Menu
Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in Google
Search
Expert Opinion

Get A Second Opinion

The medical second opinion will be presented to you within 48 hours.
Home|Departments|Kidney Transplantation Center

Kidney Transplantation Center

At Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals Kidney Transplantation Center, we are proud to express that we have performed more than 1100 kidney transplantation without any serious health problems.

To have transplantation in Turkey, patients from overseas should have donors up to 4th degree of kinship (Note that spouses are considered to be legal close relatives).

Our Kidney Transplant Center assumes a pioneering role in both pediatric and adult kidney transplant by performing:

  • regular transplant (open surgery),
  • laparoscopic or robotic kidney transplant (closed surgery),
  • kidney transplant under challenging conditions such as cross transplantation, and blood group (ABO) incompatibility.

Benefits of Retroperitoneoscopic Kidney Transplant

With the help of “retroperitoneoscopic” technique, developed by Barış Akin, M.D., the Director of our Kidney Transplant Center, abdominal organs are well-preserved during the operation, so no permanent damage is caused.

At our center, majority of transplants have been performed by using this technique since 2009. This technique is explained in medical congresses in America, Europe and Turkey.

  • Retroperitoneoscopic technique is more advanced and secure way “laparoscopic technique”, which is widely performed in the world.
  • In laparoscopic technique; the risk of developing damage to intra-abdominal organs, bowel adhesions, and even bowel obstruction during surgery is present due to kidney removal.
  • In our center, kidney removal is provided via a small surgical incisions under the camera without any contact to intra-abdominal organs using retroperitoneoscopic technique.
  • Donor would be discharged 2 or 3 days after the operation.

What about Kidney Transplantation under Challenging Conditions (like cross transplantation, and blood group incompatibility)?

  • We have a large kidney donor database for patients with kidney failure, who are unable to find eligible donors. By using our donor database and exchanging kidneys between couples, we aim to increase their chances to live with healthy kidneys as well as to help each other for their own good.
  • In nearly 30% of kidney transplantation, patients have donors, but their blood types do not match. In such cases donors are treated before the surgery, and blood group antigens are nearly cleared out from blood circulation. After that, transplantation is performed. This is called “transplantation between unmatching blood groups” (transplant in ABO blood group incompatibility).

Our kidney transplant team is comprised of

  • transplant surgeons,
  • nephrologist,
  • anesthesiologist,
  • cardiologist,
  • infectious diseases specialists,
  • immunologist,
  • organ transplant nurses,
  • nephrology assistants,
  • patient coordinators,
  • consultants,
  • other healthcare staff.

Why to Choose Us?

As Group Florence Nightingale Kidney Transplant Center, carrying out both scientific and clinical studies with Demiroglu Bilim University, we provide the latest medical technology, and apply current advances all through transplantation and for follow up.

  • 99.8% of our patients return home in good health,
  • 97.4% of them experience stable good health within the first year of transplantation.
  • Success of our kidney transplant team is the same as leading centers in USA and Europe.

Fundamentals of Group Florence Nightingale Kidney Transplantation Center

  • Preventing growth retardation and bone diseases by timely intervention with kidney transplantation in children.
  • Thanks to our cross transplantation program to create the chance of transplantation for patients that can receive kidney from rare people due to blood group incompliance or high antigenic structure.
  • Ensuring safe kidney donation by performing an advanced surgical technique under camera to people to donate their kidney to their relatives (retroperitoneoscopic technique).
  • Ensuring healthy work of the kidney for many years with follow-up program after kidney transplantation. Also, follow-up of the people giving their kidneys (donors).
  • We collaborate with highly qualified staff from different medical disciplines for well-being of our patients and donors after transplantation and during follow up.
  • We perform detailed examination before transplantation, so that we can estimate possible immune system reaction after the procedure.

Follow-up after the Kidney Transplant

For successful evaluation of the kidney transplant, follow-up after the kidney transplant as well as the operation period is very important.

At our Kidney Transplant Center, all our patients are followed up closely and regularly to ensure the healthy functioning of the transplanted kidney.

Cornerstones of calendar after transplant:

  • Patients who have received kidneys are discharged after an average of six days.
  • Detailed information on the medication and issues requiring special attention in their new life is given 2 days prior to discharge.
  • Patient leaves the hospital with a medication chart and a phone number that can be reached 24 hours a day.
  • Patients are asked to visit the hospital twice a week to give blood for tests.
  • Patients living in distant places may have their blood tests carried out in the regions where they live and sent by mail service without any charges.
  • These blood tests are repeated once a week in the second month and once in the sixth month.
  • Our patients are regularly asked to visit a Nephrologist.
  • We also regularly follow our donors who have given the gift of life to their relatives. Kidney donors can return to their homes within an average of 3 days after the operation.
  • They are invited to the hospital for re-examination a week after they return home.
  • They come for examinations six months
  • Then they are asked to visit the hospital once a year for examination.

Our Doctors

Doctor Videos

1 video
Prof. Dr. Barış Akın's Kidney Transplant Solutions for Incompatible Couples
Prof. Dr. Barış Akın's Kidney Transplant Solutions for Incompatible Couples
Florence Healthcare International

Testimonial & Patient Stories

3 videos
A perfect match; Diale donates her kidney to her partner.
A perfect match; Diale donates her kidney to her partner.
Florence Healthcare International
The Journey of Kidney Transplant Patient From Norway
The Journey of Kidney Transplant Patient From Norway
Florence Healthcare International
Our Bulgarian patient, who had a kidney transplant, celebrated her birthday.
Our Bulgarian patient, who had a kidney transplant, celebrated her birthday.
Florence Healthcare International

Frequently Asked Questions

Kidney Transplantation Center

  • Who Can Be a Kidney Transplant Donor?

    Understanding Kidney Donation in Turkey

    Living donor kidney transplants have become a critical lifeline for patients with renal failure. In Turkey, where organ donation rates remain low, living donors play a crucial role in addressing the significant healthcare challenge of kidney transplantation.

    Donor Eligibility and Ethical Considerations

    Kidney donation is primarily permitted for:

    • Relatives up to the 4th degree of consanguinity
    • Individuals outside immediate family, subject to Ethics Committee approval

    The Critical Need for Kidney Donors

    Current statistics reveal:

    • Over 50,000 patients with renal failure in Turkey
    • Approximately half of these patients await cadaveric transplantation
    • Limited organ donation rates create significant challenges for patients

    Advanced Transplantation Techniques

    Comprehensive Donor Screening

    Our Kidney Transplant Center prioritizes donor and recipient safety through:

    • Detailed blood and urine tests
    • Abdominal computed tomography scanning
    • Rigorous health assessments to ensure donor well-being

    Innovative Surgical Approach: Retroperitoneoscopy

    Developed by Prof. Barış Akin, this groundbreaking technique offers:

    • Minimally invasive kidney removal
    • Smaller surgical incisions
    • Reduced post-operative pain
    • Faster patient recovery (discharge within 2 days)

    Efficient Transplantation Process

    Our center streamlines the kidney transplantation journey:

    • Complete recipient and donor preparation within one week
    • Safe and efficient transplant procedures
    • Focus on patient health and successful outcomes

    By leveraging advanced medical techniques and a comprehensive approach to kidney transplantation, we provide hope and healing for patients with renal failure.

  • The Process Before Kidney Transplant

    Patient Evaluation Process

    Our Kidney Transplant Center provides comprehensive screening for patients with end-stage renal disease. The organ transplant coordinators guide patients through a meticulous evaluation process that includes:

    • Extensive medical examinations
    • Detailed blood tests
    • Advanced radiological screenings
    • Comprehensive cardiological assessments

    Multidisciplinary Medical Review

    A team of specialized medical professionals, including:

    • Nephrologists
    • Kidney transplant surgeons
    • Cardiologists
    • Other relevant specialists

    carefully evaluate each patient's medical profile to determine transplant eligibility.

    Living Donor Kidney Transplantation Requirements

    Donor Health Criteria

    We prioritize the donor's health and well-being. Our rigorous screening ensures that:

    • Donors undergo extensive medical examinations
    • Comprehensive blood and urine tests are conducted
    • Abdominal computed tomography scans are performed
    • Only medically fit donors are considered

    Transplantation Timeline

    • Recipient and donor preparation can be completed within one week
    • Living donor transplant dates are predetermined
    • Donor-recipient hospitalization occurs the day before surgery

    Our goal is to ensure a safe, successful kidney transplantation process that prioritizes both donor and recipient health.

  • Kidney Transplantation

    Ensuring Donor and Recipient Well-being

    Living donor kidney transplantation is a critical medical process that prioritizes the safety and health of both the donor and recipient. At our Kidney Transplant Center, we implement rigorous screening and follow-up protocols to protect volunteer kidney donors.

    Donor Evaluation Process

    Potential kidney donors undergo:

    • Comprehensive medical examinations
    • Extensive specialist consultations
    • Thorough review by the Organ Transplantation Board

    Our center has successfully performed over 800 kidney transplants with an exceptional safety record, ensuring no serious health complications for donors or recipients.

