on both adults and children.
Many international patients choose Medical Park Antalya because of its clear pricing, excellent care, and established reputation in the field of kidney transplant in Turkey. The clinic combines clinical expertise with patient-focused care to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Already Found a Clinic in Turkey but Don’t Know How to Book?
If you have selected a hospital but are unsure how to proceed, A-Medical can manage the entire booking process. We communicate with hospital coordinators, assist with document preparation, and schedule appointments.
We also help with obtaining early medical opinions by submitting test results in advance. This ensures a smoother process once you arrive in Turkey. Patients often find this reduces their stress and avoids unnecessary delays.
From language barriers to medical system navigation, we handle all logistics so that you can focus on your health.
A-Medical Can Coordinate the Entire Process for You
A-Medical works with leading hospitals such as Liv Hospital, Florence Nightingale, and Medical Park Antalya. We assist patients from initial consultation to post-surgery follow-ups.
Our services include:
- Translation and submission of medical documents
- Early evaluation by transplant surgeons
- Appointment scheduling and hospital coordination
To begin, you only need to send medical tests such as creatinine, urea, bilirubin, glucose, and related values. We ensure the right doctors review them and provide feedback within days.
We stay involved throughout your medical journey in Turkey and provide full guidance at every step. Our goal is to make your kidney transplant experience safe, efficient, and supported.
