Liver transplantation, a complex surgical procedure, replaces a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure can effectively treat several liver diseases, including cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, and prevent progression to liver cancer.
- People with liver damage caused by chronic viral hepatitis
- People with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or primary biliary cirrhosis
- People in need of tumor removal
- Rejection of the liver
- Vascular and biliary complications
- Complications related to anesthesia
- Between 5 and 8 hours
- A month of rest for the patient and the donor
- Total recovery after 6 months
- 97%
Liver transplant cost in Turkey
The price of a liver transplant depends on several factors. Get a personalized quote for your liver transplant in Turkey. Our competitive pricing gives you access to quality care at a competitive cost.
Below is a table showing liver transplant cost in Turkey and other countries:
| Country | Liver transplant cost |
| France | 324,84 $ |
| Spain | 259,87 $ |
| United States of America | 281,53 $ |
| Turkey (Turquie santé) | 54 100 $ |
Best Clinics with Verified Reviews
- Multispecialized hospital
- 7 operating rooms
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- Grand Hospital founded in 1999
- 200 Beds
- 53,000 square meters
- Member of the American Hospital Association (AHA)
- Capacity of 230 beds
- The best hospital in Ankara
What is a liver transplant?
When the liver is severely damaged by disease, organ transplantation may be the only way to save a patient's life. In this surgical procedure, the diseased liver is removed and replaced with a healthy liver from a deceased donor.
Liver transplantation is a complex procedure that requires rigorous selection of candidates and immunological compatibility between donor and recipient. It is indicated for the treatment of many liver diseases, including cirrhosis and certain types of liver cancer.
Indications for liver transplant surgery
Liver transplantation is indicated in many cases, including:
- Chronic liver disease: cirrhosis (alcoholic, viral, autoimmune),primary biliary cirrhosis, sclerosing cholangitis, biliary atresia.
- Acute liver diseases: Fulminant hepatitis, Acute liver failure.
- Liver cancer: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),liver metastases in certain cases.
- Genetic liver diseases: Wilson's disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, hemochromatosis.
TH offers a new lease of life to many patients with life-threatening diseases.
Contraindications to liver transplantation
Although liver transplantation is an important therapeutic option for many liver diseases, it is not universal. Medical contraindications include:
- Failure of other vital organs, such as the heart or lungs, which could compromise postoperative recovery.
- Uncontrolled generalized infection, which increases the risk of post-transplant complications.
- Presence of tumors, especially if metastatic or invasive.
- HIV infection, although eligibility criteria have evolved.
- Active alcohol dependence, which may compromise the long-term success of the transplant.
Types of liver transplants
Liver transplantation is a major surgical procedure in which a diseased liver is replaced with a healthy liver. Several techniques are available, each adapted to specific clinical situations.
The different types of liver transplantation include:
| Types of liver transplants | Characteristics |
Orthotopic grafting | The diseased liver is completely removed and replaced with a healthy liver from a deceased donor. This is the most common technique for treating advanced liver disease. |
Domino transplant | The liver of a patient with metabolic disease is transplanted into a patient with end-stage liver disease. This procedure provides a healthy liver while avoiding transmission of the metabolic disease to the recipient. |
Split transplant | A donor liver is divided into two parts for transplantation into two recipients. |
Living donor transplant | Part of the liver of a living donor (often a family member) is removed and transplanted into the recipient. |
Auxiliary transplant | An additional liver is transplanted into a patient whose native liver is still partially functional. |
Preparation for liver transplantation
Before a liver transplant is performed, the recipient undergoes a complete preoperative evaluation. This includes biological tests (blood type, immunological tests),radiological tests (liver imaging) and an anesthesia consultation. These evaluations allow us to assess the patient's overall health, identify any contraindications, and prepare him or her for the procedure under the best possible conditions.
At the same time, the potential donor undergoes a rigorous evaluation to determine compatibility with the recipient. Blood typing and cross-matching are essential to minimize the risk of graft rejection.
Surgery can be scheduled once compatibility has been confirmed and all preliminary tests have been completed. Liver transplantation is performed in an aseptic operating room under strict protocols designed to prevent infection.
