TRAVEL FOR MED · PATIENT GUIDE
Organ transplantation in Turkey: understand your next steps
Organ transplantation in Turkey begins with an individual assessment of the patient, the proposed donor or tissue source, and the care needed after treatment.
This guide explains kidney and liver transplantation, alongside corneal and bone marrow transplantation. They share a need for specialist care, but use different donation, matching and treatment pathways.
01 / THE ESSENTIALS
What does organ transplantation in Turkey involve?
Transplantation replaces a damaged organ, tissue or cell population with a functioning counterpart. A kidney transplant supports the work of failing kidneys; a liver transplant replaces a diseased liver. A corneal graft replaces damaged clear tissue at the front of the eye, while a blood-forming stem cell transplant helps rebuild blood production.
A specialist first checks the diagnosis, disease severity, other treatment options and the person’s ability to tolerate treatment. Referral is the start of an assessment, rather than confirmation that a transplant will take place. Children and adults may need different teams and protocols.
Travel For Med helps coordinate assessment with the relevant treating centre. The transplant team makes clinical decisions, verifies the donation pathway and explains individual benefits, risks and alternatives. Planning organ transplantation in Turkey also means identifying who will provide follow-up in your home country.
How do kidney, liver, cornea and bone marrow transplants differ?
When researching organ transplantation in Turkey, first identify whether the proposed treatment involves a solid organ, eye tissue or blood-forming cells.
| Pathway | What is transplanted? | Source and key assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney | One functioning kidney | A medically suitable living donor, or a deceased donor through regulated allocation; compatibility and donor health are assessed. |
| Liver | A whole liver or a liver segment | A deceased donor or a suitable living donor; blood-group compatibility, anatomy and liver volume matter. |
| Cornea | All or selected layers of the cornea | Screened deceased-donor tissue from an authorised cornea bank; the eye condition determines the technique. |
| Bone marrow / stem cells | Blood-forming stem cells | The patient’s own cells or a suitable donor’s cells; diagnosis, treatment plan and, for donor-derived treatment, HLA matching guide selection. |
These are general medical pathways. Access, availability and legal eligibility must be confirmed for each patient.
02 / DONATION & ASSESSMENT
Who can be a living organ donor in Turkey?
Under Article 12 of Turkey’s Organ Transplantation Services Regulation, the usual living-donor route includes blood relatives and relatives by marriage up to and including the fourth degree. Spouses are included when married for at least two years; that period is not required when the disease requiring transplantation was diagnosed after marriage.
A friend, an unrelated person or a more distant relative requires assessment by the provincial Organ Transplantation Evaluation Ethics Commission. The transplant centre submits the application. Approval is not automatic.
For international patients, the centre must verify identity, relationship records and any additional requirements applying to the case. Ask which documents need translation or authentication before travelling. These living-organ rules should not be applied automatically to corneal tissue or stem cell donation.
A willing donor still needs an independent assessment
Donation must be informed and voluntary. The donor should be able to discuss concerns privately, decline donation and receive their own follow-up plan. Blood-group compatibility or a family relationship alone does not establish suitability.
03 / KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
How does a kidney transplant work?
A kidney transplant may be considered for selected people with advanced kidney failure. Some patients are assessed before dialysis starts; others are already receiving dialysis. Continue the treatment prescribed by your nephrologist while transplant options are reviewed.
What is checked before surgery?
The team reviews kidney disease, previous treatment, general health and readiness for ongoing care. Blood-group testing, tissue typing, antibody testing and crossmatching help assess compatibility. Heart and other organ assessments help establish fitness for surgery. The potential donor undergoes a separate medical evaluation.
What happens during and after the operation?
The donor kidney is usually placed in the lower abdomen, with its blood vessels connected to the recipient’s circulation and its urine drainage connected to the bladder. The original kidneys often remain unless there is a medical reason to remove them.
The new kidney may begin working promptly or need time to recover; temporary dialysis can sometimes be needed. Anti-rejection medicines and regular monitoring continue after discharge. The NIDDK kidney transplant guide explains why transplantation is a continuing treatment pathway, with both surgery and long-term care.
Risks include bleeding, infection, blood-vessel or urinary complications, rejection and side effects of medicines. A healthy living donor also accepts surgical and long-term health risks. Donor assessment must consider their future health independently of the recipient’s need.
04 / LIVER TRANSPLANTATION
What happens in a liver transplant?
Liver transplantation may be considered for severe chronic liver disease, acute liver failure and selected other conditions, including certain liver cancers. The diagnosis alone does not establish eligibility: disease extent, overall health and treatment alternatives all matter.
