Patient Experience
For years, I suffered from unexplained abdominal pain that other doctors dismissed as 'just stress.' At 72, I thought this was my fate. Dr. Bülent Değertekin was different. He didn't just look at my charts; he listened to my entire history, asked about my diet from childhood onward, and ordered a specific capsule endoscopy others hadn't considered. He discovered a rare Meckel's diverticulum that had been bleeding intermittently for decades. His explanation was so clear, using simple drawings. The laparoscopic surgery was a success, and for the first time in 30 years, I'm pain-free. He calls me personally every three months to check on my recovery. This isn't just treatment; it's restoration of life.
Our 8-year-old son, Ali, developed severe, recurrent vomiting that no pediatrician could explain. We were terrified. Dr. Değertekin met us at Ankara Hospital Acibadem on a Sunday after we called in desperation. He knelt to talk to Ali at his level, called him 'little professor,' and promised to find the 'hidden bug.' He suspected a motility disorder and performed a gentle, child-friendly gastric emptying study. His diagnosis: gastroparesis. He created a colorful food chart for Ali, involving him in his own care. He didn't just prescribe medicine; he prescribed a plan that included a special blender for meals and a schedule. Ali now eats without fear. Dr. Değertekin has a magic touch with children—he treats the child, not just the disease.
As a 45-year-old with a family history of colon cancer, I went for a routine screening colonoscopy with immense anxiety. Dr. Değertekin's team used a new AI-assisted system he helped implement. During the procedure, he found and removed three precancerous polyps that were flat and nearly invisible. What amazed me was the follow-up: he didn't just send a report. He scheduled a video call, showed me the images, explained the genetics involved, and mapped out a personalized surveillance plan. He connected me with a nutritionist specializing in gut health prevention. It felt like a strategic health defense meeting, not just a checkup. He turned my fear into proactive empowerment.
I was admitted through the ER at midnight with acute, debilitating pancreatitis, my second severe attack. Dr. Değertekin was the on-call gastroenterologist. He immediately ordered a specific MRCP, ruling out gallstones, and identified a problematic pancreas divisum anatomy combined with a tiny sphincter of Oddi dysfunction—a complex dual diagnosis. He explained the urgent need for an ERCP with sphincterotomy, but also laid out a long-term plan to prevent recurrence. His calm confidence during the crisis was anchoring. The procedure was flawless. Six months later, after a careful follow-up regimen including enzyme replacement and diet modification, I'm back to work. He managed a critical emergency while architecting a lasting solution.