    Donor Safety Commitments

    Key aspects of our donor safety approach include:

    • Annual follow-up examinations for donors
    • Advanced surgical techniques
    • Continuous medical monitoring
    • Long-term health tracking

    Post-Transplant Care and Monitoring

    Recipient Follow-up

    • Typical hospital stay: 6 days
    • Detailed medication instructions provided
    • Frequent blood tests (twice weekly initially)
    • 24/7 medical support
    • Flexible testing options for distant patients

    Donor Post-Operative Care

    • Short hospital stay (approximately 3 days)
    • Initial follow-up within one week
    • Subsequent check-ups at 6 months
    • Annual comprehensive examinations

    Why Choose Our Kidney Transplant Center?

    • Expert medical team
    • Advanced surgical techniques
    • Comprehensive patient and donor care
    • Proven track record of successful transplants
    • Commitment to patient safety and long-term health

    Our dedicated team ensures that kidney donation remains a safe, life-changing process for both donors and recipients.

  • Kidney Transplantation in Children

    Kidney transplantation for children presents unique challenges and critical importance in pediatric healthcare. Unlike adult kidney transplantation, child kidney transplant rates remain significantly low, with limited specialized centers capable of performing these delicate procedures.

    The Critical Importance of Pediatric Kidney Transplants

    Successful kidney transplantation in children is crucial for:

    • Preventing growth retardation
    • Saving young lives
    • Avoiding long-term health complications

    Challenges of Renal Failure in Children

    Children experiencing renal failure face multiple potential complications:

    • Mandatory dialysis treatment
    • Risk of significant vascular pathologies
    • Potential bone metabolism disorders
    • Possibility of bowed legs requiring orthopedic intervention
    • Psychological challenges from different life experiences

    Donor Selection and Transplant Timing

    Careful evaluation of living and cadaver donor options is essential. Key considerations include:

    Weight and Donor Compatibility

    • Children over 20 kilograms can safely receive parental kidney donations
    • Careful assessment required for children under 20 kilograms
    • Transplanting oversized kidneys can adversely affect circulatory systems

    Optimal Transplant Timing

    Precise timing is critical to minimize:

    • Growth disruptions
    • Orthopedic complications
    • Potential long-term health risks

    Multidisciplinary Approach

    Successful pediatric kidney transplantation requires:

    • Experienced surgical teams
    • Specialized pediatric anesthesiologists
    • Expert pediatric nephrologists
    • Comprehensive multidisciplinary coordination

    Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals offers specialized pediatric kidney transplantation services, ensuring comprehensive care for young patients with renal challenges.

  • Patients From Abroad

    Why Choose Our Kidney Transplant Center?

    Our center attracts international patients from the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Turkic Republics, offering world-class medical services and advanced kidney transplantation facilities in Turkey.

    Key Transplantation Insights

    Transplantation Eligibility

    Who Cannot Receive a Kidney Transplant?

    • Patients with severe, high-risk heart conditions
    • Active cancer patients
    • Patients with active infectious diseases

    Foreign Patient Donor Requirements:

    • Donors must be within 4th-degree kinship
    • In-law relatives are also accepted as potential donors
    • Cross-transplantation options available for blood group incompatibility

    Transplantation Process

    Efficient Patient Evaluation:

    • Quick hospitalization and eligibility assessment
    • Comprehensive specialist examinations
    • Detailed tissue and cross-matching tests
    • Preparation process typically completed in 2-3 days

    Advanced Surgical Technique: Retroperitoneoscopy

    • Minimally invasive kidney donation method
    • Reduced surgical risks compared to traditional laparoscopic techniques
    • Shorter hospital stay (2-3 days)
    • Minimized potential for intra-abdominal complications

    Cross-Transplantation Method

    A innovative solution for blood group incompatibility, allowing kidney exchange between compatible donor-recipient pairs.

    Comprehensive Patient Screening

    Recipient Evaluation:

    • Detailed medical history and physical examination
    • Blood group and tissue type determination
    • Cardiac performance assessment
    • Additional specialized tests based on medical history

    Donor Evaluation:

    • Extensive medical screening
    • Blood and urine tests
    • Tissue compatibility examinations
    • 3D abdominal CT scan for kidney structure assessment

    International Patient Commitment

    We prioritize international patients, offering personalized transplantation services and comprehensive post-transplant follow-up programs.

    Why Kidney Transplantation?

    Recognized by healthcare authorities worldwide as the most effective treatment for kidney failure, offering patients a chance at a long, healthy life.

    Note: National regulations require that only Turkish citizens can apply for the National Cadaveric Kidney Transplantation List. International patients are eligible for living-donor kidney transplantation.

  • Retroperitonoscopic Nephrectomy for Donors

    Comprehensive Donor Protection in Living Kidney Transplantation

    Our kidney transplant center stands at the forefront of innovative medical procedures, with an unwavering commitment to donor safety and advanced surgical techniques. We specialize in Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy, a cutting-edge approach that minimizes potential risks for kidney donors.

