Kidney transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage renal disease, offering a permanent alternative to chronic dialysis. Turkey is globally recognized for its high success rates in organ transplantation, utilizing advanced surgical techniques and experienced nephrology teams. Istanbul European Clinic connects you with top-tier facilities to restore your quality of life.
OVERVIEW
Procedure
Kidney Transplant (Living Donor)
Duration
3 - 4 hours
Length of Stay in Hospital
7 - 10 days (varies by recovery)
Anesthesia
General Anesthesia
Cost in Turkey
~€32,000
Success Rate
~90%
Final Results
After 8 weeks
Scars
Yes (Lower abdomen)
Pain
Moderate (Managed with medication)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Hasan
Written by Abdulaziz Ali
Published on December 26, 2025 12:00 am
TABLE OF CONTENT
Benefits of Kidney Transplant in Turkey
High Success Rates and Expertise Turkey performs thousands of transplants annually, resulting in highly experienced surgeons and impressive outcomes. Kidney transplant in Turkey success rates are comparable to or exceed those in Western Europe and the US, thanks to specialized high-volume transplant centers.
Advanced Medical Infrastructure Hospitals in Istanbul are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and modern intensive care units dedicated to transplant patients. Many facilities hold international accreditations, ensuring that strict safety protocols and hygiene standards are met throughout your stay.
Comprehensive Care Packages Medical tourism in Turkey focuses on patient comfort, often bundling the surgery, donor preparation, hospital stay, and transfers into one transparent price. This allows you to focus on recovery while the logistics of your kidney transplant abroad turkey are managed by professionals.
Kidney Transplant Cost in Turkey Compared to Other Countries
The following table compares the estimated costs of kidney transplantation. Prices in Western countries are significantly higher due to hospital fees and labor costs.
Country
Typical Range (€)
Turkey
€30,000 – €35,000
United Kingdom
€85,000 – €110,000
United States
€350,000 – €400,000+
Note: Prices vary by case, clinic, and donor compatibility; request a personalized quote for accuracy.
How to Choose Safe, Reputable Clinics and Surgeons for Kidney Transplant in Turkey
Verify Surgeon Specialization
Ensure your doctor is a board-certified transplant surgeon with a specific focus on nephrology and organ replacement. Experienced kidney transplant surgeons turkey should have a documented history of performing hundreds of successful living-donor procedures.
Check International Accreditations
Look for hospitals that hold JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation or ISO certifications. These seals of approval indicate that the kidney transplant hospital in turkey meets rigorous global standards for patient safety and care quality.
Assess Transplant Volumes
Clinics that perform a high volume of transplants generally have better outcomes due to refined processes. Ask the clinic about their annual transplant numbers to gauge their experience level with complex cases.
What to Consider Before Getting a Kidney Transplant in Turkey
Medical Eligibility & Health History
Not every patient is a candidate; you must undergo a thorough evaluation of your heart, lungs, and immune system. Chronic infections or active cancer may temporarily disqualify you from receiving a turkey kidney transplant.
Extensive compatibility testing (tissue typing and cross-matching) between you and your donor is mandatory. You may need to stop smoking and adjust certain medications weeks before the scheduled surgery.
Plan to stay in Turkey for at least 3 to 4 weeks to ensure the kidney functions correctly before flying home. Bringing a companion is essential for emotional support and assistance during the initial post-op phase.
Expect some pain and limited mobility immediately after surgery, which will be managed with IV medication. You will be encouraged to walk shortly after surgery to prevent blood clots and stimulate bowel function.
Most patients can return to light desk work after 8 weeks, but strenuous physical labor must be avoided for several months. Your immune system will be suppressed, so avoiding crowded workplaces initially is often recommended.
End-Stage Renal Disease: Patients currently on dialysis or approaching the need for it (GFR < 20).
Living Donor Availability: International patients in Turkey typically require a willing, compatible living donor (often a relative) due to regulations.
Good Surgical Health: You must be free from active infections, cancer, or severe heart disease that would make surgery unsafe.
Commitment to Medication: Candidates must be disciplined about taking immunosuppressive anti-rejection medication for life.
Healthy Weight: Some clinics may require patients to be within a specific BMI range to reduce surgical risks.
Kidney Transplant in Turkey Results
Kidney transplant surgery in turkey generally boasts a success rate of around 90% for living-donor transplants. Success is measured by the graft survival rate (the kidney working) and patient survival rate after one year. Patient satisfaction is typically high as the procedure allows for freedom from dialysis and dietary restrictions, though individual outcomes depend on donor compatibility and adherence to post-op medication.
