Strengths of Turkish Healthcare Services

The geographical location, the medical outcomes and the cost of the treatment have reinforced the decision of the patient or the third party payer. The leading private hospitals in Turkey have been receiving patients from abroad: Russia, Europe, Balkan Countries, Middle East and Central Asian countries for mainly the following procedures.

• Bone Marrow Transplantation
• Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery
• Cyber Knife
• Dental Services
• Gamma Knife
• Genetics
• Neurosurgery Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Oncology (Medical & Surgical)
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedics & Traumatology
• Plastic Surgery
• Reproductive Health and PGD
• Transplantation

Why Turkey?

• Turkey has the highest number of JCI accredited healthcare institutions in the world.
• Turkey is presently recognized as a competitive and high technology healthcare destination treating thousands of foreign patients from Europe and neighboring countries every month.
• Close to 60 internationally competitive medical faculties training thousands of Turkish and foreign medical students and high certification standards for physicians ensure successful medical results in a wide variety of specialties.
• Culturally vibrant atmosphere in metropolitan Turkish cities provide a friendly and safe environment for patients and spouses to fully recuperate.
• The incredibly central geographical location of Turkey at a crossroad between Europe and Asia allow for easy access and short flying times to every destination in the world.
• Turkey is an EU candidate country currently fulfilling membership criteria ensuring high and consistent standards in healthcare.
• Reliable quotes and consistent prices are the norm.
• All accredited Turkish hospitals are outfitted with world-class infrastructure and modern technology.
• Almost all major pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson and Johnson, Sanofi-Aventis, Merck, Novartis, Roche, Astra Zeneca are present in Turkey with regional headquarters and manufacturing facilities as well as many local manufacturers.
• Reliable supply of blood is provided by Kızılay (the Turkish Red Crescent) which is a JCI accredited organization.

Price Statistics

Bone Marrow (Hematopoietic Stem Cell) Transplantation in Turkey

Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT, Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation ) is the transplantation of blood stem cells derived from the bone marrow or blood. Stem cell transplantation is a medical procedure in the fields of hematology and oncology, most often performed for people with diseases of the blood, bone marrow, or certain types of cancer. Cancer ( Leukemia , Lymphoma , Thallasemia and other BMT indication ) is successfully treated by the BMT in Turkey.

Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery

With its complex and expensive treatment the heart is the leading health concern of the modern world. Yet one of the strongest areas of Turkish healthcare is cardiac treatment. Cardiology services starting form diagnosing, examining, intervention, intensive care and rehabilitation are served with enhanced levels of know-how and state-of-the-art technology. A broad range of pediatric and adult cardiac surgeries are performed by world class Turkish surgeons. Coronary angioplasty and stent cases, bypass surgeries are offered after non-invasive high-tech diagnosing procedures like electrocardiography, echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With 2x64 CT scans instant diagnosis of the heart is possible with a high quality outcome compared with angiography and conventional diagnostic modalities. Cardiovascular surgeries performed last year exceeds 10.000 cases as well as ~30.000 cases of all kinds of interventional cardiology in the leading accredited hospitals Complex coronary by-pass surgeries can be performed with the help of Impella micropump device on beating heart in Turkey since 2008. First Turkish cardiac pump called “Heart Turcica” and biodegradable drug eluding coronary stents were also developed and being tested in high-tech Turkish research centers.

Cyber Knife Robotic Surgery System

A ray of hope for all patıents who suffer from tumours whıch do not respond to conventıonal radıotherapy, requıre complex surgery or are altogether ınoperable…

Cyberknife System is safe to use in the treatment of many rare types of cancers which do not respond to conventional radiotherapy and diseases which recur in those areas which have previously been treated with radiotherapy.

Cyberknife is the product of a novel technology which uses radiation clusters focally, delivering high doses of treatment to the cancerous areas of the brain and the body, while allowing for maximum protection of normal and healthy tissues. The most superior advantage of this method is its ability to take notice of the movements of the patient and his organs during treatment and radiate accordingly.

The cyberknife device is routinely equipped with “Image-Guide Radiotherapy” capacity, a method developed in recent years to provide images during treatment. In organ tumours which get displaced with respiration in particular (lung and liver tumours), it is the only device which can actively monitor the respiratory movements and provide simultaneous treatment

In selected patients, cyberknife is used in the treatment of lung cancers, prostate cancers, head and neck cancers, vertebrae tumours, pancreas cancers and lower numbers of bodily metastases.

Dental Services

Preservation, restoration, and replacement of teeth are critical to improve the quality of life and maximize self esteem. Highly trained and dedicated staff of Turkish hospitals provides complete set of dental services. The whole range of dental services includes bonding, dentures, extractions, implants and porcelain veneers. Complete dental implant services: From planning, to surgery, to final restoration, as well as cosmetic and genera dentistry are provided. State-of-the-art techniques are assured by up to date dentists.

Gamma Knife

Golden Standard ın the treatment of Braın Tumors

The Gamma Knife is not really a knife. Rather, it is a treatment method which uses a very sophisticated technology whereby gamma radiation is directed to the target area inside the skull in a very sensitive manner and in one single session.

Just like the knife used in surgical procedures, gamma radiation destroys the diseased area in a very safe and effective manner as well. However, there are no surgery-linked problems in this case such as bleeding, infection or hospitalisation in the intensive care unit.

The advanced imaging and planning techniques of Gamma Knife radiosurgery allow for the penetration of very fine gamma radiation hazes which can be directed into the smallest parts inside the skull.

Radiation clusters coming from 201 gamma radiation sources focus on the diseased area. As such, while the healthy brain tissue surrounding the diseased area gets exposed to negligible levels of radiation, the diseased area gets impacted by a high dose of radiation.

All of these procedures are completed within several hours and the patient can go home on the same day.

The Advantages of Gamma Knife Treatment:

• The elimination of the need for open surgery in many brain tumours
• Very few post-procedural side effects
• No need for general anaesthesia
• Patient can go home the same day
• No recuperation period
• No head injuries
• No hair cutting or hair loss
• High benefit with very little discomfort
• Fast return to work
• It is cheaper compared with some surgical interventions
• Healthy brain tissue gets exposed to very low doses of radiation

Genetics

Turkish hospitals can offer a wide range of genetic tests in top notch facilities. Besides clinical sample testing, there is also advanced research activities, such as gene therapy in malignant tumors and gene therapy in prevention of adverse effects experienced in organ transplantation, in these facilities.

Neurosurgery

Neurological expertise of Turkish hospitals is becoming a center of reference in the areas of adult and pediatric neurosurgery. Discal diseases and degenerative spinal disorders, vascular diseases of brain and spinal cord, neuro-oncology, neuro-endoscopy and hydrocephalus treatment, functional neurosurgery, peripheral nerve surgery are performed with a multi-disciplinary approach assisted with multi-disciplinary teams. All 3 kinds of epileptic surgery (resective surgery, disconnection surgery and vagal nerve stimulation) are performed successfully in Turkey. Some of the private leading hospitals have become a referral center for Gamma Knife and Cyberknife technology. Also the first operation theatre in the world with an internal '3 Tesla MRI' in ‹stanbul provides the physician and therefore the patients higher security in the reduction of the tumors.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Turkish hospitals take advantage of innumerable cure methods treating gynecology. The goal of the service overall, is to provide the patients with comprehensive and timely evaluations There are several sought-after sub areas serving a reputation n Obstetrics and Gynecology departments of Turkish JCI accredited hospitals. Fertility and prenatal diagnosis, IVF and “Intracyto- Plasmic Sperm Injection” are the commonly invoked and most advanced segments of related treatments. Prenatal tests taking place in the clinics consist of “Amnio-synthesis”, “Chorionic Villus Sampling”, “Fetal Blood Sampling”, “First Trimester Screening”, “Maternal Serum Screening”. Gynecological status of the patients, age and ovulatory condition are evaluated thoroughly in order to treat medical problems like polycystic ovarian diseases, endometriosis, tubal problems, partner's medical condition, sperm count. Oncological gynecology surgeries are successfully performed due to the sub specialization of the physicians.

Oncology (Medical & Surgical)

Oncology departments of Turkish hospitals provide patients with interdisciplinary clinical work. Providing infrastructure for early diagnosis and treatment in cancer, Turkish healthcare units supply scientific, modern and humanitarian solutions n fighting one of the greatest threats of mankind. Under the framework of a multidisciplinary approach, treatment for all solid tumors (chemotherapy, biotherapy, and immunotherapy) is made available (orally, systematically and regionally) by specialist physicians and specially-trained nurses. In an era where treatment of cancer patients without any surgical intervention is a reality Cyberknife/Gammaknife treatment is utilized by Turkish physicians. In cases where radiation oncology is key “Three-dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy”, “Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy” (IMRT), “Brachytherapy”, “Ultrasound-guided Transperinea Prostate Implant” are endorsed. Every year the private eading and accredited hospitals perform thousands of chemotherapies and radiation oncology sessions as wel as major complex oncological surgeries.

Ophthalmology

The anatomy and function of the eye, ophthalmology, requires utmost expertise. Ophthalmology departments of Turkish healthcare units occupy advanced technology and treatment performing a broad range of eye operations with precision The treatment procedures are supplied in all sub-branches by specialist physicians employing the newest technology and international quality standards. In cases where laser may not be appropriate, other surgical techniques such as “fakik iol” (FAKO) and “intacts" are performed. Medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma, cornea and retina are repeatedly performed across Turkey's JCI accredited hospitals. Lasik surgeries have been an attraction point for international patients for a long time in the region due to its very low complications and prices compared with the western medical institutions.

