Learn about Hepatitis C Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Hepatitis C and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). A gastroenterologist, a specialist in digestive system disorders including the liver, manages this condition through a comprehensive approach. This involves accurate diagnosis via blood tests to detect HCV antibodies and viral RNA, followed by genotyping to determine the specific virus strain. Modern treatment is centered on direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications, which are highly effective oral regimens taken for 8 to 12 weeks. These medications work by targeting specific steps in the HCV life cycle, offering cure rates exceeding 95% with minimal side effects. The gastroenterologist's role includes monitoring liver health through tests like FibroScan to assess for scarring (fibrosis) or cirrhosis, providing lifestyle counseling, and ensuring successful viral eradication, which prevents long-term complications like liver failure and cancer.

Key Highlights

    High Cure Rates: Modern antiviral treatments boast success rates over 95%, effectively curing the infection.Non-Invasive Management: Primary treatment involves oral medications, not surgery, making it a convenient outpatient process.Prevents Liver Damage: Successful treatment halts disease progression, preventing cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.listrongShort Treatment Duration:/strong Most treatment courses are completed in just 8 to 12 weeks./lilistrongImproved Medications:/strong Current direct-acting antivirals have fewer side effects compared to older interferon-based therapies./li/ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Positive screening test for Hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV).
  • Detection of Hepatitis C virus RNA (viral load) in the blood, confirming an active infection.
  • Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) suggesting liver inflammation.
  • Evidence of liver damage, such as fibrosis or cirrhosis, identified via imaging or elastography (FibroScan).
  • Patients with symptoms like chronic fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss linked to liver disease.
  • Individuals at high risk (e.g., history of blood transfusion before 1992, IV drug use, or certain medical procedures).

How to prepare

  • Diagnostic Confirmation: Undergo comprehensive blood tests to confirm HCV RNA, determine the viral genotype, and assess liver function.
  • Liver Health Assessment: Complete imaging tests like an ultrasound or a FibroScan to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
  • Medical History Review: Provide a complete list of all current medications, supplements, and past medical history to your gastroenterologist.
  • Baseline Health Check: Have tests for kidney function, complete blood count, and screenings for other viral infections like HIV or Hepatitis B.
  • Counseling: Discuss the treatment plan, duration, potential side effects, and the importance of medication adherence.

Risks & possible complications

  • Medication Side Effects: While generally well-tolerated, DAAs can sometimes cause headache, fatigue, or nausea.
  • Drug Interactions: Potential interactions with other medications, which must be carefully managed by your doctor.
  • Treatment Failure: In a small percentage of cases, the virus may not be fully cleared, potentially due to non-adherence or rare resistance.
  • Flare of Underlying Liver Disease: Rarely, treatment can cause a temporary increase in liver inflammation.
  • Cost and Access: Although prices have decreased, medication cost can be a barrier without adequate insurance coverage.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Medication Adherence: It is crucial to take all antiviral pills exactly as prescribed for the full course to ensure a cure.
  • Monitoring: Regular follow-up blood tests (at 4 weeks, end of treatment, and 12 weeks post-treatment) are needed to confirm the virus is undetectable (sustained virologic response, or SVR).
  • Lifestyle Support: Maintain a liver-healthy lifestyle: avoid alcohol, eat a balanced diet, and discuss any new medications with your doctor.
  • Managing Side Effects: Report any persistent side effects to your gastroenterologist; most are mild and manageable.
  • Long-term Follow-up: Even after a cure, patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis require ongoing monitoring for liver health.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 8-12 weeks (treatment duration)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering hepatitis c in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for hepatitis c compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 326 – USD 3,263 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 8-12 weeks (treatment duration) Know More
Turkey USD 2,416 – USD 24,158 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 8-12 weeks (treatment duration) Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to three other doctors...

I'd been to three other doctors for this nagging pain and fatigue. Everyone said it was stress. Dr. Latha at MGM was the first one who actually sat and listened, really listened, to everything I was saying. She ordered a specific test the others hadn't, and it turned out to be something quite rare. She explained it all to me in plain Tamil, drew diagrams on a notepad. I was scared, but she laid out a clear plan. It's been a long road, but I finally feel like we're getting somewhere.

Gastroenterologists for Hepatitis C

Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform hepatitis c and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.

Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated