A liver transplant is a life-saving treatment for cirrhosis, certain liver tumours and acute liver failure. Türkiye is among the countries with the most experience in living-donor liver transplantation. In this guide New City Clinic summarises the process for international patients.
What is a living-donor liver transplant?
In this method, part of a healthy donor’s liver is removed and transplanted into the patient. The liver can regenerate: both the part remaining in the donor and the part transplanted grow to an adequate volume within weeks. As with kidney transplantation, the law requires the donor to be related to the recipient up to the fourth degree; donors who are not relatives need ethics committee approval. New City Clinic does not provide donors.
Assessment and surgery
The donor candidate’s blood group compatibility, liver volume and vascular anatomy are examined with detailed imaging; the donor’s safety comes before every decision and unsuitable candidates are not accepted. Donor and recipient operations are performed at the same time; the recipient’s operation usually takes 6–10 hours. The decision is made by a transplant council of hepatology, surgery, anaesthesia and radiology specialists.
A Liver Transplant: cost in Turkey and what is included
The price depends on the technique, the extent of the procedure, the hospital, the length of stay and any procedures planned together, which is why a single figure quoted without an examination or photo assessment is misleading. After a physician has reviewed your case, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote. It lists hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, pre-operative tests, medication, any compression garment or support bra, accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and interpreting separately; flights are not included unless stated. When comparing clinics in Istanbul, look beyond the price: check that the hospital is licensed by the Ministry of Health, what the surgeon specialises in, and how follow-up is handled once you are back home.
A Liver Transplant 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 Liver Transplant, 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.
Recovery timeline
Donor: 7–10 days
The donor stays in hospital for about a week; the liver largely regains its volume in 6–8 weeks.
Recipient: 2–3 weeks
The first days are spent in intensive care, followed by monitoring of liver function and drug levels on the ward.
First 1–2 months
You stay in Istanbul for frequent check-ups while medication doses are adjusted.
Lifelong
Immunosuppressant medication and regular hepatology follow-up continue.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
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
Is donating part of the liver safe for the donor?
Like any major operation it carries risk, which is why donor candidates undergo very strict assessment and only those found suitable are accepted.
Who cannot be a donor?
People with advanced fatty liver, significant chronic illness or insufficient liver volume cannot donate. The age limit varies by centre.
How long do I need to stay in Türkiye in total?
Including tests, surgery and early follow-up, the whole process is planned at about 70 days.
Deciding on a Liver Transplant 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.
