In recent years, Turkey has become a popular destination for patients seeking high-quality healthcare at affordable prices. The country offers a combination of advanced medical expertise and modern facilities, making it an excellent choice for delicate procedures. Notably, the open heart surgery cost in Turkey is significantly lower than in the United States and many other European countries.
What is open heart surgery?
Open heart surgery is a surgical intervention used to address problems related to the heart muscle, valves, or major arteries. During this procedure, the chest bone is opened to allow direct access to the heart, and a heart-lung machine is often employed to sustain the body while the heart is temporarily stopped. This operation is carried out by cardiothoracic surgeons as part of a multidisciplinary medical team. In some cases, the surgery may be replaced with minimally invasive procedures depending on the patient’s condition and the complexity of the cardiac issue, factors that also influence the open heart surgery cost in Turkey.
The average cost of open heart surgery in Turkey
The open heart surgery cost in Turkey is estimated between $10,000 and $15,000 USD, making it a distinctive economic option compared to other countries where costs are much higher, providing an ideal balance between quality and affordable prices. Below is a table comparing open heart surgery cost in Turkey and some other countries:
| State | Average cost (in dollars) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | 10,000$ – 15,000$ |
| United States | 70,000$ – 200,000$ |
| Canada | 53,000$ _ 68,000$$ |
| Britain | 25,000$ – 53,000$ |
| Germany | 50,000$ – 80,000$ |
What factors affect open heart surgery cost in Turkey?
The cost of heart disease treatment in Turkey varies greatly depending on the type of procedure used, the patient’s condition, the hospital, and other factors. Some of the most important factors are:
- Type of procedure: Open-heart surgery, which requires a direct opening of the sternum, is more expensive than closed-heart surgery (which is performed through smaller, less invasive incisions) and cardiac catheterization, a less invasive and less expensive non-surgical procedure.
- Experience of the surgeon: The more experience, reputation, and number of successful surgeries the surgeon has performed, the higher the cost is likely to be.
- The patient’s health status: Patients with chronic diseases or complex conditions may require additional testing and specialized care, which can drive up the cost.
- Hospital type and location: Prices vary between major, internationally accredited hospitals and lesser-known hospitals, as well as by city (e.g., Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir).
- Length of hospital stay: Longer stays after surgery, whether due to the need for follow-up or complications, increase the overall cost.
Here is a rough comparison between the average cost of different types of cardiac procedures in Turkey:
| Type of procedure | Approximate cost (in dollars) |
|---|---|
| Open heart surgery | 10,000$ – 15,000$ |
| Closed heart surgery (minimally invasive) | 7,000$ – 12,000$ |
| Cardiac catheterization | 3,000$ – 8,000$ |
Why is Turkey a favorite choice for open heart surgery?
In recent years, Turkey has become one of the most prominent destinations for medical tourism, especially for heart surgery. This is due to a number of factors that make it an ideal choice, most notably:
- High medical expertise: Turkey has an elite group of internationally trained cardiac surgeons with extensive experience in performing thousands of operations, achieving high success rates.
- Modern, internationally accredited hospitals: Hospitals are equipped with the latest equipment and technology, many of which are JCI-accredited.
- Economic cost: Compared to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Germany, the cost of open-heart surgery in Turkey is significantly lower while maintaining a high standard of care.
- Comprehensive patient services: Hospitals in Turkey offer essential facilities for foreign patients, including translation, airport transportation, and assistance with accommodation arrangements.
- Low waiting time: Unlike some countries that have long waiting lists, in Turkey, you can book an operation in a relatively short time.
Tips for choosing the best hospital in Turkey for open heart surgery
To ensure a safe and successful outcome, it is important to choose a hospital that holds international accreditation, such as JCI, and features a specialized cardiac surgery department. The healthcare team should be well-trained, especially in performing open heart operations. It’s recommended to contact the hospital in advance to verify medical specifics, review the open heart surgery cost in Turkey, and confirm whether preoperative tests and accommodation are included in the package. Reviewing previous patient experiences is also beneficial, and selecting a facility that offers international patient services, such as language support, transportation, and appointment coordination, can significantly enhance your overall experience.
Finally, Turkey stands out as a leading destination for open heart surgery, combining cutting-edge medical services with accessible prices. Thanks to its modern facilities and skilled healthcare professionals, patients receive safe and effective treatment without bearing excessive expenses. By exploring the key elements that influence the open heart surgery cost in Turkey, you’ll be equipped to make a well-informed, confident choice, both from a healthcare and financial perspective.
Sources:
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, June 1). Heart surgery – What is heart surgery? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- National Library of Medicine. (2024, February 3). Open heart surgery. MedlinePlus.
