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Strengths of Turkish Healthcare Services

The geographical location, the medical outcomes and the cost of the treatment have reinforced the decision of the patient or the third party payer. The leading private hospitals in Turkey have been receiving patients from abroad: Russia, Europe, Balkan Countries, Middle East and Central Asian countries for mainly the following procedures.

Strengths of Turkish Healthcare Services

Bone Marrow (Hematopoietic Stem Cell) Transplantation in Turkey
Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT, Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation ) is the transplantation of blood stem cells derived from the bone marrow or blood. Stem cell transplantation is a medical procedure in the fields of hematology and oncology, most often performed for people with diseases of the blood, bone marrow, or certain types of cancer. Cancer ( Leukemia , Lymphoma , Thallasemia and other BMT indication ) is successfully treated by the BMT in Turkey.
Cardiology & Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiac diseases kill more people every year--in high,middle and low income countries alike--than any other cause of death.With its complicated and expensive treatment,heart is the leading health concern of the modern world.Yet, one of the strongest areas of Turkish healthcare is cardiology and cardiovascular surgery.

Diagnostic technology such as electrocardiography,echocardiography,computerized tomography(CT),and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) are widely avaiable at Turkish institutions.2x128 CTs enable cardiac scans in less than a second,with extremely low levels of radiation.Non-invasive and interventional  cardiology services,highly-successful cardiac surgeries,intensive care and cardiac rehabilitation complement each other,offering integrated and seamless care for heart patients.

Numbers translate into experience and expertise:
Annually,more that 30,000 cardiac surgeries and 100,000 interventions are performed in Turkey.Outcomes,such as risk-adjusted mortality,are continuously monitored and consistently perform well in comparison with international benchmarks.Complex coronary by-pass surgeries can be performed with the help of Impella micropump device on beating hearts in Turkey since 2008.First Turkish cardiac pump called "Heart Turcica" and biodegradable drug eluding stents were also developed and tested in high-tech Turkish research centers.

Cyber Knife Robotic Surgery System

A ray of hope for all patıents who suffer from tumours whıch do not respond to conventıonal radıotherapy, requıre complex surgery or are altogether ınoperable….

Cyberknife System is safe to use in the treatment of many rare types of cancers which do not respond to conventional radiotherapy and diseases which recur in those areas which have previously been treated with radiotherapy.

Cyberknife is the product of a novel technology which uses radiation clusters focally, delivering high doses of treatment to the cancerous areas of the brain and the body, while allowing for maximum protection of normal and healthy tissues. The most superior advantage of this method is its ability to take notice of the movements of the patient and his organs during treatment and radiate accordingly.  

The cyberknife device is routinely equipped with “Image-Guide Radiotherapy” capacity, a method developed in recent years to provide images during treatment. In organ tumours which get displaced with respiration in particular (lung and liver tumours), it is the only device which can actively monitor the respiratory movements and provide simultaneous treatment.

In selected patients, cyberknife is used in the treatment of lung cancers, prostate cancers, head and neck cancers, vertebrae tumours, pancreas cancers and lower numbers of bodily metastases. 

Dental Services
Preservation, restoration, and replacement of teeth are critical to improve the quality of life and maximize self esteem. Highly trained and dedicated staff of Turkish hospitals provides complete set of dental services. The whole range of dental services includes bonding, dentures, extractions, implants and porcelain veneers. Complete dental implant services: From planning, to surgery, to final restoration, as well as cosmetic and genera dentistry are provided. State-of-the-art techniques are assured by up to date dentists.
Gamma Knife
Golden Standard in the treatment of Brain Tumors

The Gamma Knife is not really a knife. Rather, it is a treatment method which uses a very sophisticated technology whereby gamma radiation is directed to the target area inside the skull in a very sensitive manner and in one single session.
Just like the knife used in surgical procedures, gamma radiation destroys the diseased area in a very safe and effective manner as well. However, there are no surgery-linked problems in this case such as bleeding, infection or hospitalisation in the intensive care unit.
The advanced imaging and planning techniques of Gamma Knife radiosurgery allow for the penetration of very fine gamma radiation hazes which can be directed into the smallest parts inside the skull.
Radiation clusters coming from 201 gamma radiation sources focus on the diseased area. As such, while the healthy brain tissue surrounding the diseased area gets exposed to negligible levels of radiation, the diseased area gets impacted by a high dose of radiation.
All of these procedures are completed within several hours and the patient can go home on the same day.