How does living-donor liver transplantation differ?
A living donor gives a portion of the liver. The whole liver is not removed from a living donor. Both the remaining liver and transplanted portion can increase in volume after surgery, but this regenerative capacity does not remove the risks of donation.
Assessment examines the donor’s health, blood-group compatibility, liver quality, blood vessels, bile ducts and the amount of liver that would remain. The team must ensure that the planned graft and the donor’s remaining liver are appropriate for the individual situation.
What does the recipient’s procedure involve?
The surgical team removes the diseased liver and connects the donor liver or segment to the recipient’s blood vessels and bile drainage. Postoperative care includes close monitoring, sometimes in intensive care, followed by ward recovery and repeated blood tests.
Bleeding, infection, bile leaks or narrowing, blood-vessel complications, rejection and graft failure are possible. Living liver donation is major surgery and carries a small risk of death as well as other complications. Both people need separate discussions about risk and recovery.
For families considering organ transplantation in Turkey, scheduling must follow clinical and donor approval. A travel booking cannot determine when a liver transplant is appropriate.
YOUR INTERACTIVE GUIDE
Which transplant pathway would you like to explore?
Choose a transplant, then follow the questions that match your situation. You will receive a short preparation guide to discuss with the specialist centre.
This tool does not diagnose, approve a donor or determine treatment eligibility. Your choices are not submitted or saved by this tool.
Which transplant would you like to explore?
Kidney
Has a specialist recommended kidney transplant assessment?
Yes, assessment has been recommended
Is there a willing potential living donor?
Yes, someone has volunteered
How is the proposed donor related to the patient?
Blood relative or relative by marriage, within the fourth degree
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Discuss a living-donor assessment
A relative may enter donor assessment. The centre must verify the relationship, medical suitability and any additional approval requirements.
Prepare: your kidney reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Discuss a living-donor assessment
A relative may enter donor assessment. The centre must verify the relationship, medical suitability and any additional approval requirements.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Spouse
How long have you been married?
Two years or longer
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Ask for a spouse-donor assessment
The centre must confirm marriage documentation and assess both people. Marriage alone does not establish donor suitability.
Prepare: your kidney reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Ask for a spouse-donor assessment
The centre must confirm marriage documentation and assess both people. Marriage alone does not establish donor suitability.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Less than two years
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Confirm the spouse-donor rules first
Tell the centre when the illness was diagnosed relative to marriage. It must determine whether the exception applies or ethics review is required.
Prepare: your kidney reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Confirm the spouse-donor rules first
Tell the centre when the illness was diagnosed relative to marriage. It must determine whether the exception applies or ethics review is required.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
I would rather confirm this privately
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Arrange a private document review
Ask the centre to check marriage and diagnosis dates before planning a donor assessment.
Prepare: your kidney reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Arrange a private document review
Ask the centre to check marriage and diagnosis dates before planning a donor assessment.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Friend, unrelated person or more distant relative
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
An ethics review is required
This relationship falls outside the usual family route. The transplant centre must arrange the formal ethics assessment; approval is not guaranteed.
Prepare: your kidney reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
An ethics review is required
This relationship falls outside the usual family route. The transplant centre must arrange the formal ethics assessment; approval is not guaranteed.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
I am not sure of the relationship category
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Clarify the relationship before planning
The centre can review family documents and establish which approval route applies. Do not assume that a family link confirms eligibility.
Prepare: your kidney reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Clarify the relationship before planning
The centre can review family documents and establish which approval route applies. Do not assume that a family link confirms eligibility.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
No potential living donor at present
Are you already followed by a transplant centre?
Yes, in my home country or elsewhere
Show my next steps
Discuss your existing transplant plan
Share your current centre’s assessment. Eligibility for deceased-donor allocation in Turkey needs separate confirmation. Travel does not provide access to an organ.
Continue your existing care while the centres review options.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Start with specialist assessment
Ask a nephrologist to review transplant need and available lawful pathways. A deceased-donor organ cannot be booked or promised.
Prepare your diagnosis, recent reports and medicine list.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
We have not discussed this yet
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Discuss donor pathways with the centre
Ask what options can be considered in your circumstances. Any donor decision must be voluntary, with independent medical assessment.
Prepare: kidney reports and your medicine list.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Discuss donor pathways with the centre
Ask what options can be considered in your circumstances. Any donor decision must be voluntary, with independent medical assessment.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
No / I am not sure yet
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Start with a nephrologist review
A specialist should confirm the diagnosis and whether transplant assessment is appropriate before donor or travel arrangements.
Prepare: kidney reports, previous treatments and your medicine list.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Start with a nephrologist review
A specialist should confirm the diagnosis and whether transplant assessment is appropriate before donor or travel arrangements.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Liver
Has a specialist recommended liver transplant assessment?
Yes, assessment has been recommended
Is there a willing potential living donor?
Yes, someone has volunteered
How is the proposed donor related to the patient?
Blood relative or relative by marriage, within the fourth degree
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Discuss a living-donor assessment
A relative may enter donor assessment. The centre must verify the relationship, medical suitability and any additional approval requirements.
Prepare: your liver reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Discuss a living-donor assessment
A relative may enter donor assessment. The centre must verify the relationship, medical suitability and any additional approval requirements.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Spouse
How long have you been married?
Two years or longer
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Ask for a spouse-donor assessment
The centre must confirm marriage documentation and assess both people. Marriage alone does not establish donor suitability.
Prepare: your liver reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Ask for a spouse-donor assessment
The centre must confirm marriage documentation and assess both people. Marriage alone does not establish donor suitability.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Less than two years
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Confirm the spouse-donor rules first
Tell the centre when the illness was diagnosed relative to marriage. It must determine whether the exception applies or ethics review is required.
Prepare: your liver reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Confirm the spouse-donor rules first
Tell the centre when the illness was diagnosed relative to marriage. It must determine whether the exception applies or ethics review is required.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
I would rather confirm this privately
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Arrange a private document review
Ask the centre to check marriage and diagnosis dates before planning a donor assessment.
Prepare: your liver reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Arrange a private document review
Ask the centre to check marriage and diagnosis dates before planning a donor assessment.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Friend, unrelated person or more distant relative
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
An ethics review is required
This relationship falls outside the usual family route. The transplant centre must arrange the formal ethics assessment; approval is not guaranteed.
Prepare: your liver reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
An ethics review is required
This relationship falls outside the usual family route. The transplant centre must arrange the formal ethics assessment; approval is not guaranteed.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
I am not sure of the relationship category
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Clarify the relationship before planning
The centre can review family documents and establish which approval route applies. Do not assume that a family link confirms eligibility.
Prepare: your liver reports, medicine list and proposed donor’s relationship documents.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Clarify the relationship before planning
The centre can review family documents and establish which approval route applies. Do not assume that a family link confirms eligibility.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
No potential living donor at present
Are you already followed by a transplant centre?
Yes, in my home country or elsewhere
Show my next steps
Discuss your existing transplant plan
Share your current centre’s assessment. Eligibility for deceased-donor allocation in Turkey needs separate confirmation. Travel does not provide access to an organ.
Continue your existing care while the centres review options.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Start with specialist assessment
Ask a hepatologist to review transplant need and available lawful pathways. A deceased-donor organ cannot be booked or promised.
Prepare your diagnosis, recent reports and medicine list.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
We have not discussed this yet
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Discuss donor pathways with the centre
Ask what options can be considered in your circumstances. Any donor decision must be voluntary, with independent medical assessment.
Prepare: liver reports and your medicine list.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Discuss donor pathways with the centre
Ask what options can be considered in your circumstances. Any donor decision must be voluntary, with independent medical assessment.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
No / I am not sure yet
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Start with a hepatologist review
A specialist should confirm the diagnosis and whether transplant assessment is appropriate before donor or travel arrangements.
Prepare: liver reports, previous treatments and your medicine list.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Start with a hepatologist review
A specialist should confirm the diagnosis and whether transplant assessment is appropriate before donor or travel arrangements.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Cornea
Has an ophthalmologist recommended a corneal transplant?
Yes, a corneal transplant has been discussed
Which corneal procedure has been discussed?
A full-thickness corneal transplant
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Prepare a corneal graft assessment
Ask the corneal surgeon to review the plan and confirm bank-supplied tissue availability. A family living donor is not needed.
Prepare: the eye specialist’s report, scans and previous eye-operation records.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Prepare a corneal graft assessment
Ask the corneal surgeon to review the plan and confirm bank-supplied tissue availability. A family living donor is not needed.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
A partial-thickness / layer-specific transplant
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Clarify the layer-specific plan
Ask which corneal layer needs replacement and what follow-up is required. The centre arranges screened tissue through a cornea bank.
Prepare: the eye specialist’s report, scans and previous eye-operation records.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Clarify the layer-specific plan
Ask which corneal layer needs replacement and what follow-up is required. The centre arranges screened tissue through a cornea bank.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
I do not know the procedure name
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Ask the surgeon to explain the technique
The damaged corneal layer determines which procedure may be considered. The centre must confirm both clinical suitability and tissue availability.
Prepare: the eye specialist’s report, scans and previous eye-operation records.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Ask the surgeon to explain the technique
The damaged corneal layer determines which procedure may be considered. The centre must confirm both clinical suitability and tissue availability.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Arrange an eye specialist review
An eye examination should establish the cause of reduced vision and whether a corneal transplant is appropriate. Different eye conditions need different treatments.
Prepare: the eye specialist’s report, scans and previous eye-operation records.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Arrange an eye specialist review
An eye examination should establish the cause of reduced vision and whether a corneal transplant is appropriate. Different eye conditions need different treatments.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Bone marrow / stem cells
Which stem cell transplant type has the haematologist discussed?
Allogeneic — cells from a donor
What is the current HLA matching stage?
A possible donor match has been identified
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Ask the transplant team to confirm the match
A reported HLA match needs centre review and donor screening. Matching alone does not confirm the transplant plan or guarantee an outcome.
Prepare: your haematology summary, treatment history and any HLA reports.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Ask the transplant team to confirm the match
A reported HLA match needs centre review and donor screening. Matching alone does not confirm the transplant plan or guarantee an outcome.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Testing or a donor search is in progress
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Continue the specialist-led donor search
Ask your haematology team about testing, registry searches and suitable donor options. A family relationship alone does not establish a match.
Prepare: your haematology summary, treatment history and any HLA reports.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Continue the specialist-led donor search
Ask your haematology team about testing, registry searches and suitable donor options. A family relationship alone does not establish a match.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Testing has not started / I do not know
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Discuss HLA testing with haematology
The team should confirm whether donor-derived treatment is indicated, then organise the appropriate matching pathway.
Prepare: your haematology summary, treatment history and any HLA reports.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Discuss HLA testing with haematology
The team should confirm whether donor-derived treatment is indicated, then organise the appropriate matching pathway.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Autologous — my own cells
Have your own stem cells been collected?
Yes, cells have already been collected
Show my next steps
Request an autologous transplant review
An external donor is usually not needed for an autologous transplant. Ask the centre to review stored-cell details and your treatment plan.
Prepare collection records and your latest haematology summary.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I do not know
Show my next steps
Clarify the collection and treatment plan
If autologous treatment is appropriate, the team plans collection of your own cells and conditioning. The timing depends on the disease and response.
Prepare your treatment history and recent blood-test results.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
The type has not been decided / I do not know
Are your recent reports available?
Yes, I have recent reports
Show my next steps
Clarify the haematology treatment plan
The diagnosis and treatment response determine which transplant approach, if any, can be considered. Ask the haematologist before beginning a donor search.
Prepare: your haematology summary, treatment history and any HLA reports.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
Not yet / I am not sure
Show my next steps
Clarify the haematology treatment plan
The diagnosis and treatment response determine which transplant approach, if any, can be considered. Ask the haematologist before beginning a donor search.
Next: request a medical summary and ask the centre which reports it needs.
Only the treating centre can confirm eligibility and the treatment plan.
05 / CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION
Where does a donor cornea come from?
A cornea transplant uses screened tissue from a deceased donor, supplied through an authorised cornea bank. A patient does not need a living family donor. The centre confirms tissue availability and suitability before an operation can be scheduled.
The cornea is the transparent front surface of the eye. Transplantation may be considered for selected cases of corneal scarring, keratoconus or other corneal disease when other treatments are insufficient. It does not replace the entire eye or treat every cause of reduced vision.
Is the whole cornea always replaced?
No. Depending on which layers are affected, surgery may replace the full thickness or selected layers. The NHS explanation of corneal transplantation describes these approaches and their recovery differences.
Vision can improve gradually, and glasses or contact lenses may still be needed. Eye drops and follow-up help manage rejection, infection and other complications. Sudden worsening vision, eye pain or marked redness needs urgent ophthalmic advice. Ask about positioning and flying restrictions if an air or gas bubble is used.
06 / BONE MARROW & STEM CELLS
Does a bone marrow transplant always need a donor?
“Bone marrow transplant” commonly refers to a haematopoietic stem cell transplant: treatment involving the cells that produce blood. Depending on the protocol, cells may come from peripheral blood, bone marrow or donated umbilical cord blood. The treatment is used for selected blood cancers and some non-cancerous blood or immune disorders.
Autologous or allogeneic: what is the difference?
An autologous transplant uses the patient’s previously collected cells. An allogeneic transplant uses cells from another person, such as a suitable relative or an unrelated donor identified through a registry. HLA testing compares tissue markers; sharing a blood group or being related does not by itself confirm a suitable match.
How are the cells given?
After a preparatory treatment regimen, the cells are infused into a vein. They travel to the marrow and begin rebuilding blood production. Recovery includes monitoring blood counts, infections and treatment effects. With donor-derived treatment, graft-versus-host disease is an additional concern. The US National Cancer Institute’s stem cell transplant guide explains the main approaches and risks.
The haematologist determines the regimen and donor strategy. This is a defined specialist treatment, rather than a general “stem cell therapy” for unrelated conditions. Donor search, cell collection and recovery have their own timelines.
07 / BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
How should you prepare for organ transplantation in Turkey?
For an initial discussion about organ transplantation in Turkey, start with a clear medical summary. A useful first review includes the diagnosis, specialist recommendation, recent tests, imaging reports, previous operations, current medicines and allergies. The centre decides which additional tests are necessary; avoid arranging costly investigations without its instructions.
- For kidney or liver assessment, include donor information if someone has freely volunteered, plus relationship documents when requested.
- For a corneal graft, include eye examination findings, scans and previous eye-operation records.
- For a stem cell transplant, include the haematology diagnosis, treatment history and any HLA or cell-collection results.
What should be agreed before booking?
Ask for the proposed assessment plan, anticipated stages, care arrangements for the donor, accommodation needs and a named hospital contact. Confirm what happens if tests change the plan or transplantation cannot proceed. Written financial information should distinguish assessment, treatment, medicines and possible additional care.
Return travel depends on clinical recovery and the treating team’s advice. Hospital discharge is not the same as permission to fly or return to work. A companion and a longer local stay may be needed. Keep plans flexible until the centre confirms what is appropriate.
Why does follow-up matter after returning home?
Kidney and liver recipients generally need long-term anti-rejection medicines, blood tests and specialist follow-up. Corneal recipients need ophthalmic monitoring and prescribed drops. Stem cell recipients need haematology follow-up while blood production and immune function recover. Instructions differ between treatments.
Obtain a discharge summary, medicine schedule, laboratory plan and urgent contact instructions. Agree how your local specialist and transplant centre will exchange information. Never change or stop prescribed transplant medicines without the treating team’s direction.
When arranging organ transplantation in Turkey, ask the care team to explain signs that need urgent attention. New fever, breathing difficulty, rapidly worsening health or sudden visual changes after a corneal graft should prompt medical contact rather than waiting for routine travel coordination.
08 / YOUR QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions about organ transplantation in Turkey
Can a relative donate a kidney or part of their liver?
A relative may be assessed, but the centre must verify the relationship, donor health, compatibility and applicable approval requirements. Being related does not mean that donation is medically appropriate.
Can a friend be a living organ donor in Turkey?
A friend falls outside the usual family route and requires formal ethics commission assessment arranged through the transplant centre. Medical evaluation and voluntary consent are also necessary; approval cannot be promised.
Does a living liver donor give their whole liver?
No. Living liver donation removes a selected portion of the liver. The remaining liver and transplanted segment can grow, but the donor still undergoes major surgery with potentially serious risks.
Is matching blood group enough for transplantation?
No. Kidney assessment also examines tissue markers, antibodies and crossmatching. Liver assessment includes anatomy and graft size. Donor-derived stem cell transplantation relies on specialist HLA matching and donor evaluation.
Do I need to find a family donor for a corneal transplant?
No. Corneal tissue is obtained from a deceased donor through an authorised cornea bank. The treating eye centre checks tissue availability and determines which technique may be appropriate.
Does every bone marrow transplant require another person’s cells?
No. Autologous transplantation uses the patient’s own collected cells. Allogeneic transplantation uses a suitable donor’s cells. The haematologist chooses the approach according to the disease and treatment plan.
How long should I stay in Turkey for a transplant?
There is no single timetable. Assessment, donor approval, tissue or cell availability, treatment and early follow-up all affect the stay. Book return travel only in discussion with the treating centre.
Will I need medicines and follow-up after returning home?
Yes. The plan differs by treatment. Kidney and liver recipients generally need long-term anti-rejection medicines; corneal and stem cell recipients have their own medication and monitoring schedules. Arrange specialist follow-up before travelling home.
A CLEARER FIRST CONVERSATION
Discuss the appropriate assessment pathway
Travel For Med can help organise an initial review with the relevant specialist centre and coordinate the practical steps around care. Clinical suitability, donor approval and treatment decisions belong to the treating team.
Learn more about our patient coordination approach.
