Plasma Exchange Treatment in Turkey
About Plasma Exchange
Key Highlights
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Rapidly removes harmful antibodies, toxins, or abnormal proteins from the bloodstream.Can be a life-saving intervention during acute disease flares or crises.Used as a primary treatment or to 'bridge' the time until other medications become effective.Performed by specialized Transfusion Medicine teams ensuring safety and precision.Procedure is typically well-tolerated and can be repeated as needed based on the condition.
Who is this surgery for?
- Neurological disorders like Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP).
- Autoimmune conditions such as Goodpasture's syndrome, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and severe Lupus.
- Hematological diseases including Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) and Hyperviscosity syndrome.
- Certain kidney diseases like rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.
- Poisoning or overdose with protein-bound toxins (e.g., from certain mushrooms).
- As a preparatory procedure before some organ or stem cell transplants.
How to prepare
- A thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests to assess clotting function and electrolyte levels.
- Discussion of medical history, allergies (especially to plasma products), and current medications.
- Establishment of secure intravenous (IV) access, often with a large-bore catheter in a major vein.
- Patients are advised to be well-hydrated before the procedure.
- Fasting is generally not required, but a light meal is recommended.
- Informed consent detailing the procedure, benefits, and potential risks is obtained.
Risks & possible complications
- Hypotension (low blood pressure) or dizziness during the procedure.
- Citrate reaction from the anticoagulant, causing tingling or muscle cramps.
- Allergic reactions to the replacement fluid (plasma or albumin).
- Bleeding or bruising at the IV site, or infection.
- Risk of electrolyte imbalances like low calcium or potassium.
- Very rare risks include blood clot formation or air embolism.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate monitoring of vital signs for an hour or two post-procedure.
- Patients can usually resume normal activities and diet shortly after, unless otherwise advised.
- It is important to drink plenty of fluids to help maintain blood volume.
- The IV site should be kept clean and dry; report any signs of redness, swelling, or pain.
- Follow-up blood tests are common to monitor the disease and the effects of the exchange.
- Multiple sessions over days or weeks are often required for optimal therapeutic effect.
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Typical hospital stay:
Typically outpatient or 1 day
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Expected recovery time:
Immediate to a few days (per session)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering plasma exchange in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with transfusion medicine departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform plasma exchange. MediFyr helps you compare transfusion medicine 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 plasma exchange compare across other countries where we have data.
Arjun Sharma, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Arjun Sharma, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had always been active. His life changed when he developed sudden, severe weakness in his legs, which rapidly spread to his arms and face. Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, his immune system was attacking his own nerves. Within days, he was in the ICU, struggling to breathe on his own. His neurologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that plasma exchange (PLEX) was critical to 'clean' his blood of the harmful antibodies causing the paralysis. Arjun was terrified, feeling trapped in his own failing body. The procedure itself was surreal, watching his blood travel through the apheresis machine, feeling cold from the replacement fluids. He underwent five sessions over ten days. Gradually, the tingling stopped, and he could wiggle his toes. The emotional shift was profound, from the despair of possibly never walking his daughters to school again, to the overwhelming gratitude as he took his first assisted steps. While recovery took months of physiotherapy, PLEX gave him back the chance to fight.