Learn about Kidney Dialysis 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 Kidney Dialysis and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Kidney Dialysis

Kidney dialysis is a life-sustaining medical procedure performed by a nephrologist to artificially filter waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function adequately. This critical treatment, essential for managing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or acute kidney injury, mimics the natural cleansing role of healthy kidneys. The two primary types are hemodialysis, which uses an external machine to filter blood, and peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of the patient's own abdomen. By maintaining safe levels of electrolytes and controlling blood pressure, dialysis helps patients manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and can serve as a bridge to a kidney transplant. It is a cornerstone of modern nephrology care.

Key Highlights

    Life-sustaining treatment that performs the essential filtering function of failed kidneys.Effectively removes waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the bloodstream.Helps control blood pressure and maintain a safe balance of electrolytes like potassium and sodium.Can significantly improve quality of life and reduce symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and swelling.Provides a vital bridge to kidney transplantation for eligible patients.Offers flexibility with different types (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) to suit patient lifestyles./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) where kidney function is less than 10-15%.
  • Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) causing a sudden, severe drop in kidney function.
  • Severe symptoms of kidney failure, such as confusion, nausea, vomiting, or swelling.
  • Dangerously high levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) in the blood.
  • Fluid overload that does not respond to diuretic medication.
  • Acidosis (buildup of acid in the blood) due to kidney failure.
  • Preparation for or recovery from a kidney transplant.

How to prepare

  • Consultation with a nephrologist for a comprehensive evaluation and to determine the best type of dialysis.
  • Creation of vascular access for hemodialysis, which may involve minor surgery weeks in advance to create a fistula or graft.
  • For peritoneal dialysis, a catheter is surgically placed into the abdomen.
  • Undergoing necessary blood tests and imaging studies.
  • Discussion of dietary and fluid intake restrictions to follow.
  • Psychological preparation and education about the procedure and lifestyle adjustments.
  • Arranging a consistent schedule for ongoing dialysis sessions.

Risks & possible complications

  • Low blood pressure (hypotension) during or after hemodialysis.
  • Muscle cramps, often in the legs.
  • Itchy skin due to mineral imbalances.
  • Infection at the site of vascular access or peritoneal catheter.
  • Blood clots in the vascular access (for hemodialysis).
  • Peritonitis (infection of the abdominal lining) for peritoneal dialysis.
  • Hernia or fluid leakage for peritoneal dialysis.
  • Anemia and fatigue due to blood loss and reduced erythropoietin production.
  • Electrolyte imbalances and irregular heart rhythms.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediate post-dialysis: Rest is recommended; blood pressure and vital signs are monitored.
  • Managing the access site with proper hygiene to prevent infection.
  • Adhering strictly to the prescribed renal diet, limiting potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and fluid intake.
  • Taking medications as directed, which may include phosphate binders, blood pressure drugs, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
  • Regular follow-up appointments with the nephrologist for blood work and treatment adjustments.
  • Incorporating gentle exercise as tolerated to maintain strength and cardiovascular health.
  • Monitoring for signs of complications like fever, access site redness, or shortness of breath and reporting them promptly.
  • Emotional and psychological support, often through counseling or support groups, is an important part of long-term recovery and adjustment.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Typically outpatient (0 days)
  • checked Expected recovery time: Ongoing lifelong treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering kidney dialysis 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 kidney dialysis compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 17 – USD 55 Typically outpatient (0 days) ~ Ongoing lifelong treatment Know More
Turkey USD 123 – USD 410 Typically outpatient (0 days) ~ Ongoing lifelong treatment Know More

Top hospitals for Kidney Dialysis in Turkey

These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated nephrology teams and experience managing patients undergoing kidney dialysis.

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12+ Rating

Liv Hospital Ankara

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
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51+ Rating

Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
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112+ Rating

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

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PATIENT REVIEW

Sarah Nair, a 42-year-old high school...

Sarah Nair, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy five years ago. Her condition, managed with medication, deteriorated over the last year. She began experiencing debilitating fatigue, persistent nausea, and severe swelling in her legs and ankles. Blood tests revealed her kidney function (eGFR) had dropped to 12%, and she was experiencing uremia. Her nephrologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that her kidneys could no longer filter waste from her blood effectively. He recommended starting hemodialysis immediately to take over this function, prevent life-threatening complications, and improve her quality of life while they explored the possibility of a transplant. Sarah started thrice-weekly, four-hour sessions at a dialysis center. The first few sessions were exhausting, with headaches and cramping, but her care team adjusted her dialysis prescription. Over time, her energy returned, the nausea subsided, and the swelling reduced. Emotionally, the diagnosis and start of dialysis were devastating; she felt like her body had failed her and worried about being a burden to her family. Post-dialysis, while she resents the time commitment and the 'machine dependency,' she feels physically stronger and more present for her children. She channels her scientific mind into understanding her treatment and has found a supportive community at the center, shifting her perspective from victim to active participant in her care.

Nephrologists for Kidney Dialysis

Explore experienced nephrologists who regularly perform kidney dialysis and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.

Dr. Himmet Bora Uslu
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Himmet Bora Uslu
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Himmet Bora Uslu
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Himmet Bora Uslu
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Himmet Bora Uslu
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Himmet Bora Uslu
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Himmet Bora Uslu
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Himmet Bora Uslu
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated