Patient Experience
My 82-year-old father, who has Parkinson's, developed sudden, severe abdominal pain and couldn't keep anything down. The local clinic suspected a blockage but were hesitant to treat him due to his age and condition. We rushed him to Acibadem Bursa. Dr. Mehmet Meriç was on call. He didn't just see a frail elderly man; he saw a person in distress. His calm, deliberate assessment was incredible. He explained that it was likely a gallstone complication, but wanted a specific, gentle endoscopic procedure (ERCP) to confirm and treat it without major surgery. He spoke directly to my father, not just to us, explaining each step in simple terms. The procedure was a success. Dad was home in two days, eating normally. Dr. Meriç's combination of cutting-edge skill and profound human respect for the elderly is something I've never witnessed before. He turned a potential crisis into a manageable event.
Our 7-year-old son, Ali, had been suffering from chronic, unexplained stomach aches for months. Multiple doctors dismissed it as 'school anxiety' or 'picky eating.' We felt hopeless. Dr. Meriç was our last resort. The first thing he did was get down on one knee to talk to Ali, asking him to draw where the 'tummy monster' hurt. He ordered a completely different set of tests, focusing on pediatric food intolerances. It turned out to be a rare fructose malabsorption issue combined with mild pediatric gastritis—something everyone else missed. His treatment plan wasn't just medication; it was a colorful food chart for Ali and a game to track 'happy tummy days.' He treated our child like a whole person, not a small adult. The change has been miraculous. Ali is now pain-free and energetic. Dr. Meriç is a detective who speaks 'child.'
I went in for what I thought was a routine colonoscopy screening at 50. During the procedure, Dr. Meriç discovered and immediately removed three large, complex polyps that were precancerous. The technical skill required was one thing, but what followed was unique. Instead of a standard follow-up letter, he scheduled a detailed video consultation with me and my wife. Using a 3D model reconstruction of my own colon (from the procedure images), he showed us exactly where the polyps were, explained the genetics involved, and designed a hyper-personalized surveillance plan. He discussed not just my gut health, but my diet, stress levels, and family history in a way that connected all the dots. He turned a routine checkup into a lifelong, proactive health partnership. I've never had a doctor invest that much time in prevention and education.
I was admitted through the ER with acute, debilitating pancreatitis—my second severe episode. The pain was unbearable. Most gastroenterologists would have managed the immediate inflammation and sent me on my way. Dr. Mehmet Meriç took a radically different approach. He called it 'crisis archaeology.' Once the emergency was stabilized, he launched a deep-dive investigation into the root cause, which previous doctors had attributed simply to 'gallstones.' He ordered a specialized genetic test and a microscopic bile analysis. The discovery: a rare anatomical variant in my pancreatic duct combined with a specific biliary sludge composition. His solution wasn't just another surgery; it was a tailored, two-stage procedure combining advanced endoscopy with a novel stent protocol to reshape the duct's flow. A year later, I am completely episode-free. He doesn't just treat the fire; he finds the faulty wiring in the entire building and rewires it.