For patients considering surgery abroad, Turkey has become one of the most consistent choices for general surgery.
The country offers access to advanced surgical techniques, internationally accredited hospitals, and pricing that makes even complex procedures more manageable for self-paying patients.
Common operations like hernia repairs, gallbladder removal, and bariatric surgery are performed across Turkey’s leading hospitals using modern laparoscopic or robotic methods.
What further strengthens Turkey’s position is its ability to provide smooth care pathways for international patients with fast scheduling, English speaking teams, and transparent treatment packages.
In the sections that follow, we outline what makes Turkey a trusted destination for surgical care and introduce some of the country’s top hospitals for general surgery each offering different strengths, specialties, and advantages for medical travelers.
Top General Surgery Hospitals in Turkey
1. Anadolu Medical Center (Istanbul)
Anadolu Medical Center is one of Turkey’s most respected hospitals, known for its cutting-edge treatments and patient-focused care.
It is JCI-accredited and affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine (USA), reflecting its high standards. Anadolu’s general surgery department excels in minimally invasive procedures.
Key Procedures and Expertise:
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: Minimally invasive repair techniques with shorter recovery.
- Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy): Precision laparoscopic removal with minimal scarring.
- Colorectal Surgery: Specialized in treating colon and rectal disorders with advanced laparoscopic approaches.
- Thyroidectomy: Performed by expert endocrine surgeons to ensure nerve and gland preservation.
International patients benefit from Anadolu’s dedicated global services, including English-speaking coordinators and tailored treatment packages.
This hospital combines American-level healthcare standards with the affordability of Turkey, making it a top choice for complex surgeries and routine procedures alike.
2. Acibadem Hospitals Group (Multiple Cities)
The Acibadem Healthcare Group is a large network of hospitals across Turkey (with flagship locations in Istanbul and other major cities). Acibadem hospitals are renowned for state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive care. Many of their facilities are JCI-accredited and feature specialized centers for robotic surgery, oncology, transplant, and more.
Key Procedures and Expertise:
- Robotic Hernia Repair: Ultra-precise surgery using da Vinci robotic systems.
- Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Quick recovery and minimal pain with keyhole techniques.
- Gastrointestinal Surgery: Advanced treatment for intestinal and digestive tract disorders.
- Bariatric Surgery: Comprehensive weight-loss programs including gastric sleeve and bypass.
Surgeons at Acibadem are known for using robotic and laparoscopic techniques to improve outcomes and reduce recovery times. With luxury amenities and an international patient desk to assist foreign visitors, Acibadem provides a seamless experience for those seeking high-quality surgical care.
3. Memorial Hospitals Group (Nationwide)
Memorial Hospitals Group was the first hospital network in Turkey to receive JCI accreditation, underscoring its commitment to world-class quality.
Memorial has multiple hospitals in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and other cities. Its general surgery teams are acclaimed for their expertise in digestive tract surgeries, endocrine surgery, and organ transplants.
Key Procedures and Expertise:
- Digestive Tract Surgery: Laparoscopic treatment of stomach and intestinal diseases.
- Endocrine (Thyroid and Parathyroid) Surgery: Expert precision for gland-related operations.
- Organ Transplant Surgery: Specialized in kidney and liver transplants with world-class success rates.
- Oncologic General Surgery: Comprehensive surgical management for cancer patients.
Many complex procedures (like liver and kidney surgeries or advanced cancer surgeries) are performed at Memorial centers with excellent success rates.
Patients choose Memorial for its blend of cutting-edge medical technology and compassionate care.
As a pioneer in Turkish healthcare, Memorial hospitals offer internationally recognized standards, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive services for overseas patients (including translators and coordinators to help at every step).
4. Turan & Turan Health Group (Bursa)
Turan & Turan Health Group in Bursa is a specialized surgical center particularly famous for its orthopedic and robotic surgery excellence.
