Aortic Aneurysm Surgery in Turkey: Cost, Top Doctors & VISA-Guide

An aortic aneurysm is a serious medical condition characterised by an abnormal enlargement or bulging of the aorta, which is the largest blood vessel in the body. The aorta carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, and when weakened by an aneurysm, it carries a risk of rupture, which can be fatal. As a life-saving intervention, aortic aneurysm surgery in Turkey has become the most effective treatment option for this life-threatening condition.

Due to the development of various medical techniques, Turkish surgeons now offer multiple surgical interventions ranging from traditional operations to minimally invasive procedures to treat this critical case of aortic aneurysm. From emergency life-saving operations to shorter waiting times, Turkey provides the best treatment solutions at an affordable cost. While western countries like the USA, UK, Singapore, and Australia charge over $180,000 for diverse aortic aneurysm surgery options, Turkey offers the same quality treatment at half the price. 

Our associated hospitals are also the best hospitals for ascending aortic aneurysm surgery in Turkey and are known for their expertise in performing complex procedures like ascending aortic aneurysm surgery. Our Turkish surgeons are also trained in international standards and are equipped with the latest technology, which results in high success rates in all types of cardiac treatments. Continue reading this page to learn everything you need to know about aortic aneurysm surgery in Turkey, along with the costs and best doctors.

What are the Indications for Aortic Aneurysm Surgery in Turkey? 

If an aneurysm ruptures or dissects, it becomes a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical intervention. Consulting a neuro specialist is the first step to making an informed decision regarding the treatment options. While most aortic aneurysm symptoms tend to be subtle or absent, there are some indications that you may notice during the initial stages: 

• Pain: A sudden, severe pain in the abdomen, chest, back or sides.
• Pulsating sensation: A noticeable throbbing or pulsing in the abdomen, particularly with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Dizziness or fainting: This is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can signal an impending rupture.
• Breathing difficulty: Breathing difficulty can occur if the aneurysm presses against the lungs, trachea, or other nearby structures.

Even though an aneurysm is hard to detect during the early stages, if you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical treatment. Surgical treatment becomes necessary under certain clinical conditions. You may need aortic aneurysm surgery in Turkey if you experience:

• Severe pain in your belly, back, chest, groin, or inner thigh.
• A pulsing sensation in your abdomen.
• Coughing, hoarseness, or difficulty in breathing due to pressure from aneurysm
• An aneurysm that has reached 5 cm or more in diameter (for abdominal aneurysms; slightly lower for thoracic aneurysms)
• Rapid aneurysm growth (growing more than 1 centimeter per year)
• Evidence of aortic dissection or weakening of the vessel wall upon imaging

What are the Options for Aortic Aneurysm Surgery in Turkey? 

Before going for the surgery, your cardiovascular surgeon in Turkey will evaluate your condition and perform a series of diagnostic tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or echocardiograms to determine the exact location, size, and severity of the aneurysm. Once all assessments are complete, your doctor will explain the best aortic aneurysm surgery options suited to your condition.

The exact type of aortic aneurysm surgery depends on the aneurysm’s location, the extent of damage, and the patient’s health. Turkey offers a range of both traditional and minimally invasive aortic aneurysm surgeries, carried out by internationally trained cardiac specialists in top hospitals:

■ Open Heart Surgery:

Open heart surgery is the traditional surgical method for treating aortic aneurysms. In this procedure, a large incision is made in the chest or abdomen to directly access the aorta. The damaged section is hen removed and replaced with a synthetic graft.

Features of Open Heart Surgery:

• Performed under general anesthesia
• Best for large or complex aneurysms
• Longer recovery time but highly effective

■ Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery: 

If the aneurysm has affected the aortic valve, this procedure becomes necessary. For this procedure, the diseased valve is replaced with either a mechanical valve or a biological valve from animal tissue or a human donor.

Features of Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery:

• Treats valve stenosis or regurgitation
• Can be combined with aneurysm repair

■ Aortic Root Replacement Surgery: 

An aortic root replacement is performed when both the aortic root and valve are damaged. This surgery replaces them with a composite graft that includes an artificial valve.