Liver transplantation process
Liver transplantation is a complex surgical procedure that requires perfect coordination between medical teams. The procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia, consists of two stages:
Stage 1: Removal of the diseased liver
In the first stage of the operation, the diseased liver is removed. The surgeon makes a large abdominal incision to access the organ. With great precision, he or she isolates the liver, frees it from surrounding tissues, and gently separates it, taking care not to damage adjacent structures and minimizing the risk of bleeding.
Stage 2: Healthy liver transplant
The donor liver, previously removed and stored under optimal conditions, is placed in the recipient's abdomen. The priority is to reconnect the blood vessels to restore blood flow to the new organ. The bile ducts are then anastomosed. Once these connections are made, the surgeon checks that the liver's circulatory system is functioning properly.
Drains are placed before the incision is closed to facilitate healing and to drain any excess fluid. The total length of the surgery can vary, but it usually takes several hours.
Potential complications after liver transplantation
Despite medical advances, liver transplantation remains a major surgery. Potential complications, although rare, include:
- Graft rejection: the recipient's immune system may attack the new liver.
- Immediate graft failure: the transplanted liver may not function properly from the start.
- Vascular complications: such as blood clots in the blood vessels of the liver.
- Biliary complications: including bile leakage, narrowing of the bile ducts, or inflammation.
- Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal): related to surgery or weakened immune system.
- Side effects of immunosuppressive drugs: such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney problems, or increased risk of cancer.
- Complications related to anesthesia.
Although liver transplantation is a complex procedure, we understand that there are still concerns about potential risks. To give you the best chance of success, Turquie Santé works with internationally renowned surgical teams. Our partner clinics implement strict hygiene and asepsis protocols to prevent infection.
Postoperative process after liver transplantation
Liver transplantation, a complex surgery, offers a new perspective on life for patients with severely damaged livers. The operation marks the beginning of a long process of recovery and adjustment. The post-operative period includes
- Hospitalization and intensive monitoring: The first few weeks after surgery are spent in the hospital under close medical supervision. The goal is to ensure proper pain management, prevent complications, and promote optimal healing.
- Return to daily life: Gradually, you'll be able to lead a more independent life. Regular medical follow-up, including consultations, biological tests and ultrasound scans, is essential to detect any abnormal signs and to adjust immunosuppressive treatments.
- Consultation with your gastroenterologist: This specialist will be your main contact during this new phase of your life. He or she will help you manage the side effects of treatment, advise you on healthy living, and help you prevent the risk of rejection.
The postoperative process following a liver transplantation is complex and dynamic. Each patient is unique, so their care requirements may differ. Close cooperation between the patient, their family, and the medical team in Turkey is crucial to ensure optimal care and improved quality of life.
Liver regeneration
The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate in both donor and recipient. This property is essential to the success of the transplant. However, there are limits to this regeneration, particularly in terms of the volume of liver removed from the donor.
The choice of the type of liver transplantation depends on many factors such as the patient's health condition, the availability of organs and the skills of the medical team. Advances in surgery and medicine in Turkey have greatly improved the results of this procedure, giving many patients a new lease on life.
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The donor must be a relative to the patient and the liver transplant is done following a donation. There is no question of buying or selling an organ.
- Be a relative to the receiver patient;
- Be under 60 years old;
- Not be overweight;
- Not having chronic illnesses.
The liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself. As a result, the liver cells (hepatocytes) of the living donor could reconstitute the parts removed from the liver of this one.
With a transplanted liver, you can live as normally as possible: except that certain rules must be respected, such as having a certain hygiene of life and taking certain medications for life.
Just like a kidney transplant and a heart transplant, a liver transplant involves genetic compatibility. The blood group of the donor and the recipient must also be the same.
After liver transplantation, hospitalization for 15 days under intensive care would be necessary.
For the donor, this procedure requires hospitalization for 7 days.
Liver transplantation is considered one of the most successful operations performed in our hospitals and clinics in Turkey, with a success rate of over 95% and up to 97%.
