Türkiye has extensive experience in living-donor kidney transplantation, and patients from abroad can be treated when they come with a donor who meets the law. This New City Clinic guide explains the rules and the process for UK patients. Transplantation is never priced in advance; a written quote follows the review of your documents.
Who can be a donor
International patients can receive only a living-donor transplant and must bring their own donor. By Turkish law the donor must be related by blood or marriage up to the fourth degree, proven with official documents; donors who are not relatives need approval from the hospital’s ethics committee. New City Clinic never provides donors and does not mediate any such arrangement; organ trading is a crime in Türkiye.
Tests and the operation
Recipient and donor have blood group, tissue typing and cross-match tests together with a full health screening, reviewed by the transplant council. The donor’s kidney is usually removed by keyhole surgery and the operation for the recipient takes around three to four hours.
How long you stay
Including tests, surgery and the early check-ups while medication doses are adjusted, the whole process is planned at about 70 days in Istanbul. Accommodation near the hospital, transfers and interpreting are arranged for you and your donor.
Back home
You leave with reports and a medication plan in English. Follow-up continues with a nephrologist in the UK, so it is wise to arrange this before you travel. Immunosuppressive medication is taken for life.
A kidney transplant in Turkey with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about a kidney transplant in Turkey, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a transplant without a donor?
No. International patients are not placed on the deceased-donor waiting list in Türkiye; a living donor who meets the legal conditions is needed.
How long is the whole process?
About 70 days in Istanbul, including tests, surgery and early follow-up.
Is there a fixed price?
No. Transplantation is never priced in advance; a written quote follows the review of both recipient and donor documents.
Deciding on a kidney transplant in Turkey is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.