While it’s best known for pioneering robotic spine and joint surgeries, Turan & Turan also offers general surgical services with a focus on minimally invasive techniques.
The hospital utilizes advanced robotic systems (such as the Mazor X and da Vinci robots) that allow for extremely precise operations.
Key Procedures and Expertise:
- Robotic Abdominal Surgery: Advanced robotic-assisted approaches for complex abdominal procedures.
- Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery: Precision treatment for bowel conditions with minimal downtime.
- Gallbladder Surgery: Fast, safe, and scar-minimized laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
- Hernia Repair: Robotic-assisted techniques providing superior accuracy and recovery outcomes.
Turan & Turan provides a boutique experience, coordinating closely with international patients. Their team’s innovative approach and “patient-first” philosophy make it an attractive option, especially for those interested in the latest surgical technologies.
5. Liv Hospital (Istanbul & Ankara)
Liv Hospital is a premium healthcare institution known for its modern facilities and personalized care. “LIV” stands for “Leading International Vision,” and the hospital lives up to this name by employing world-class physicians and adopting the latest medical advancements.
The general surgery department at Liv Hospital covers a wide range of procedures from laparoscopic gallbladder and hernia surgeries to bariatric (weight-loss) surgeries and oncologic surgeries.
Key Procedures and Expertise:
- Bariatric Surgery: Gastric sleeve and bypass surgeries performed with precision and holistic aftercare.
- Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery: High success rates with minimal recovery time.
- Hernia Surgery: Advanced laparoscopic and open options tailored to patient needs.
- Colorectal and Oncologic Surgery: Expert tumor removal and bowel reconstruction with minimally invasive techniques.
Liv Hospital is JCI-accredited and places a strong emphasis on patient safety and comfort. International patients at Liv enjoy luxury-level services: private rooms, concierge assistance, translation services, and even help with tourism activities during recovery.
For those seeking top-tier treatment in a five-star environment, Liv Hospital is a top contender.
6. Medipol Mega University Hospital (Istanbul)
Medipol Mega University Hospital in Istanbul is one of Turkey’s largest private hospital complexes, consisting of multiple specialized hospitals (General Surgery, Cardiology, Oncology, etc.) under one roof.
As a university-affiliated hospital, Medipol is a center for medical innovation and research, as well as patient care. In the realm of general surgery, Medipol offers extensive capabilities: their surgeons handle everything from routine operations to highly complex surgeries with multidisciplinary support.
The hospital is JCI-accredited and houses over 470 beds with state-of-the-art operating rooms, intensive care units, and diagnostic centers.
International patients choose Medipol for its comprehensive approach – you’ll find specialized clinics for bariatric surgery, colorectal surgery, endocrine surgery, and more, all in one campus.
Key Procedures and Expertise:
- Bariatric Surgery: Expert-led weight-loss procedures including gastric sleeve and bypass.
- Colorectal Surgery: Specialized in treating colon, rectal, and bowel disorders.
- Endocrine Surgery: Advanced thyroid and adrenal gland operations.
- Laparoscopic Gallbladder and Hernia Repair: Quick recovery and minimal postoperative pain.
With an International Patient Center that provides translation and logistic support, Medipol Mega ensures overseas patients feel at home while receiving world-class surgical treatment.
Common General Surgery Procedures in Turkey
Patients travel to Turkey for a broad array of general surgical procedures. Turkish hospitals are well-equipped to perform both routine and complex surgeries using the latest techniques. Some of the most common general surgery procedures sought by international patients include:
- Hernia Repair: Fixing abdominal hernias (such as inguinal or umbilical hernias) is a frequent procedure. In Turkey, many hernia repairs are done with laparoscopic (keyhole) methods, which means smaller incisions and quicker recovery.
- Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy): Removal of the gallbladder to treat gallstones or gallbladder disease is commonly performed. Turkish surgeons typically use minimally invasive techniques for gallbladder surgery, allowing most patients to be up and walking the next day.