Orthopedics & Traumatology

Another strength of Turkish healthcare is the treatment of a wide range of orthopedic diseases and musculoskeletal impairments. Turkish hospitals have specialized branches in orthopedics traumatology with physicians that are equipped with numerous sub specializations in multiple fields including musculoskeletal oncology and transplantation. All procedures are successfully complemented with after surgery rehabilitation Turkish physicians and therapists in orthopedic units are internationally recognized for their expertise especially in the management of athletic injuries. The strength comes from the sub specialization of the physicians in the fields of orthopedics and traumatology such as pediatric, spiral, shoulder, knee, hip, feet, microsurgery and hand injuries. Free Vascularized Fibula Grafting for Extensive Knee Osteonecrosis can be performed in Turkey. It is a new treatment of the Knee Osteonecrosis.

Plastic Surgery

Aesthetic and plastic surgery branches target reparation, restructure, and reconstruction. With the support of cutting edge technology Turkish aesthetic and plastic surgery provides excellent outcomes. Comprehensive consultation blended with technologically advanced solutions also provides digital imaging and today's most frequently exercised aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeries are rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty, liposuction, mammoplasty, face/neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, chin augmentation, cheekbone augmentation, fat transfer, genital surgery, arm lift, botox and reconstruction in oncology cases. Plastic Surgeons deal with the esthetic problems in an integrated manner with Holistic Esthetic point of view which includes an individualized treatment and health care programs with offering a variety of special solutions to patients such as facial rejuvenation with fat cell transfer as well as endoscopic esthetic surgery.

Assisted Reproductive Techniques

IVF centers of Accredited Hospitals in Turkey are dedicated exclusively to studying and treating reproductive disorders. Turkey has over 20 years of experience in this field.. Accredited Hospitals in Turkey houses specialist technologies that are utilised by the world’s leading infertility treatment centers. Candidates have a variety of these technologies available to them including vaccination, classical in-vitro fertilisation, micro-injection, TESA, TESE, MESA, PESA, pre-implantation in embryo, genetic diagnosis and embryo freezing. Birth, care, treatment and analysis units, where the babies open their eyes to world for the first time, are peaceful environments where a total quality approach is implemented with determination and success.

The facilities and resources at fertility centers in Turkey are designed to ensure effective treatment and a positive outcome. The latest technology and most advanced methods are applied to just one purpose: fertility treatment success.

The highly qualified and dedicated fertility experts at these centres have one mission: to maximise each patient's likelihood of achieving conception. Each case is handled and evaluated individually with meticulous attention to detail, empathy and respect for your privacy. Each couple is assigned a personal case manager to ensure a smooth journey through what can be a demanding and complicated process.

Fertility treatment

Each couple's first visit to the fertility centre includes a detailed review of their clinical history and an examination using high-resolution ultrasonography in order to assess the situation. Other tests are undertaken as appropriate, such as blood tests and X-rays. The information is used to establish a diagnosis and develop an individualised treatment plan consisting of specific procedures and a Schedule.

PROCEDURES

Intrauterine artifical insemination (IUI)

This procedure involves artificial insemination by the husband.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

IVF is achieved in the laboratory using the man's sperm and the woman's eggs. Following fertilisation, between one and three embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus.

Intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI)

Similar to IVF, but each egg is fertilised by a specially selected spermatozoid. ICSI is usually appropriate when fertility problems are mainly due to deficient sperm quality, or other male factors.

ICSI with testicular biopsy

When there is a total absence of spermatozoids in the ejaculate, then a minor intervention is used to obtain sperm directly from the testicle.

Sequential embryo culture

This is used when pregnancy is not achieved after several IVF or ICSI cycles. The embryo is allowed to develop until the blastocyst phase, which helps to achieve pregnancy where previous attempts have failed.

Embryo freezing

When a large number of embryos are obtained and it is not advisable to transfer all of them in a single intervention, embryos may be preserved by freezing, and can then be used in another cycle.

Preimplantational genetic diagnosis (PGD)

This method is used when there is a risk of transmitting genetic or chromosomal abnormilities. A cell from each embryo is subjected to genetic study to ensure it is free from disease. PGD is procedure whereby a single cell is removed from embryo and studied genetically if any problem is exist. PGD offers couples the opportunity to have a healthy child without problems related with prenatal invasive diagnostic methods. In this way we can transfer genetically healthy embryos to uterine cavity and accept to have normal healthy individual.

TRANSPLANTATION