Liver Transplant Donor Treatment in Turkey
About Liver Transplant Donor
Key Highlights
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Provides a life-saving option for patients who may not survive the wait for a deceased donor organ.Significantly reduces transplant waiting times compared to deceased donor lists.The donor's liver regenerates to nearly its original size within 2-3 months.Offers the potential for better long-term outcomes and graft survival in recipients due to optimal organ quality and shorter cold ischemia time.Performed by a highly specialized multidisciplinary team in accredited transplant centers.
Who is this surgery for?
- The primary indication is for a recipient diagnosed with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) from causes like cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C, or autoimmune hepatitis.
- Acute liver failure (fulminant hepatic failure) where a transplant is urgently needed.
- Certain metabolic liver diseases or genetic disorders (e.g., Wilson's disease, primary hyperoxaluria).
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) within specific transplant criteria (e.g., Milan criteria).
- Biliary atresia in pediatric patients.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive medical, surgical, and psychosocial evaluation to ensure donor suitability and safety.
- Extensive blood tests, imaging studies (CT/MRI with volumetry), and cardiac/pulmonary assessments.
- Counseling sessions to ensure informed consent and understanding of all risks and benefits.
- Pre-operative lifestyle modifications, including cessation of smoking and alcohol.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to surgery as instructed by the medical team.
Risks & possible complications
- Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia.
- Bile leakage or stricture at the cut surface of the liver.
- Potential for temporary liver dysfunction in the donor post-surgery.
- Rare but serious risks include pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or intra-abdominal abscess.
- Long-term risks are minimal but can include incisional hernia or adhesions.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay of 5-10 days with close monitoring of liver function and pain management.
- Gradual mobilization starting the day after surgery to prevent complications.
- Avoidance of heavy lifting (more than 10 kgs) and strenuous activity for 2-3 months.
- Regular follow-up visits for blood tests and imaging to monitor liver regeneration.
- Most donors can return to sedentary work within 4-8 weeks and full normal activities within 3-6 months.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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Expected recovery time:
2-3 months for full regeneration and return to normal activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering liver transplant donor in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for liver transplant donor in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, Medical Park Bahçelievler, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform liver transplant donor. MediFyr helps you compare liver transplant specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for liver transplant donor compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 16,518 – USD 38,541 | 5-10 days | ~ 2-3 months for full regeneration and return to normal activities | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 122,934 – USD 286,847 | 5-10 days | ~ 2-3 months for full regeneration and return to normal activities | Know More |
Top hospitals for Liver Transplant Donor in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated liver transplantation teams and experience managing patients undergoing liver transplant donor.
Istanbul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Arjun Malhotra, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Arjun Malhotra, a 42-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, was a healthy and active father of two. His world shifted when his 45-year-old brother, Vikram, was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease due to primary sclerosing cholangitis. Seeing his brother's rapid decline, jaundice, debilitating fatigue, and fluid retention, Arjun immediately volunteered to be tested as a living donor. After extensive evaluation, the transplant team confirmed he was a perfect match. The doctor explained the major surgery, the removal of approximately 60% of his liver, and the significant but manageable risks. Arjun underwent the donor hepatectomy, experiencing post-operative pain and fatigue, but was walking within 24 hours. His liver regenerated to near-full size within two months. Emotionally, the journey was driven by profound familial duty and love, mixed with pre-surgery anxiety. Post-procedure, seeing Vikram regain his health and color was an indescribable reward. Arjun feels a deep, quiet pride and an unbreakable bond with his brother, knowing a part of him literally saved Vikram's life.