    Rigorous Donor Screening Process

    Our multidisciplinary approach ensures:

    • Detailed medical examinations for potential donors
    • Comprehensive screening by specialist medical experts
    • Thorough evaluation by the Transplantation Board
    • Final donation approval only after extensive medical assessment

    Unparalleled Safety Record

    With over 800 kidney transplant procedures performed, our team boasts:

    • Zero serious health complications for donors
    • Continuous annual follow-up for both donors and recipients
    • Innovative surgical techniques that prioritize patient well-being

    Pioneering Surgical Innovation

    World-Class Expertise: Prof. Baris Akin, MD

    Dr. Baris Akin's groundbreaking contributions include:

    • First laparoscopic nephrectomy in Istanbul
    • First retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy in Turkey
    • Advanced training at Ohio State University
    • Development of minimally invasive kidney removal techniques

    Retroperitoneoscopic Nephrectomy: A Revolutionary Approach

    Key advantages of our technique:

    • Minimizes intra-abdominal disruption
    • Prevents potential adhesions
    • Protects gastrointestinal system integrity
    • Over 300 successful transplants using this method

    Our ongoing commitment involves presenting this innovative technique at international conferences across America and Europe, continuously advancing kidney transplantation methodologies.

Liver Transplantation

  • Why is organ transplant needed?

    Many organs need to function harmonically in order human organism to work perfectly. Some of these activities are as follows: the heart pumps the blood; the lungs transport oxygen (O2) into bloodstream and release carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream; the kidneys filters toxic and waste materials in the body; and the liver performs a large number of biochemical reactions as a central laboratory.

    These and many other organs try, in harmony, to keep the human alive, in other words our brain. Although our brain is like a main control center, in fact all these organs perform a large part of their functions alone. Namely, all has a common form of activity for human organism as well as a separate life on their own.

    The diseases occur when any of these organs dysfunctions. When dysfunction becomes not treatable or reversible, this means that the life is at risk and the life gradually ends as loss of function progresses.

    An individual in this stage needs a new organ to be able to continue his/her life. If the needed organ is a kidney then you may need to spend rest of your life connected to a dialysis machine; or if the organ with failure is heart or liver then the human life is under a serious threat. All these patients may loose their life if an organ is not found on time.

    The organ transplant is the only treatment method in the world for survival of these patients. Although some genetic studies or researches e.g. stem cell transplantation are at full speed, it remains uncertain how they would affect the treatment programs.

  • Can an organ of someone be transplanted to anyone?

    No! Organ transplantation is based on tissue and organ match. Just as blood of someone cannot be transfused to someone and the blood type is important, the same thing applies to the organ transplantation. Because match criteria can vary by the organ to be transplanted, the transplanted person, that is, the body of “recipient” will detect the organ as a foreign body and eventually reject it, if such principles are not considered.

    With use of immunosuppressive drugs in the medicine particularly after 1960s, transplantation practices have currently been accelerated. Despite match of any tissues identified, the body tends to recognize and reject the foreign organ for many factors we currently don’t know. The immune system is deceived in some way by these drugs, and the organ is intended to live. Nevertheless, these drugs do not fully eliminate the requirement of tissue match. Therefore, for a successful transplantation, both compatible organ and a conscious immunosuppressive are essential.

  • May the organs I donate be sold for money?

    No, they may not. When organs of a deceased person are donated, a coordination system is activated. As required by this system, donated organs are first reported to Regional Coordination Center (RCC) of Health Ministry then to National Coordination Center (NCC). Distribution of the organs is determined by these reports. Such donated organs are national wealth and can be transplanted into a person considered suitable by the system. In such system, an organ of someone cannot be sold to anyone without knowledge of relevant person.

  • How is the system controlled since the organ transplantation is exposed to abuse?

    System is too complex to be released from self-control and involves a crowded team. There are too many people in the system to cover up a possible sale. Thus, it is out of question that deceased organ donations in particular may actually be abused. Hence, there are no incidents recorded in the judicial files. The abuse of living donor transplantations may not be covered up either. In such cases, the gaps in the legal system are exploited as anyone knows.

  • May the information obtained during organ donation be captured by organ traders?

    Such information is never enough for transplantation. It only contains several identification data indicating the intent of the person but not his/her health condition.

  • What is the difference between the brain death and persistent vegetative state?

    As the name implies, one refers to life while the other refers to death. Persistent vegetative state, as is evident from its name, is a life like a plant but the person is not dead. The brain functions are impaired. Although they lie down as if they were dead, they are completely alive and may recover and get up in years as a miracle. The brain death, on the other hand, refers to total and definite death and the death is an irreversible concept as we all know.

  • What does Cadaver Coordination Systems mean?