Kidney Transplant in Turkey

Kidney Transplant in Turkey

Kidney transplant in Turkey is a leading surgical field, especially when it comes to live donor transplants.

Kidney transplantation has a long history in Turkey, spanning over several decades. Our healthcare system has continuously evolved and strengthened in parallel with technological and scientific advancements in this field. Experienced surgeons and specialized teams perform kidney transplant operations, significantly improving patients' quality of life.

Organ donation plays a crucial role in the kidney transplant process. Increasing public awareness about organ donation in Turkey brings hope to patients waiting for organs. Healthcare institutions and civil society organizations organize various campaigns to emphasize the importance of organ donation and increase the number of donors.

What is Kidney Transplant?

Kidney transplant is a vital treatment method that offers a new lease on life for patients with severe kidney failure. It is a treatment option for individuals with kidney failure who are dependent on dialysis. The operation generally involves transplanting a kidney from a living donor or a cadaver to the recipient.

Kidney transplantation can significantly improve patients' quality of life and eliminate the need for dialysis treatments. However, it requires careful monitoring and treatment after the transplant. Finding a suitable donor and a compatible recipient is often a challenging process.

Eligibility Criteria for Kidney Transplant

Kidney transplantation is a critical surgical procedure, and meeting specific criteria is essential to increase the chances of success and identify suitable candidates. The following eligibility criteria for kidney transplantation consider factors for both the donor and recipient:

  • Blood type compatibility
  • Tissue compatibility
  • General health status
  • Age factor
  • Psychosocial evaluation

Both the recipient and donor candidates undergo a general health assessment before kidney transplantation. This assessment aims to reduce the risk of postoperative complications and ensure a more successful recovery post-transplant. Chronic diseases, infections, or other health problems are considered during these evaluations. Generally, younger and healthier donors are considered more suitable for kidney transplantation. These criteria are determined to maximize the success and long-term outcomes of the transplant operation.

How is Kidney Transplantation Performed?

The kidney transplant process usually begins with a living donor or the use of organs from a deceased person. Living donors are often selected from family members or compatible friends. Kidneys from cadavers are taken from someone who has previously suffered brain death. Before the transplant, the compatibility of the recipient and donor is meticulously evaluated. This evaluation is done through blood type compatibility, tissue matching, and various tests. Compatibility is a critical factor in determining the success rate of the transplant operation.

The transplant operation usually takes place in the abdominal region. The recipient undergoes the placement of the kidney from the donor and the connection of blood vessels and the ureter. This surgical procedure can typically take several hours. After the transplant, the recipient is given immunosuppressive medications. These medications are used to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted kidney. The recipient must use these medications regularly and participate in regular health check-ups.

Kidney Transplant Data in Turkey

The first kidney transplant case in Turkey dates back to 1968. The first live donor kidney transplant was recorded in 1975. With the enactment of the Organ Transplantation Law in 1979, studies in this field have accelerated to this day. Today, those who want to donate can apply through the Turkish Organ and Tissue Donation Information System (TODBS).

There has been a significant increase in kidney transplant data in Turkey in recent years. Considering the period between 2002 and the last quarter of 2023, the total number of organ transplants is approximately 75 thousand. Of these, approximately 53 thousand are kidney transplants. In light of this data, it can be said that people waiting for a transplant have a serious chance. According to the Ministry of Health data, the number of patients waiting for a kidney transplant as of November 2023 is approximately 25 thousand.

What is Cross-Matching?

Cross-matching is a method that provides a solution for patients in need of a kidney transplant. This approach involves the exchange of organs between donor and recipient pairs who are not blood or tissue-compatible but are compatible with each other. In other words, a donor from one person's family or close circle can donate an organ to another donor from another person's family or circle.

This method generally aims to increase organ donation and overcome the difficulty of finding compatible donors. Cross-matching is used when organ compatibility cannot be achieved between the recipient and donors. This way, the chances of patients waiting for organ transplants are increased, and more people are helped by creating a cycle between incompatible donor-recipient pairs.

For information on organ donation, kidney transplant costs in Turkey, preoperative evaluation, and the postoperative process, you can contact Medwide.

Kidney Transplant in Turkey
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Frequently Asked Questions

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After kidney transplant, patients generally have an improved quality of life. The need for dialysis treatment is eliminated and patients have the chance to lead a more active life.

 

After kidney transplant, the recipient attends regular medical check-ups and takes immunosuppressive medication regularly. This is important to maintain the long-term health of the transplanted kidney.

 

The process of finding a suitable donor for a kidney transplant varies. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the status of the organ donation, the suitability assessment, and other factors.

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