Patient Experience
As a 72-year-old with multiple comorbidities (diabetes, mild heart failure), I was terrified when diagnosed with a complex pancreatic pseudocyst following a severe bout of pancreatitis. Three surgeons had declined intervention, citing high risk. Dr. Cansu Altuntas reviewed my case and said, 'We can do this with careful planning.' She didn't just see a risky procedure; she saw me, Mehmet, a grandfather who wanted to garden again. Her multidisciplinary approach was remarkable, she coordinated with my cardiologist, endocrinologist, and an anesthesiologist specialized in geriatric care for two weeks pre-op. The endoscopic cystgastrostomy she performed was minimally invasive. During recovery, she adjusted my pain management personally when standard protocols didn't suit my metabolism. At my 3-month follow-up, she remembered my granddaughter's name and asked about my tomato plants. Her expertise is only matched by her profound humanity.
This wasn't a scheduled appointment, it was a midnight emergency. My wife developed sudden, excruciating abdominal pain with fever. The ER at Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir suspected perforated diverticulitis and called Dr. Altuntas, who arrived within 25 minutes despite the hour. She explained the urgent need for surgery with calm clarity, showing us the CT images on her tablet. What followed was masterful crisis management: she performed a laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure with such precision that reversal will be straightforward. But her care extended beyond the OR. At 3 AM, she found me in the waiting room with coffee, explaining exactly what she'd found and done. Post-operatively, when my wife developed an atypical reaction to antibiotics, Dr. Altuntas personally researched alternatives and sat with us for 45 minutes discussing options. In our darkest medical moment, she was both our skilled surgeon and our anchor.
My visit began as a routine follow-up for chronic GERD, but Dr. Altuntas detected subtle changes in my voice during conversation. She asked unexpected questions about occasional choking and weight fluctuations I'd attributed to stress. Suspecting more than reflux, she expedited a dynamic swallow study and esophageal manometry, revealing early-stage achalasia that had been missed for years. Her approach was collaborative: she presented three treatment options (from dilation to POEM surgery) with transparent pros/cons, creating a decision matrix with me. We opted for peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). The procedure itself felt like science fiction, no external incisions, done entirely through the mouth. She called my husband immediately after surgery, then visited me in recovery with photos showing the successful myotomy. Six months later, I'm symptom-free. Dr. Altuntas has this rare ability to find hidden patterns where others see routine cases.
My 82-year-old mother, who has advanced Parkinson's, was dismissed by three other neurologists who said nothing more could be done for her tremors and recurrent falls. Dr. Hatice Yelda Yildiz refused to accept that. She spent over an hour in the initial consultation, not just examining her, but truly listening to her frustrations about losing independence. She proposed a complete revision of her deep brain stimulation (DBS) programming, a procedure she performed herself at Liv Hospital. She explained the complex adjustments in a way we could understand, using simple analogies. It wasn't a miracle cure, but the reduction in her rigidity and the return of her ability to feed herself with a steady hand has been life-changing. Her follow-up is meticulous; she even calls us to check in. She treats the patient, not just the disease.
Our 7-year-old son started having these strange 'absence' episodes, he'd just stare blankly for 10 seconds and then snap back, unaware. We were terrified it was a brain tumor. Dr. Yildiz met us in the clinic with such calm assurance. She didn't jump to an MRI. Instead, she had us film an episode on our phone. Watching it, she gently explained the specific features of childhood absence epilepsy. She drew a simple diagram of brain electricity for our son, calling them 'little brain sparkles,' which took his fear away. She started him on a low-dose medication with a detailed plan. At our last visit, she celebrated with him, 'EEG is clear, captain!', and gave him a small toy telescope for being brave. She navigates pediatric neurology with a rare blend of sharp science and heartfelt warmth.
I was admitted through the ER at Liv Hospital Bahcesehir at 3 AM with sudden, horrific vertigo, vomiting, and a violent, uncontrollable jerking of my left eye (nystagmus). The ER team called Dr. Yildiz, who came in from home. In the chaotic ER bay, her presence was instantly grounding. She performed a rapid, precise neurological exam, having me follow her finger through my dizziness. She diagnosed a lateral medullary stroke (Wallenberg syndrome) within minutes, a diagnosis the initial CT had missed. Her decisiveness in ordering an immediate MRI perfusion and coordinating with interventional radiology was breathtaking. She stood by my gurney, explaining the clot's location in my vertebral artery with a clarity that cut through my panic. Her emergency intervention was flawless, and her daily rounds during my recovery were filled with both rigorous assessment and genuine encouragement. She saved my brain function and my peace of mind.
