Learn about Non Alcoholic Liver Disease 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 Non Alcoholic Liver Disease and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Non Alcoholic Liver Disease

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a common condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver of individuals who consume little to no alcohol. Managed by a gastroenterologist, it encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis (fatty liver) to the more serious Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves inflammation and liver cell damage, potentially leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Diagnosis and management involve a comprehensive evaluation including blood tests (liver function tests, fibrosis markers), imaging (ultrasound, FibroScan), and sometimes a liver biopsy. The cornerstone of treatment is lifestyle modification, weight loss through diet and exercise, which can significantly reduce liver fat and inflammation. For advanced cases, gastroenterologists may manage complications or coordinate specialized care.

Key Highlights

    Addresses the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, often linked to metabolic syndrome.Focuses on lifestyle interventions as the primary and most effective treatment strategy.Utilizes non-invasive tools like FibroScan to assess liver stiffness and fat content without a biopsy.Prevents progression to serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer through early detection and management.Involves a multidisciplinary approach, often coordinating with dietitians and endocrinologists.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) found on routine blood work.
  • Evidence of fatty liver on abdominal ultrasound or other imaging performed for other reasons.
  • Presence of metabolic risk factors: obesity (especially central adiposity), type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
  • Unexplained fatigue, abdominal discomfort in the right upper quadrant, or hepatomegaly (enlarged liver).
  • To stage the disease (assess for inflammation/NASH or fibrosis) when simple fatty liver is suspected to be progressing.

How to prepare

  • Compile a complete medical history, including all medications, supplements, and alcohol consumption.
  • Undergo initial blood tests to check liver function, rule out other liver diseases (like viral hepatitis), and assess metabolic markers.
  • Fast for 8-12 hours before blood tests and certain imaging procedures like an ultrasound.
  • For a FibroScan, wear comfortable clothing and inform the doctor of any pregnancy or implanted medical devices.
  • If a liver biopsy is planned, stop blood-thinning medications (as advised by the doctor) and arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.

Risks & possible complications

  • Progression to NASH, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma if left unmanaged.
  • Risks associated with liver biopsy (if required): pain, bleeding, infection, or accidental injury to a nearby organ (rare).
  • Cardiovascular complications, as NAFLD is closely linked to heart disease.
  • Challenges associated with sustained lifestyle change and weight management.
  • Potential side effects from medications used in some cases (e.g., vitamin E, pioglitazone).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Recovery from diagnostic tests like blood work or FibroScan is immediate; normal activities can be resumed right away.
  • After a liver biopsy, rest is required for several hours; avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks.
  • The core recovery process involves long-term lifestyle changes: adopting a balanced, calorie-controlled diet and engaging in regular physical activity (150+ minutes/week).
  • Regular follow-up appointments with the gastroenterologist are crucial to monitor liver enzymes, fibrosis markers, and overall progress.
  • Management of co-existing conditions like diabetes and hypertension is an integral part of the recovery and treatment plan.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day (if biopsy required)
  • checked Expected recovery time: Ongoing lifestyle management; 1-2 weeks for biopsy recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering non alcoholic liver disease 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 non alcoholic liver disease compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 54 – USD 544 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day (if biopsy required) ~ Ongoing lifestyle management; 1-2 weeks for biopsy recovery Know More
Turkey USD 403 – USD 4,026 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day (if biopsy required) ~ Ongoing lifestyle management; 1-2 weeks for biopsy recovery 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 Non Alcoholic Liver Disease

Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform non alcoholic liver disease 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