Urology in Turkey: Prostate, Kidney Stone, Incontinence and Male Infertility Treatment in Istanbul

Urology in Istanbul: how it works

Urological treatment is chosen from test results. Before you travel, the urologist reviews your recent reports, such as PSA, ultrasound, a urine flow test, a CT scan or semen analyses, and tells you whether surgery is appropriate or whether lifestyle advice and medication should come first. New City Clinic is a health-tourism organisation authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health and registered with HealthTürkiye. We arrange your treatment at licensed partner hospitals, where their specialist doctors treat you; New City Clinic does not operate itself. Cancers of the prostate, bladder, kidney and testis are handled by the oncology department and are not covered on this page.

Enlarged prostate (HoLEP and TURP)

Benign prostate enlargement causes frequent and urgent urination, getting up at night, a weak stream and the feeling that the bladder does not empty. Assessment includes an examination, PSA, urine tests, an ultrasound of prostate size and residual urine and a urine flow test; a raised PSA is investigated separately. For mild symptoms, lifestyle advice and medication come first. When surgery is needed, the obstructing part of the prostate is removed through the urethra, without a skin incision, with a holmium laser (HoLEP) or an electric loop (TURP); HoLEP is preferred for large prostates. A catheter stays in for 1–2 days. Afterwards, semen often goes backwards into the bladder, which is not harmful.

Kidney and ureter stones (RIRS, PCNL, ESWL)

A low-dose CT scan shows the size, position and hardness of the stone, and small stones often pass on their own. When treatment is needed there are three main methods: shock-wave lithotripsy from outside the body (ESWL), a thin flexible endoscope that turns the stone into dust with a laser (RIRS), and removal through a tract of about 1 cm in the side for large stones (PCNL). A thin stent may be left in the ureter for a short time; whether it is removed in Istanbul or later at home is planned beforehand. Stone analysis and blood and urine tests guide diet and fluid advice, because stones can come back.

Urinary incontinence

Leakage on coughing, sneezing or lifting (stress incontinence) and leakage with a sudden urge (urge incontinence) are treated differently, and both can occur together. Assessment includes an examination, a urine test, a bladder diary, residual urine measurement and, where needed, urodynamic testing. Pelvic floor exercises and bladder training come first. For stress incontinence in women, a mid-urethral sling (TOT or TVT) through small incisions is the most common operation. For urge incontinence there are medication, bladder injections and nerve stimulation. For men with lasting leakage after prostate surgery, a male sling or an artificial urinary sphincter may be considered.

Varicocele and male infertility (micro-TESE)

Assessment starts with at least two semen analyses, an examination, a scrotal ultrasound and hormone tests, with genetic tests where needed. In men with abnormal semen results and a clinically evident varicocele, microsurgical varicocele repair through a small groin incision may be planned, and its effect is followed with semen analyses over a few months. When there is no sperm in the semen, testicular tissue is searched under the microscope (micro-TESE), and any sperm found is frozen for IVF with ICSI, planned together with the wife’s treatment. Sperm cannot be found in every man; the chances are discussed beforehand on the basis of hormone and genetic results.

Penile prosthesis

Erectile dysfunction can be linked to blood vessel health, diabetes, blood pressure, smoking, hormones, prostate surgery or psychological factors, so tests come first and non-surgical options are tried before surgery. For men who do not benefit from these, a penile prosthesis is a lasting option: a three-piece inflatable implant controlled by a pump in the scrotum, or a simpler semi-rigid implant. The operation is done through a small incision that is not visible from outside, and the implant does not change urination, sensation or ejaculation. The main risk is infection, which can mean the implant has to be removed. Once a prosthesis is placed, natural erections are generally no longer possible.

Who is a candidate?

Urological surgery is planned for people in good general health with realistic expectations who are found suitable at examination, usually after medication or other first-line treatment has not helped enough. Send your recent test results and a list of your medicines, especially blood thinners, which may need to be paused under medical advice. For male infertility, both partners’ results help plan the treatment.

How the trip works, days in Istanbul and flying home

Your stay starts with the examination and any tests still needed, followed by treatment and a check before you fly. Typical stays are: enlarged prostate 5–7 days with 1–2 nights in hospital, so the catheter can be removed and the urologist can check you are passing urine well; kidney stones 3–5 days with 0–1 night in hospital; incontinence surgery 4–6 days; varicocele repair or micro-TESE 3–4 days; penile prosthesis 7–10 days with usually one night in hospital. Drink plenty of water on the way home and avoid heavy lifting for the weeks your urologist advises. Check whether you need a visa or e-visa for Turkey on evisa.gov.tr. Once your treatment is planned, the hospital confirms your appointment in writing.

What the package includes and price

The package includes treatment at a licensed partner hospital, your hospital stay, hotel accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers, pre-operative tests and coordination where specified. Flights are not included. There is no fixed list price for urological treatment on this page: it depends on the method and the tests needed, so you receive a written quote after the urologist’s assessment. Complication insurance is included in every surgical package New City Clinic organises. Its scope, limits and exclusions are given to you in writing with your quote and before treatment, so you can ask questions before you sign.

Partner hospitals and how to start

Treatment is planned at partner hospitals licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health: Acıbadem, Medicana, Medipol, Medical Park and Biruni University Hospital. The hospital is chosen according to where the specialist for your treatment practises and what suits your case; it is named in your written plan before you travel. Send your reports, scans and questions on WhatsApp. A specialist reviews them free of charge, you usually receive a written quote within 24 hours, and a coordinator then organises your dates, hotel and transfers and stays in touch after you are home.

• Enlarged Prostate Treatment (HoLEP, TURP)
• Kidney Stone Treatment (RIRS, PCNL, ESWL)
• Urinary Incontinence Treatment
• Varicocele and Male Infertility (Micro-TESE)
• Penile Prosthesis (Erectile Dysfunction Surgery)
• Prices

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