Learn about Hepatobiliary Surgery 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 Hepatobiliary Surgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Hepatobiliary Surgery

Hepatobiliary surgery for liver transplantation is a complex, life-saving surgical procedure that involves the removal of a diseased or failing liver and its replacement with a healthy liver from a deceased or living donor. This major operation is the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, and certain liver cancers when other treatments are no longer effective. The procedure requires a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, including transplant surgeons, hepatologists, and anesthesiologists, working in a specialized transplant center. It aims to restore normal liver function, alleviate debilitating symptoms, and significantly improve the patient's quality of life and long-term survival. Post-transplant, patients require lifelong immunosuppressive medication to prevent organ rejection.

Key Highlights

    Definitive treatment for end-stage liver failure and certain liver cancers.Can dramatically improve quality of life and long-term survival.Utilizes organs from deceased donors or partial livers from living donors.Performed by highly specialized surgical teams in accredited transplant centers.Offers a chance for a return to normal daily activities post-recovery.

Who is this surgery for?

  • End-stage liver disease (cirrhosis) from causes like hepatitis B/C, alcohol, or NASH.
  • Acute (fulminant) liver failure from infection, toxins, or drug reactions.
  • Primary liver cancers (hepatocellular carcinoma) within specific criteria.
  • Certain metabolic liver diseases (e.g., Wilson's disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency).li>
  • Biliary atresia in children.
  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive medical evaluation including blood tests, imaging (CT/MRI), and heart/lung assessments.
  • Psychological and social work evaluation to assess support system and readiness.
  • Management of other health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) to optimize surgical safety.
  • Vaccinations and dental check-up to prevent infections post-transplant.
  • For living donor transplants: extensive and independent evaluation of the donor.
  • Registration on the national organ transplant waiting list (for deceased donor transplant).

Risks & possible complications

  • Surgical risks: Bleeding, blood clots, infection, and bile duct complications.
  • Organ rejection, where the body's immune system attacks the new liver.
  • Side effects from lifelong immunosuppressive medications (increased infection risk, kidney issues, diabetes, high blood pressure).
  • Recurrence of the original liver disease (e.g., hepatitis, cancer).
  • Potential for primary non-function (the new liver does not work initially).
  • Long-term risks include certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial 1-2 weeks in hospital ICU/transplant unit for close monitoring of liver function and vital signs.
  • Strict medication adherence to immunosuppressants is absolutely critical to prevent rejection.
  • Regular follow-up visits for blood tests, imaging, and medication level checks.
  • Gradual increase in physical activity; full recovery to normal activities may take 3-6 months.
  • Lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including diet, avoiding alcohol, and infection prevention.
  • Psychological support to adapt to life post-transplant is often recommended.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 14-21 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for full recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering hepatobiliary surgery 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 hepatobiliary surgery compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 24,226 – USD 38,541 14-21 days ~ 3-6 months for full recovery Know More
Turkey USD 180,304 – USD 286,847 14-21 days ~ 3-6 months for full recovery Know More

Top hospitals for Hepatobiliary Surgery in Turkey

These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated liver transplantation teams and experience managing patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.

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Liv Hospital Ankara

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51+ Rating

Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv

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VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi

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Medical Park Bahçelievler

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205+ Rating

Medical Park Florya

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169+ Rating

Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa

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112+ Rating

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

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52+ Rating

Medical Park Trabzon

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PATIENT REVIEW

Navya Joshi, a 42-year-old software engineer...

Navya Joshi, a 42-year-old software engineer and mother of two from Bangalore, had always been healthy until a routine health check revealed elevated liver enzymes. Further tests diagnosed her with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune disease slowly destroying her bile ducts. For five years, she managed with medication, but fatigue became debilitating, and intense itching (pruritus) made sleep impossible. Jaundice turned her skin yellow. Her hepatologist finally said her liver was failing; a transplant was her only chance. The wait on the list was agonizing, filled with fear for her family's future. A match came after eight months. The surgery was long but successful. Recovery in the ICU was tough, with pain and disorientation, but each day she grew stronger. A year later, Navya is back at work part-time, her energy returning. The emotional relief is profound, she feels she's been given her life back to be the mother and professional she wants to be, though she lives with a deep, quiet gratitude for her anonymous donor.