Kidney Transplant Turkey Recovery Time
Kidney Transplant 1 Week Post Op: You will likely remain in the hospital for close monitoring of urine output and creatinine levels. The catheter is usually removed, and you will start taking oral anti-rejection medications while transitioning to a soft diet.
Kidney Transplant 3 Weeks Post Op: By this stage, you are likely discharged to your hotel but must visit the clinic frequently for blood tests. You should feel stronger but must avoid lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk to protect the incision.
Kidney Transplant 3 – 6 Months Post Op: Life begins to return to normal, and you may resume work and light exercise like swimming or brisk walking. Monitoring appointments become less frequent, but strict adherence to medication schedules remains critical to prevent rejection.
Kidney Transplant 1 Year Post Op: You should be fully recovered, enjoying a normal diet and activity level with few restrictions. Annual check-ups are required to ensure the kidney remains healthy and to monitor for long-term side effects of immunosuppressants.
Kidney Transplant in Turkey Before and After
Before the transplant, patients often struggle with fatigue, dietary restrictions, and the time commitment of dialysis. After a successful kidney transplant istanbul, patients typically report a dramatic return of energy, the ability to eat a more varied diet, and the freedom to travel. Authentic before and after narratives focus on this quality-of-life shift rather than just physical appearance.
How Does The Kidney Transplant Turkey Procedure Work?
The process begins with an online assessment where doctors review your medical history and imaging. You will discuss the kidney transplant cost turkey and verify if your potential donor is a suitable match legally and medically.
Upon arrival, both the recipient and donor undergo comprehensive screening, including blood type compatibility, tissue typing, and cross-matching. Physical exams ensure both parties are healthy enough for general anesthesia.
The surgery takes 3 to 4 hours under general anesthesia. Surgeons place the healthy donor kidney into your lower abdomen and connect the blood vessels and ureter, leaving your existing non-functioning kidneys in place unless they cause problems.
The donor usually recovers within a few days, while the recipient stays hospitalized for about a week. The medical team closely monitors the new kidney to ensure it starts producing urine and filtering waste immediately.
Before you fly home, final tests confirm the kidney is stable. You will receive a detailed medical report and a prescription plan to share with your local nephrologist for lifelong maintenance.
Side Effects of Kidney Transplant in Turkey
Infection: Higher risk due to immune-suppressing drugs.
Organ Rejection: The body may try to attack the new kidney (acute or chronic).
Bleeding or Clots: Surgical risks common to major procedures.
Medication Side Effects: Weight gain, high blood pressure, or acne from anti-rejection drugs.
Hernia: Possibility of hernia at the incision site.
What our PATIENTS say
tuba çetin
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Samimi, profesyonel ve ilgili bir ekip. Güvenle tercih edilebilir.
Lale Gökdemir
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After two pregnancies, I wanted to restore my abdominal area. IEC arranged the consultation, surgery, and even accommodation. The clinic staff were attentive and the surgeon was very skilled, explaining each stage in detail. The recovery plan was strict but clear, and now my stomach looks flat and toned again. I couldn’t be more satisfied with both the results and the care provided.
Sofia Martinez
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My Lipo 360 with IEC was organized end-to-end — transfers, clinic, and a clear recovery plan. Surgeons were experienced and the nursing team checked on me regularly. After following the aftercare, swelling reduced as expected and the contour is much improved. Professional and reassuring experience.
İlayda
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What I loved most about Istanbul European Clinic was the personal attention I received. The team genuinely cared about my comfort and well-being, not just the procedure. The facility itself was beautiful and modern, and everything was run very smoothly. A fantastic experience overall!
Jessica White
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IEC offers outstanding service — very reliable, organized, and caring. They made sure all details were taken care of, and I could focus on my treatment and recovery without worry. A great choice for health tourism.
Marvin Hugh
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My experience with IEC in Turkey was fantastic. They handled everything from consultation to follow-up in a professional and stress-free way. I always felt well-informed and supported, which made the whole process so much easier.
Gisel H.
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Did teeth whitening at IEC before my wedding. Color changed like 3 shades whiter, friends noticed right away. Price was fair, very happy with the result ✨
Deniz
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I had eye surgery at IEC two weeks ago. clinic was modern and equipment looked new. Receptionist english not perfect but we managed fine.