Features of Aortic Root Replacement Surgery:

• Ideal for patients with connective tissue disorders like Marfan Syndrome
• Treats both aneurysmal dilation and valve dysfunction

■ Ascending Aortic Replacement Surgery:

An ascending aortic replacement involves replacing the segment between the heart and the aortic arch with a Dacron tube or artificial graft. This can treat aneurysms or dissections in the ascending segment and can be combined with valve or root replacement in acute cases. 

Features of Ascending Aortic Replacement Surgery:

• Effective for ascending aortic aneurysms or dissections
• Often combined with valve or root replacement for extensive damage

■ Descending Thoracic Aorta Repair: 

The descending thoracic aorta repair surgery targets aneurysms or dissections in the descending thoracic aorta. The damaged portion here is replaced with a synthetic graft via a chest incision.

Features of Descending Thoracic Aorta Repair:

• Suitable for thoracic aortic aneurysms
• Requires thoracotomy under general anesthesia

■ Endovascular Aneurysm Repair / Transcatheter Angioplasty:

Endovascular aneurysm repair is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a catheter through a small incision in the groin to place a covered stent inside the affected part of the artery. Once the stent is correctly positioned at the site of the aneurysm, it reduces the risk of the artery bursting.

Features of Transcatheter Angioplasty:

• Performed under local or general anesthesia
• Faster recovery and fewer complications
• Recommended for abdominal aortic aneurysms

What are the Steps for Aortic Aneurysm Surgery in Turkey?

If you are considering Turkey for treatment, you will find the best hospitals for ascending aortic aneurysm surgery here. Turkish cities such as Antalya, Izmir, and Istanbul offer comprehensive treatment packages for international patients, making the treatment process stress-free for them. Here’s how an aortic aneurysm surgery in Turkey is performed: 

• Step 1: Before the surgery begins, your care team will sedate you by giving general anaesthesia to ensure you are sleeping and comfortable throughout the procedure. 
• Step 2: Your surgeon will make a long incision in your skin to open the chest or belly area, depending on the location of the aneurysm. 
• Step 3: Next,  surgical clamps will be placed on the aorta above and below the aneurysm to temporarily stop blood flow in the affected area.
• Step 4: You will be connected to a heart-lung machine to temporarily take over the function of your heart while you are undergoing surgery. 
• Step 5:  The surgeon will then remove the bulging section of the aorta and replace it with a synthetic graft, which acts as a new and durable lining for the artery. The graft is made of strong, artificial material designed to support healthy blood flow.
• Step 6: This whole process usually takes up to three to four hours. Once the process is complete, your surgeon will close the incision using stitches. 
• Step 7: You will be kept in the ICU for a day or two after the operation to monitor your response and progress post-surgery. 

How is Recovery After Aortic Aneurysm Surgery in Turkey?

While the recovery time following aortic aneurysm surgery in Turkey depends on several factors, taking the medications and following the doctor’s guidelines strictly can speed up your aortic aneurysm surgery recovery time. You will be kept in the hospital for 4 to 7 days after the surgery and will be released with proper instructions and medications to take care of the surgical sites. 

You may feel fatigue and soreness at the surgical site during the initial recovery stages, but it eventually subsides. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled 2 to 4 weeks following the surgery to check your healing and progress. 

While the full recovery after aortic aneurysm surgery in Turkey might take several months, you can return to your normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks. However, try to avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting and vigorous exercise. 

Why Opt for Aortic Aneurysm Surgery in Turkey? 

If you are wondering why so many patients trust Turkey for their aortic aneurysm surgery. In that case, you must know that Turkey not only provides the best care and surgeons to deliver successful treatments but also ensures the best price to make treatment accessible to even ordinary people. Here are some reasons why you should consider Turkey for your treatment: 

• Accredited clinics: JCI-certified hospitals in Turkish cities like Antalya, Izmir, and Istanbul that provide high standards of care and safety. 
• Latest technologies: Techniques such as TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair) using MEDTRONIC ENDURANT II or CARDIATIS MFM Aortic Stent are employed for precision and effectiveness in surgical procedures. 
• High success rates: Aortic aneurysm surgeries in Turkey have impressive success rates of upto 80%, especially when timely intervention is essential. 
• Expert surgeons: Top cardiovascular specialists trained in international standards perform numerous procedures annually. 
• Affordable Pricing: Aortic aneurysm surgery in Turkey costs as little as $6,700 to $9,400, making it the ideal destination for international patients seeking quality care within a budget.