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Liver Transplant in Turkey

Living donor liver transplantation at Koç University Hospital in Istanbul.

Liver Transplant Cost in Turkey

At Koç University Hospital, the living donor liver transplant program costs $46,200. The program includes transplantation using part of a living donor’s liver and standard preoperative evaluation of the recipient and one donor. The hospital confirms the final treatment plan and quote before payment.

Program

Cost

Living Donor Liver Transplant

$46,200

What Is Included in the Treatment Program

Medical treatment within the program

Initial consultation after arrival

Preoperative evaluation of the recipient and one donor

Medication during hospitalization

Hospital stay in a private room

Accommodation for one companion in the room

The number of included hospital days for the recipient and donor, ICU care and possible additional charges are confirmed in the individual quote. Flights, accommodation outside the hospital and medication after discharge should be budgeted separately.

Koç University Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey

Why Consider Koç University Hospital?

Koç University Hospital is one of Turkey’s most technologically advanced university hospitals. Located in Istanbul, it is part of the Koç Holding healthcare ecosystem. The hospital is JCI-accredited and equipped with advanced diagnostic, surgical, and medical technologies.

Koç University Hospital was the first hospital in Europe to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network, providing its medical teams with access to Mayo Clinic clinical expertise, guidance, and specialist consultations in the United States.

Why Patients Choose Koç Hospital for Liver Transplant

01

Experienced Transplant Team

The liver transplant program is led by Prof. Dr. Turan Kanmaz, who trained in transplantation at the University of Wisconsin in the United States and has headed the program at Koç University Hospital since 2018.

02

Laparoscopic Donor Surgery

Koç University Hospital can perform laparoscopic donor hepatectomy through small incisions using a camera and surgical instruments. Suitability is determined after donor evaluation.

03

Mayo Clinic Care Network

Koç Hospital joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network in 2024. Its physicians can access Mayo Clinic clinical resources and discuss selected complex cases with specialists in the network. 

04

Multidisciplinary Care

The transplant center works closely with diagnostic services, operating rooms and intensive care. Both recipient and donor are supported throughout evaluation, surgery and postoperative follow-up.

Koç University Hospital Organ Transplant Center

Organ Transplant Center team at Koç University Hospital in Istanbul

The Organ Transplant Center at Koç University Hospital is an established transplant center in Turkey. It combines immunogenetics, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and multidisciplinary care for transplant patients.

How Living Donor Liver Transplant Works

For the Recipient

Surgeons remove the diseased liver and transplant part of the donor’s liver, connecting the blood vessels and bile ducts. The graft size is selected according to the recipient’s needs.

For the Donor

Only part of the liver is removed. Before surgery, doctors assess liver volume, blood vessels, bile ducts and donor safety. The surgeon determines whether laparoscopic or open surgery is appropriate.

Liver Transplant Doctors at Koç University Hospital

Prof. Dr. Turan Kanmaz, Director of the Liver Transplant Center at Koç University Hospital

Liver Transplantation

Prof. Dr. Turan Kanmaz

Director of the Liver Transplant Center at Koç University Hospital. He completed transplant training at the University of Wisconsin in the United States.

Dr. Barış Demir, organ transplant center physician at Koç University Hospital

Liver Transplantation

Dr. Barış Demir

Family Medicine Specialist working at the Organ Transplant Center since 2018. His main clinical focus is liver transplantation.

Prof. Dr. Nuray Uslu, pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Koç University Hospital

Liver Transplantation

Prof. Dr. Nuray Uslu

Pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologist at the Organ Transplant Center. Specializes in pediatric liver disease, gastroenterology and clinical nutrition.

When Is a Liver Transplant Considered?

Liver transplantation may be considered for cirrhosis with serious complications, acute liver failure, selected inherited or metabolic diseases, and certain forms of liver cancer. The decision is made after comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s general condition, other medical conditions and, where relevant, the extent of the tumor.

Who Can Be a Living Liver Donor in Turkey?

A potential donor may be an adult relative who voluntarily agrees to donation and passes a full medical evaluation. Doctors assess compatibility, liver health and volume, blood vessels and bile ducts to determine whether donation is safe for the donor and suitable for the recipient.

Living Donor Relationship Rules in Turkey

Turkish regulations allow living donation from blood relatives and relatives by marriage up to the fourth degree. For spouses, a marriage of at least two years is generally required, with an exception when the recipient’s condition was diagnosed after marriage. Other donor relationships may require Ethics Committee review. The hospital must confirm donor eligibility and the required legal documents before travel.

Liver Transplant Process in Turkey

01

Send Medical Records

Send the recipient’s medical reports, recent test results and diagnostic imaging. Basic medical information about the potential living donor is also required.

02

Preliminary Review

The transplant team reviews the records, assesses whether liver transplantation should be considered and identifies any additional tests required.

03

Relationship Verification

For international patients, the relationship between donor and recipient must be documented. The paperwork is reviewed according to Turkish transplant regulations.

04

Arrival in Istanbul

The recipient and living donor travel to the hospital for consultations, laboratory tests and diagnostic examinations.

05

Transplant Team Decision

The team assesses compatibility, the recipient’s condition and donor safety. The final surgical plan is confirmed after the evaluation.

06

Surgery & Follow-Up

After approval, the liver transplant is performed. The patient remains in hospital and receives instructions for medication, blood tests and follow-up after discharge.

Life After Liver Transplant

After transplantation, the recipient needs regular blood tests and anti-rejection medication. Treatment is usually lifelong, and medication should not be stopped or changed without the transplant team.

Possible complications include infection, bleeding, problems with blood vessels or bile ducts, and rejection. Follow-up helps reduce these risks but cannot eliminate them completely. The living donor also requires recovery and medical follow-up.

Liver Transplant in Turkey: Frequently Asked Questions

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