The Advantages of Gamma Knıfe treatment:
  • The elimination of the need for open surgery in many brain tumours
  • Very few post-procedural side effects
  • No need for general anaesthesia
  • Patient can go home the same day
  • No recuperation period
  • No head injuries
  • No hair cutting or hair loss
  • High benefit with very little discomfort
  • Fast return to work
  • It is cheaper compared with some surgical interventions
  • Healthy brain tissue gets exposed to very low doses of radiation
Genetics
Turkish hospitals can offer a wide range of genetic tests in top notch facilities. Besides clinical sample testing, there is also advanced research activities, such as gene therapy in malignant tumors and gene therapy in prevention of adverse effects experienced in organ transplantation, in these facilities.
Neurosurgery
Expertise and experience of Turkish hospitals have rendered them Centers of Excellence in adult and pediatric neurosurgery. Disc diseases and degenerative spinal disorders, vascular diseases of brain and the spinal cord, neuro-oncology, neuro-endoscopy and hydrocephalus treatment, functional neurosurgery, peripheral nerve surgery are performed with a multi-disciplinary approach.All 3 types of epilepsy surgery (resections,disconnections and vagal nurse stimulations) are available at Turkish facilities. Some of the private leading hospitals have become regional referral centers for Gamma Knife and Cyberknife.The first 3-Tesla intraoperative MRI in the world is in Istanbul and assists physicians during surgery,increasing precision of tumor removal.
Obstetrics,Gynecology and Assisted Reproductive Medicine
Highly skilled physicians and nurses in Turkey offer expert care for high-risk pregnancies and premature births and pre-natal tests such as amniocentesis,chorionic villus sampling, fetal blood sampling,maternal serum screening,fetal echocardiography,intra-uterine blood transfusion and doppler flow studies are performed successfully.Gynecological diseases and cancers are treated using a range of medical and surgical techniques,including robotic surgery.
It is estimated that 1 in 7 couples  worldwide have problems conceiving.Infertility has profound psychological and social impact and today there are promising treatments to help the families fulfill their dream of having a child.Turkish facilities  offer integrated,evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment of infertility and compassionate teams assist the families through every step of this experience.An extensive testing and evaluation process is performed to accurately identify reproductive  problems and to appropriately devise solutions.One of these solutions is in-vitro fertilization(IVF) and committed to innovation,Turkish reproductive specialists work with cutting edge IVF technology,achieving greater success than ever before.Assisted reproduction is performed in tandem with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis:for diagnosis of a genetic disease in early embryos prior to implantation and pregnancy.The primary goal is to prevent the transmission of genetic conditions,that cause severe disease in children of parents that are either afflicted with the disease or are carriers.
Oncology (Medical & Surgical)
Oncology departments of Turkish hospitals provide patients with interdisciplinary clinical care. Equipped with infrastructure for early diagnosis and treatment in cancer, Turkish healthcare units offer scientific, modern and humanitarian solutions in fighting one of the greatest threats to mankind. Under the framework of a multidisciplinary approach, treatment for all solid tumors (chemotherapy, biotherapy, and immunotherapy) is available (orally, systematically and regionally) by specialist physicians and specially-trained nurses.Cyberknife/ Gammaknife treatment is used when appropriate by Turkish physicians. In cases where radiation oncology is key “Three-dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy”, “Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy” (IMRT), “Brachytherapy”, “Ultrasound-guided Transperinea Prostate Implant” are endorsed. Every year the leading and accredited private hospitals perform thousands of chemotherapies and radiation oncology sessions as wel as major complex oncological surgeries.
Ophthalmology
The anatomy and function of the eye, ophthalmology, requires utmost expertise. Ophthalmology departments of Turkish healthcare institutions perform a broad range of eye operations with precision.Medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma,cornea and retina are performed frequently across Turkey's JCI accredited hospitals. Lasik surgeries have been an attraction point for a long time for international patients in the region due to its very low complications and affordable pricing.In cases where laser may not be appropriate,other surgical techniques such as "fakik iol" (FAKO) and "intacts" are performed.
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Another strength of Turkish healthcare is the treatment of a wide range of orthopedic diseases and musculoskeletal impairments. Turkish hospitals have specialized branches in orthopedics traumatology with physicians that are equipped with numerous sub specializations in multiple fields including musculoskeletal oncology and transplantation. All procedures are successfully complemented with after surgery rehabilitation.Turkish physicians and therapists in orthopedic units are internationally recognized for their expertise especially in the management of athletic injuries. The strength comes from the sub-specialization of the physicians in the fields of orthopedics and traumatology such as pediatric, spiral, shoulder, knee, hip, feet, microsurgery and hand injuries. Free Vascularized Fibula Grafting for Extensive Knee Osteonecrosis can be performed in Turkey. It is a new treatment of the Knee Osteonecrosis.
Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Cosmetic and plastic surgery treatments require educated decision making. Turkish teams of surgeons are ready to assist the patients through their decision regarding surgery and on various alternatives that are available and appropriate. The teams are committed to ensuring patient satisfaction with outcomes; resulting in improvements in self-esteem, social confidence and quality of life. Equipped with the latest medical technology and dedicated to clinical excellence, patient comfort and safety,Turkish surgeons are among the most qualified and the first adopt the most advanced-based and safe techniques in the world. Most frequently performed aesthetic and plastic surgeries include: breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction,nose surgery (rhinoplasty), eyelid surgery (blepharoplast), endoscopic eyebrow lifting, breast reduction (gynecomastia), ear correction (otoplasty), face lift, body countring, abdominoplast, liposuction, spider vein treatment (scleroplasty), skin resurfacing, fat injections, arm lift, botox injections and laser applications.

