The cost of artificial bladder implantation in Turkey stands out as a key factor driving patients to choose it as a leading treatment destination, particularly due to its advanced medical technologies and significantly lower prices compared to those in European countries. Whether the patient is dealing with bladder cancer or chronic neurological conditions, Turkey provides a range of artificial bladder options, including innovative and mechatronic devices, delivering excellent outcomes and a high success rate.
What is an artificial bladder implantation?
An artificial bladder implantation is the process of completely replacing the natural urinary bladder with an artificial bladder made of alu-plastic. These artificial bladders are divided into two main types based on their ability to expand:
- Smart Artificial Bladder (SAB)
- Artificial Mechatronic Badder (AMB)
The difference between the natural and artificial bladder is:
The normal bladder is characterized by its ability to dynamically expand and contract, allowing for low-pressure urine storage and the precise control of urination through complex neuromuscular mechanisms.
Artificial bladder: It works similarly, but urination is controlled by gravity or hydraulic valves and structures, with the potential for rejection due to the nature of the artificial material and the surrounding biological environment.
Artificial bladder implants are used in the following cases:
- Invasive bladder cancer: One of the most common reasons for a total cystectomy and implantation of an artificial bladder.
- Neurogenic bladder: Bladder dysfunction resulting from a neurological disorder. An artificial bladder is implanted when other treatments fail.
- Severe congenital abnormalities of the bladder: As in the case of a split bladder, which affects the shape and function of the bladder and requires the implantation of an artificial bladder.
- Severe bladder damage due to radiation therapy or previous surgery: If irreparable damage has occurred, an artificial bladder may be implanted.
- Chronic bladder failure: As a result of chronic diseases such as advanced interstitial cystitis or autoimmune diseases that destroy the bladder wall, an artificial bladder implantation is used when other treatments fail.
- Severe pelvic or bladder injuries: such as gunshot wounds or severe falls that cause extensive, irreversible damage.
Average cost of artificial bladder implantation in Turkey
The average cost of artificial bladder implantation in Turkey ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 USD, with the price varying according to the type of technique used, the surgical team’s experience, the hospital’s level, and the complexity of the case.
The following table shows the average cost of artificial bladder implantation in Turkey and other countries:
| The state | Average cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| United States | 60,000 – 100,000 |
| Germany | 45,000 – 70,000 |
| Britain | 50,000 – 80,000 |
| Gulf States | 30,000 – 60,000 |
Factors affecting the cost of artificial bladder implantation in Turkey
The cost of an artificial bladder implantation in Turkey is affected by many factors, including:
- The type of technology and device used: The cost varies depending on the type of artificial bladder, as follows:
- Smart Artificial Bladder (SAB): Although expensive, it is suitable for all conditions and comfortable, and is used only in advanced centers.
- Artificial Mechatronic Badder (AMB): More affordable and older than the smart bladder, it is ideal for patients with limited mobility and is accessible in more facilities.
- The experience of the medical center and surgeon: The cost of artificial bladder implantation in Turkey increases with the surgeon’s experience and the medical center’s capacity, as centers that specialize in urological surgeries often offer meticulous care but at a higher cost.
- City: The cost of artificial bladder implantation in Turkey varies between cities, with Istanbul and Antalya usually higher than other cities due to the availability of accredited medical centers and medical tourism services.
- Accompanying services: Pre-operative tests, hospitalization, translation, medical transportation, and post-operative follow-up all contribute to the total cost of artificial bladder implantation in Turkey.
- Length of stay and recovery period: If the medical condition necessitates a prolonged stay or specialized care during the recovery period, this will increase the total cost of the procedure.
Why are patients choosing Turkey for bladder implantation?
Patients prefer Turkey for artificial bladder implantation for several reasons, including:
- Quality medical care and modern technologies: Turkish hospitals are equipped with advanced surgical techniques and provide the latest medical devices, including smart and mechatronic bladders, ensuring accurate and effective treatment.
- Lower cost compared to Western countries: The cost of artificial bladder implantation in Turkey is significantly lower than in other countries, while maintaining advanced medical quality and the same level of healthcare, making it a distinctive choice for patients.
- Easy travel and accommodation for international patients: Medical centers in Turkey offer comprehensive services for patients from abroad, including translation, airport transfers, hotel reservation assistance, and even post-operative follow-up, ensuring a comfortable and safe treatment experience.
- The success rates of artificial bladder implantation in Turkey exceed 80%, making it a preferred destination for patients worldwide.
Tips before having an artificial bladder implantation in Turkey
- Choosing a suitable medical center that is licensed and accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Health, in addition to ensuring the hospital’s reputation
- Check the experiences and ratings of previous patients
- Check for state-of-the-art equipment and high medical technology in artificial bladder implantation
- Choose a doctor who has extensive experience and expertise in artificial bladder implantation
- Check the cost of the process and what’s included
- Contact the center and inquire about all the details before booking
Ultimately, the cost of artificial bladder implantation in Turkey makes it a preferred option for patients seeking advanced treatment with high quality and competitive pricing. By merging medical expertise with cutting-edge technology, Turkish clinics achieve outstanding outcomes in both surgical procedures and the recovery process. Selecting a qualified specialist and preparing in advance helps ensure the best possible results, at a reasonable cost and with proven effectiveness.
Sources:
- Pane, S., Mazzocchi, T., Iacovacci, V., Ricotti, L., & Menciassi, A. (2021). Smart implantable artificial bladder: An integrated design for organ replacement. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 68(7), 2088-2097.
- Hautmann, R. E. (1992). The ileal neobladder: Complications and functional results in 363 patients after 11 years of follow-up. The Journal of Urology, 147(3), 645-651.