The cost of a kidney transplant in Turkey is approximately €32,000. This price typically includes the surgery for both donor and recipient, hospital stay, and essential medical tests, making it significantly more affordable than in the US or UK.
Yes, foreigners can get a kidney transplant in Turkey, but regulations usually require a living donor who is a relative (up to the 4th degree) or a spouse. Cadaveric transplants (from deceased donors) are generally reserved for Turkish citizens on the national waiting list.
In the context of diet, turkey meat is generally considered kidney-friendly because it is a high-quality protein that is lower in phosphorus compared to some other meats. However, processed deli turkey is high in sodium and should be avoided by kidney patients.
Patients with active cancer, severe active infections (like tuberculosis or bone infections), severe heart or lung disease that makes surgery unsafe, or those who cannot adhere to the strict post-transplant medication regimen are generally not eligible.
As mentioned, the typical package price for a kidney transplant in Turkey is around €32,000. Prices can vary slightly depending on the hospital, the complexity of the case, and the length of the hospital stay required.
Foods high in sodium (salt), potassium, and phosphorus are hardest on damaged kidneys. This includes processed meats, canned soups, dark-colored sodas, avocados, bananas, and dairy products. Alcohol and excessive protein can also strain the kidneys.
Fruits that are low in potassium and rich in antioxidants are good for kidney health. These include berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), red grapes, apples, pineapples, and cranberries. They help reduce inflammation without overloading the kidneys.
Life expectancy varies, but a successful transplant significantly extends life compared to dialysis. On average, a living donor kidney functions for 15 to 20 years, and many patients live normal lifespans. Younger recipients may need a second transplant later in life.
Pain is moderate and is expected at the incision site in the lower abdomen. It is generally well-managed with IV pain relievers in the hospital and oral medication during recovery. Most patients report that the pain subsides significantly after the first week.
The skin is the most immunogenic tissue and is rejected most aggressively, but among commonly transplanted internal organs, the small intestine has high rejection rates due to its high lymphoid tissue content. Kidney rejection rates have dropped significantly due to modern medication.
The safest way is to use a reputable facilitator like Istanbul European Clinic that partners with JCI-accredited hospitals. Ensure you have a clear medical evaluation before traveling and that your donor has been pre-screened to avoid unnecessary travel if compatibility is an issue.
You can verify accreditations by checking the Joint Commission International (JCI) website for listed hospitals in Turkey. For reviews, look for independent third-party platforms and request to speak with former patients if the clinic allows it to ensure authenticity.
Compare clinics based on their transplant volumes, surgeon experience (years in practice), infection rates, and whether they have a dedicated international patient department. Transparency in pricing and clear communication about the kidney transplant cost turkey 2026 are also key indicators of quality.
Search for hospitals that are members of international transplant societies or hold ISO and JCI certifications. Istanbul European Clinic works exclusively with hospitals that meet these rigorous international standards to ensure patient safety.
Reputable clinics provide a discharge summary and coordinate with your local nephrologist. If complications arise, telemedicine consultations are often available, but you must hav
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots are a risk on long flights. To mitigate this, patients are advised to wait until cleared by the surgeon (usually 3-4 weeks), wear compression stockings, stay hydrated, and walk around the cabin frequently during the flight.
Most medical tourism agencies and hospitals in Turkey offer packages that include airport transfers, hotel accommodation for the donor and recipient, and hospital fees. Ask for a detailed breakdown to ensure there are no hidden costs.
You will need to submit your recent medical records, blood tests, and imaging results for both the recipient and the donor. The medical team reviews these documents to determine eligibility and provides a customized kidney transplant cost turkey price.
Packages usually include VIP transfers between the airport, hotel, and hospital. Accommodation is often arranged at nearby 4 or 5-star hotels to ensure comfort and easy access to the clinic for follow-up appointments during the recovery phase.
A standard package typically includes pre-op tests for donor and recipient, the surgery, surgeon and anesthesiologist fees, hospital stay (approx. 1 week), post-op medications while in-hospital, and transfers. Flights and personal expenses are usually excluded.
When comparing the kidney transplant cost in turkey, check if the price covers both the donor and recipient surgeries. Some low quotes may only cover the recipient’s surgery or exclude pre-operative testing, so always ask for a “final price” inclusions list.
Differences in labor costs, insurance premiums, and hospital administrative fees largely drive the cost gap. Turkey offers lower labor and facility costs without compromising on medical technology, allowing for more affordable kidney transplant cost turkey private hospital rates.