Reconstructive surgeries in oncology and severe burn cases, repair of soft tissue,tendon and nerve damages following traumatic injuries, cleft lip and palate surgeries, surgical removal of benign and malignant skin lesions, flaps and grafts, scar revisions, surgical repair of birth defacts and deformities of external genitalia are also frequently and successfully performed in Turkey.

Reproductive Health and PGD
Assisted Reproductive Techniques

IVF centers of Accredited Hospitals in Turkey are dedicated exclusively to studying and treating reproductive disorders. Turkey has over 20 years of experience in this field.. Accredited Hospitals in Turkey  houses specialist technologies that are utilised by the world’s leading infertility treatment centers. Candidates have a variety of these technologies available to them including vaccination, classical in-vitro fertilisation, micro-injection, TESA, TESE, MESA, PESA, pre-implantation in embryo, genetic diagnosis and embryo freezing. Birth, care, treatment and analysis units, where the babies open their eyes to world for the first time, are peaceful environments where a total quality approach is implemented with determination and success.

The facilities and resources at fertility centers in Turkey are designed to ensure effective treatment and a positive outcome. The latest technology and most advanced methods are applied to just one purpose: fertility treatment success.
The highly qualified and dedicated fertility experts at these centres have one mission: to maximise each patient's likelihood of achieving conception. Each case is handled and evaluated individually with meticulous attention to detail, empathy and respect for your privacy. Each couple is assigned a personal case manager to ensure a smooth journey through what can be a demanding and complicated process.

Fertility treatment

Each couple's first visit to the fertility centre includes a detailed review of their clinical history and an examination using high-resolution ultrasonography in order to assess the situation. Other tests are undertaken as appropriate, such as blood tests and X-rays. The information is used to establish a diagnosis and develop an individualised treatment plan consisting of specific procedures and a schedule.
Procedures

Intrauterine artifical insemination (IUI)

This procedure involves artificial insemination by the husband.


In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

IVF is achieved in the laboratory using the man's sperm and the woman's eggs. Following fertilisation, between one and three embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus.

Intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI)

Similar to IVF, but each egg is fertilised by a specially selected spermatozoid. ICSI is usually appropriate when fertility problems are mainly due to deficient sperm quality, or other male factors.


ICSI with testicular biopsy

When there is a total absence of spermatozoids in the ejaculate, then a minor intervention is used to obtain sperm directly from the testicle.

Sequential embryo culture

This is used when pregnancy is not achieved after several IVF or ICSI cycles. The embryo is allowed to develop until the blastocyst phase, which helps to achieve pregnancy where previous attempts have failed.
Embryo freezing

When a large number of embryos are obtained and it is not advisable to transfer all of them in a single intervention, embryos may be preserved by freezing, and can then be used in another cycle.


Preimplantational genetic diagnosis (PGD)

This method is used when there is a risk of transmitting genetic or chromosomal abnormilities. A cell from each embryo is subjected to genetic study to ensure it is free from disease. PGD is procedure whereby a single cell is removed from embryo and studied genetically if any problem is exist. PGD offers couples the opportunity to have a healthy child without problems related with prenatal invasive diagnostic methods. In this way we can transfer genetically healthy embryos to uterine cavity and accept to have normal healthy individual.
Transplantation


The first organ transplantation in Turkey was performed in 1969.Since then, live donor liver and kidney transplantations have been frequently and successfully performed and the level of care in Turkey today enables effective and efficient treatment of end-stage diseases.Bone marrow, stem cell, liver, kidney and pancreas transplantation are the leading expertise of Turkish surgeons and centers.The 9th Meeting of the Turkish Transplantation Society took place mid-2007, bringing together distinquished faculty from around the world for stimulating intellectual exchanges on the current state of research, new tecniques and insights, as well as the future directions in treatment.Fully committed to ethical and moral standards, Turkish transplant community upholds the principles of the April 2008 "Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism" of the Transplantation Society and the International Society of Nephrology.

 
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