Heart Bypass Surgery In Turkey

Coronary bypass surgery is a frequently performed surgery in Turkey. There are surgeons in Turkey who are very experienced in coronary bypass surgery.Heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart muscle when the coronary arteries are severely narrowed or blocked. This procedure involves creating new pathways for blood to flow around the blocked or narrowed arteries, allowing the blood to reach the heart muscle more effectively.

Overview of Heart Bypass Surgery

Indications:

Heart bypass surgery is typically recommended for individuals with significant coronary artery disease (CAD) that cannot be effectively treated with medications or less invasive procedures such as coroner angioplasty.

Preoperative Evaluation:

Before the surgery, a thorough evaluation is conducted, including medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as angiography, to determine the location and severity of blockages in the coronary arteries.

Anesthesia:

The patient is put under general anesthesia, which means they are unconscious and do not feel pain during the surgery.

Incision:

The surgeon makes an incision in the chest, usually along the breastbone (sternum), to access the heart.

Harvesting Grafts:

Grafts are taken from other parts of the body, commonly the internal mammary artery, radial artery, or saphenous vein. These grafts will be used to create new pathways for blood flow.

Bypass Grafting:

The surgeon attaches one end of each graft to the aorta and the other end to a coronary artery beyond the blockage, creating a bypass around the blocked or narrowed segment.

Completion and Monitoring:

After the grafts are in place, the heart is allowed to resume beating, and the patient is taken off the heart-lung machine. The surgeon ensures that the blood flow to the heart is restored.

Closing Incisions:

The chest incision is closed with sutures or staples, and the patient is taken to the recovery area.

Postoperative Care:

Patients are closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) initially and then in a regular hospital room. Recovery time varies, but most people can expect to stay in the hospital for several days.

Potential Risks and Complications

While heart bypass surgery is generally safe, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, heart attack, stroke, and potential complications related to the grafts or the surgery itself.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is often recommended to help patients recover and improve their cardiovascular health. This may include supervised exercise, education on heart-healthy living, and emotional support.

It’s important to note that the decision to undergo heart bypass surgery is based on individual patient factors, the extent of coronary artery disease, and the presence of symptoms. Patients should discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their treatment.

Why is Heart Bypass Surgery Done In Turkey?

Turkey has become a popular destination for medical tourism due to several factors:

Cost: Heart bypass surgery can be significantly cheaper in Turkey compared to countries like the United States and Western Europe. The average cost in Turkey ranges from $12,500 to $35,000, while in the US, it can cost upwards of $200,000.
Quality of care: Turkish hospitals boast modern facilities, experienced surgeons, and advanced medical technology. Many hospitals are accredited by international organizations like JCI (Joint Commission International).
Accessibility: English is widely spoken in medical settings, and many hospitals offer patient coordinators and translators to assist with communication.
Tourist attractions: Turkey offers a rich cultural experience and various tourist destinations, allowing patients to combine medical treatment with a vacation.

Types of Heart Bypass Surgery In Turkey

On-pump CABG: The heart-lung bypass machine temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs while the surgeon operates on the bypassed arteries.
Off-pump CABG: The surgery is performed with the heart still beating, often through minimally invasive techniques.

Factors Affecting Cost of Heart Bypass Surgery in Turkey

Hospital chosen: Prestigious hospitals or those in major cities are generally more expensive.
Surgeon’s experience and reputation: Renowned surgeons may charge higher fees.
Complexity of the surgery: Multiple bypasses or additional procedures like valve repair can increase the cost.

Top Hospitals for Bypass Surgery In Turkey

Medipol Mega University Hospital, Istanbul
Liv Hospital, Istanbul
Florence Nightingale Istanbul Hospital
American Hospital, Istanbul
Memorial Antalya Hospital

Before Considering Surgery In Turkey

Consult with your doctor in your home country to determine if bypass surgery is the right treatment for you.
Research hospitals and surgeons in Turkey, checking their accreditations and patient reviews.
Obtain a detailed cost estimate from the hospital, including pre-operative tests, surgery fees, and post-operative care.
Consider travel logistics and insurance coverage for medical emergencies abroad.