- Appendectomy: Surgical removal of an infected appendix (appendicitis) is an emergency procedure that Turkish hospitals handle 24/7. Most appendectomies are done laparoscopically unless complications require an open surgery. Patients usually spend only a day or two in the hospital.
- Bariatric Surgery: Weight-loss surgeries like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass fall under general surgery and are popular among medical tourists in Turkey. Many top hospitals have dedicated bariatric surgery units. These procedures help obese patients achieve significant weight loss and are often offered in packages that include dietary counseling and post-op support.
- Thyroidectomy: Partial or total removal of the thyroid gland is performed for conditions like thyroid nodules, goiter, or thyroid cancer. Turkish general surgeons (often with endocrine surgery specialization) use delicate techniques to preserve important nerves and glands. Hospital stay is short (1–2 days) and patients can typically resume normal activities within a couple of weeks.
- Colon Surgery: Complex procedures such as colectomy (removal of part of the colon) for colon cancer or other bowel diseases are done at tertiary hospitals. Turkey’s leading general surgery centers employ advanced laparoscopic and sometimes robotic techniques for colorectal surgery, which can lead to less pain and faster return of bowel function compared to traditional surgery.
Cost of General Surgery in Turkey
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Turkey is the affordability of care. General surgery procedures in Turkey are much more affordable than in many other countries, largely due to lower operating costs and government support for medical tourism – all while maintaining high quality.
Patients often find that even after factoring in flight and accommodation, their total expense is far lower than the procedure price alone in their home country.
For instance, an appendectomy that might cost $10,000+ in the U.S. can be as low as a few thousand dollars in Turkey. Below is an overview of typical cost ranges for common surgeries in Turkey:
| Procedure | Approx. Cost in Turkey (USD) |
| Appendectomy (Appendix removal) | $1,800 – $3,200 |
| Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) | $2,000 – $2,800 |
| Hernia Repair (Laparoscopic) | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Thyroidectomy (Thyroid surgery) | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Weight loss surgery) | $4,000 – $6,000 |
Note: These costs are approximate averages for surgeries at major Turkish hospitals. The exact price can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the city/hospital chosen, and what’s included in the package. Typically, quoted prices will cover the surgeon’s fee, hospital stay, anesthesia, and standard pre- and post-operative care. They may not include airfare or personal travel expenses. Even with those added, patients routinely save thousands of dollars compared to having the surgery in Western Europe or North America.
Why Choose Turkey for General Surgery
- Significant Cost Savings: Undergoing surgery in Turkey typically costs 50 – 70% less than in the US or UK. Even after including travel expenses, patients often find the total cost dramatically lower than at home.
- World-Class Hospitals: Turkey is home to nearly 50 JCI-accredited hospitals (Joint Commission International), one of the highest numbers in the world. These facilities meet rigorous international standards and boast modern technology like robotic surgical systems, advanced imaging, and state-of-the-art operating theaters.
- Expert Surgeons: Turkish general surgeons are highly trained and experienced, with many having completed fellowships or training in Europe or North America. They perform thousands of surgeries annually, resulting in excellent success rates. Communication is rarely an issue, as most doctors speak English and often other languages.
- International Patient Services: Top Turkish hospitals assist patients with visa letters, airport pickups, hotel arrangements, and provide multilingual staff or interpreters. This comprehensive support ensures a smooth experience for medical tourists from consultation through recovery.
- No Long Wait Times: Unlike some countries with long hospital waiting lists, scheduling surgery in Turkey is fast. You can often arrange a procedure on your preferred dates with minimal waiting, which is crucial for patients needing timely treatment.
- Tourism and Recovery: Many patients take advantage of Turkey’s rich culture and hospitality during recovery. Recovering in a scenic environment can make the overall experience more pleasant. Turkey’s healthcare providers often help coordinate safe, light tourism activities for patients and their companions.
