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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.

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

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.
The Journey of Kidney Transplant Patient From Norway
The Journey of Kidney Transplant Patient From Norway
Our Bulgarian patient, who had a kidney transplant, celebrated her birthday.
Our Bulgarian patient, who had a kidney transplant, celebrated her birthday.

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

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