Remember, choosing a hospital based solely on cost might not be the wisest decision. Consider factors like the hospital’s experience, reputation, and the doctor’s qualifications to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Bypass Surgery

What is heart bypass surgery?

Heart bypass surgery, or CABG, is a surgical procedure that creates new pathways for blood to flow to the heart muscle by bypassing blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.

Why is heart bypass surgery performed?

It is performed to improve blood flow to the heart muscle in individuals with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) when other treatments, such as medications or angioplasty, are not sufficient.

How is heart bypass surgery done?

The surgeon takes a graft (usually a blood vessel from another part of the body) and connects it to the aorta and the coronary artery beyond the blockage, creating a bypass around the narrowed or blocked segment.

How long does the surgery take?

The duration of heart bypass surgery varies but typically ranges from 3 to 6 hours.

What types of grafts are used in heart bypass surgery?

Common grafts include the internal mammary artery, radial artery, or saphenous vein. The choice depends on factors such as the location and severity of the blockage.

How long is the recovery period after heart bypass surgery?

Recovery times vary, but most people can expect to stay in the hospital for several days. Full recovery may take several weeks to months.

What are the potential risks of heart bypass surgery?

Risks include infection, bleeding, heart attack, stroke, and potential complications related to the grafts or the surgery itself.

Will I feel better after heart bypass surgery?

The goal of the surgery is to improve blood flow to the heart muscle, alleviating symptoms such as chest pain (angina) and improving overall heart function. Many people experience significant improvement in their quality of life after recovery.

Can the blockages return after heart bypass surgery?

While the grafts used in the surgery can develop blockages over time, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, taking prescribed medications, and following medical advice can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

When can I return to normal activities after heart bypass surgery?

Most people can resume normal activities gradually after a few weeks, but the specific timeline depends on individual factors and the complexity of the surgery.

Can heart bypass surgery be done without using the heart-lung machine?

In some cases, off-pump or beating-heart surgery techniques may be used, where the heart continues to beat during the procedure without the use of a heart-lung machine. This approach is considered in specific situations.

Is heart bypass surgery the only option for treating coronary artery disease?

No, there are alternative treatments such as medication, lifestyle changes, and angioplasty. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and individual health factors.

How much does Heart Bypass Surgery in different countries?

The cost of heart bypass surgery can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

Country: Healthcare costs differ widely around the world. Generally, procedures are more expensive in developed countries like the United States and Western Europe compared to developing countries. Here’s a rough comparison of average costs:

United States: $123,000 to $200,000+
Germany: $17,667 to $35,000
India: $3,000 to $8,000
Thailand: $8,000 to $12,000
Brazil: $11,200 to $15,000
Turkey: $12,500 to $20,000

Hospital: Different hospitals within the same country can have different pricing structures. Prestigious hospitals or those located in major cities tend to be more expensive.

Doctor’s experience and reputation: Renowned cardiologists or those with extensive experience might charge more for their services.

Complexity of the procedure: Bypasses on multiple arteries, valve repairs, or minimally invasive techniques can increase the cost.

Additional factors: Pre-operative tests, post-operative care, medication, and travel expenses can further impact the overall cost.

Remember: These are just averages, and the actual cost can vary considerably based on the factors mentioned above. It’s always best to contact the hospital or doctor directly for a more accurate estimate specific to your situation.

Beyond cost, consider other factors when choosing a location for heart bypass surgery:

Quality of care: Research the hospital’s accreditations, surgeon qualifications, and success rates.
Accessibility: Language barriers, travel logistics, and visa requirements should be considered.
Personal preferences: Some patients prioritize access to advanced technology, while others focus on a specific surgeon or familiar surroundings.

Ultimately, the decision of where to undergo heart bypass surgery is a personal one that should weigh cost, quality of care, and individual circumstances.