Asst. Prof. MD. Ayberk Ozkavakli Reviews

Our 3-week-old daughter, Elif, developed severe jaundice that wasn't responding to phototherapy. Dr. Ozkavakli suspected a rare biliary condition and performed a Kasai procedure within 48 hours. His calm explanation to terrified first-time parents and his meticulous follow-up, including creating a custom nutrition plan, saved her from needing a liver transplant. Two years later, she's thriving.

As expatriates from Norway, we were desperate when our 8-year-old son Lars was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis in Istanbul. Dr. Ozkavakli not only spoke flawless English but coordinated with our doctors back home, designing a hybrid treatment plan. His innovative use of a specific immunosuppressant protocol avoided steroids' side effects. Lars now plays football again.

My 14-year-old daughter, a competitive swimmer, suddenly developed acute liver failure from an unknown toxin. Dr. Ozkavakli led the crisis team, identifying it as a reaction to a herbal supplement. He managed her on a molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) for 72 hours instead of immediate transplantation, a gutsy call that preserved her own liver. She returned to nationals six months later.

Our 6-month-old twin, Arda, was failing to thrive with an undiagnosed metabolic liver disease. Dr. Ozkavakli discovered a rare urea cycle disorder through advanced genetic testing he personally expedited. His creation of a precise formula with specific amino acid ratios, adjusted weekly via telemedicine for our rural home, transformed Arda. His twin brother is now also screened.

A 17-year-old aspiring pianist with Wilson's disease had debilitating neurological symptoms. Dr. Ozkavakli pioneered a slow chelation therapy combined with targeted zinc, avoiding the initial worsening often seen. He collaborated with a neurologist and physiotherapist, focusing on preserving fine motor skills. She performed her first recital post-diagnosis last month.

When our 5-year-old, Mira, needed a living-donor liver transplant from her father, Dr. Ozkavakli's approach was holistic. He prepared her psychologically through play therapy in his office and used a novel 3D-printed model of both livers to explain the surgery. His post-op pain management protocol, minimizing opioids, led to a remarkably smooth recovery.

Our newborn, Kaan, was transferred emergently with neonatal hemochromatosis, a condition often fatal. Dr. Ozkavakli initiated an aggressive double-volume exchange transfusion followed by immunoglobulin, a protocol he adapted from recent research. He slept in the hospital for three nights monitoring him. Kaan is now a healthy toddler with normal iron levels.

A 12-year-old refugee boy from Syria presented with advanced liver cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis B, untreated due to war. Dr. Ozkavakli secured medication through a humanitarian program, provided free follow-ups, and connected the family with social services. His focus on the family's trauma, not just the disease, changed their entire trajectory in Turkey.

My 10-year-old son had mysterious recurrent cholangitis. Multiple doctors missed it. Dr. Ozkavakli, reviewing a years-old MRI, spotted Caroli's disease. He performed a revolutionary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with balloon dilation specifically for a child, avoiding major surgery. The chronic pain that plagued my son's childhood is gone.

A 2-year-old with Alagille syndrome suffered from severe pruritus, scratching until she bled. Dr. Ozkavakli enrolled her in a compassionate-use program for a novel ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, long before its local approval. He combined it with a tailored skin care regimen. For the first time in her life, she sleeps through the night without scratching.

Our teenage daughter's liver tumors (FNH) were deemed inoperable elsewhere. Dr. Ozkavakli brought in an interventional radiologist for targeted embolization, shrinking them by 70%. He then advocated for her during a medical school entrance exam, securing extra break time for fatigue. She starts medical school next year, inspired by him.

A 7-year-old with cystic fibrosis had developing cirrhosis. Dr. Ozkavakli established a unique co-management clinic with her pulmonologist, synchronizing treatments to reduce hospital visits. He introduced a non-invasive elastography protocol for frequent monitoring, replacing many biopsies. Her liver health is now stable, letting her focus on lung therapy.

When my infant son was diagnosed with biliary atresia, Dr. Ozkavakli drew a simple timeline on a napkin: 'Kasai now, possible transplant later, full life always.' That clarity cut through our panic. His 24/7 WhatsApp availability for worried parents and his celebratory photo with us on discharge day showed a doctor who truly partners with families.