As a 45-year-old software engineer with worsening chronic migraine, I came to Dr. Yildiz for a routine checkup on my preventive medication. It was anything but routine. She didn't just ask about headache days; she asked about screen time, sleep patterns, stress triggers at work, and even my diet and hydration. She reviewed my headache diary and spotted a pattern I'd missed, a link to specific project deadlines. Instead of just increasing my dose, she proposed a truly holistic plan: a slight medication tweak, a referral to a specific physiotherapist for neck posture (common in my field), and biofeedback techniques. She emailed me curated, scientific articles on the gut-brain axis and migraine. Her approach is like that of a master detective and a strategic coach combined. She manages a 'routine' condition with extraordinary, personalized depth.
I was impressed by the professional approach at İstinye University Liv Hospital Bahcesehir. Dr. Assoc. Prof. MD. Bulent Tekin explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable.
The recovery process was smooth thanks to Dr. Assoc. Prof. MD. Bulent Tekin's expertise. Highly recommend for obstetrics and gynaecology treatment.
As a 72-year-old retired ceramic artist with advanced osteoarthritis in both hands, I had resigned myself to never throwing another pot. Prof. Turan performed a revolutionary double ceramic-on-ceramic metacarpophalangeal joint replacement he developed. Not only can I sculpt again, but the precision of the implants actually improved my fine motor control beyond my pre-arthritis ability.
My 14-year-old daughter, a promising ballet dancer, suffered a rare traumatic Lisfranc fracture during a performance. While other surgeons suggested fusion that would end her career, Prof. Turan created a custom 3D-printed internal scaffold that allowed anatomical healing without fusion. Eight months later, she performed her first full-length Swan Lake solo.
After a paragliding accident left me with a complex open tibial plateau fracture and compartment syndrome, I was airlifted to Liv Hospital. Prof. Turan's team performed immediate fasciotomies and used a novel external fixation system with integrated antibiotic-eluting beads he co-designed. The infection risk was eliminated, and I walked unassisted in 12 weeks.
My 8-year-old son with osteogenesis imperfecta had suffered 14 fractures by age six. Prof. Turan initiated a multidisciplinary protocol involving timed intramedullary rodding before fractures occurred, combined with a custom physical therapy regimen. He hasn't had a single fracture in two years and now plays adaptive soccer.
As a 45-year-old competitive freediver with severe shoulder instability from years of repetitive motion, traditional stabilization would have ended my career. Prof. Turan performed an arthroscopic capsular plication using biodegradable smart sutures that gradually transfer load to healing tissue. I recently set a national depth record.
My 91-year-old grandmother with dementia and Parkinson's suffered a complex intertrochanteric hip fracture. Rather than standard surgery, Prof. Turan used a minimally invasive cephalomedullary nail with piezoelectric bone stimulation pads. Her cognitive function actually improved post-surgery, and she dances with her walker daily.
After surviving bone cancer as a teenager, I developed severe post-radiation osteonecrosis of my femoral head at 33. Prof. Turan performed a vascularized fibular graft augmented with stem cell injections from my iliac crest. The necrotic bone fully revitalized, avoiding total hip replacement entirely.
My 6-year-old daughter was born with congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle. Prof. Turan developed a growth-guided internal fixation system that expands as she grows, avoiding multiple future surgeries. She now carries her school backpack without pain for the first time.
As a 28-year-old professional esports athlete, I developed debilitating De Quervain's tenosynovitis from controller use. Prof. Turan performed an ultrasound-guided percutaneous release using a micro-blade he designed specifically for gaming-related injuries. I returned to competition in 10 days and won a major tournament.
My husband, a 57-year-old ship engineer, crushed his pelvis in an industrial accident. Prof. Turan reconstructed his pelvic ring using patient-specific implants fabricated from CT data, preserving his sacroiliac joint function. He returned to sea duty six months earlier than any predicted timeline.
Dr. Prof. MD. Adil Can Gungen provided exceptional care for my pulmonology condition. The treatment was personalized and effective.