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General Surgery in Turkey

Planned general surgery in Turkey, compared across the hospitals we work with. Which procedure you need, how to choose between hospitals, and what to settle before you travel.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Hasan L. Lice, Bariatric surgery. Written by Abdulaziz Ali.
Updated 24 October 2025 · Editorial standards

General surgery in Turkey at a glance

starting price, 16 May 2025from €1,200Treatment only
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Figures are ranges, not promises. Suitability needs an individual assessment by a doctor.

General surgery clinics in Turkey

Each clinic sets its own price, so check what the price includes before comparing two of them.

Clinics are scored and ordered by Flymedi. How ranking works.

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Why are these clinics ranked this way?

Clinics are scored from patient reviews and ordered by Flymedi. The facts behind each position are listed below. How ranking works.

RankClinicFlymediScoreLead doctorExperienceFromWhy it is ranked here
1Luna Clinic Turkey9.4General surgery11 years€1,200Treatment onlyMost reviewed on this page (888 reviews). Lowest listed price on this page. Declares TURSAB, MOH, ESCAD, TTB. 32 doctors listed.
2Istanbul European Clinic9.3General surgery13 years€4,250Treatment onlyDeclares TURSAB, MOH, ASAPS, ESCAD, ESHRS, ISAPS, TTB. 23 doctors listed.
3Memorial Sisli Hospital9.14 doctorsNot listed€2,646Treatment onlyDeclares JCI, EFI, ISO 9001:2000, TTB. 4 doctors listed.
4Medipol Mega University Hospital9.44 doctorsNot listed€3,300Treatment onlyDeclares JCI. 4 doctors listed.
5Acibadem Healthcare Group9.54 doctorsNot listedPrice on request4 doctors listed.
6Medical Park Gaziosmanpasa Hospital9.74 doctorsNot listed€5,000Treatment onlyHighest FlymediScore on this page. Declares JCI, CEN, EMBT, ISCT, CIBMTR. 4 doctors listed.
7Ethica Incirli Hospital9.1General surgery6 years€2,192Treatment onlyDeclares TTB. 4 doctors listed.
8Acibadem Bodrum Hospital9.5General surgery30 years€3,400Treatment onlyDeclares JCI, ISO 9001:2008. 4 doctors listed.
9Koç Healthcare Institutions9.6General surgery30 years€2,800Treatment onlyDeclares JCI. 4 doctors listed.
10Acibadem Maslak Hospital9.64 doctorsNot listed€3,200Treatment onlyDeclares JCI, ISO 9001:2008. 4 doctors listed.
1Luna Clinic Turkey · 9.4
From €1,200 Treatment only Most reviewed on this page (888 reviews). Lowest listed price on this page. Declares TURSAB, MOH, ESCAD, TTB. 32 doctors listed.
2Istanbul European Clinic · 9.3
From €4,250 Treatment only Declares TURSAB, MOH, ASAPS, ESCAD, ESHRS, ISAPS, TTB. 23 doctors listed.
3Memorial Sisli Hospital · 9.1
From €2,646 Treatment only Declares JCI, EFI, ISO 9001:2000, TTB. 4 doctors listed.
4Medipol Mega University Hospital · 9.4
From €3,300 Treatment only Declares JCI. 4 doctors listed.
5Acibadem Healthcare Group · 9.5
4 doctors listed.
6Medical Park Gaziosmanpasa Hospital · 9.7
From €5,000 Treatment only Highest FlymediScore on this page. Declares JCI, CEN, EMBT, ISCT, CIBMTR. 4 doctors listed.
7Ethica Incirli Hospital · 9.1
From €2,192 Treatment only Declares TTB. 4 doctors listed.
8Acibadem Bodrum Hospital · 9.5
From €3,400 Treatment only Declares JCI, ISO 9001:2008. 4 doctors listed.
9Koç Healthcare Institutions · 9.6
From €2,800 Treatment only Declares JCI. 4 doctors listed.
10Acibadem Maslak Hospital · 9.6
From €3,200 Treatment only Declares JCI, ISO 9001:2008. 4 doctors listed.

Read our full clinic ranking policy

In this article

  1. General Surgery in Turkey
  2. Find the procedure you need
  3. Waiting at home, and when not to travel
  4. The cost of general surgery in Turkey
  5. Paying for treatment
  6. Who is a suitable candidate for general surgery in Turkey
  7. How does general surgery procedure work?
  8. General surgery recovery timeline

General Surgery in Turkey

Most people looking at general surgery abroad are not in an emergency. They have been given a waiting time they cannot live with, or a private quote at home they cannot fund, and they are working out whether travelling is worth it.

It compares hospitals in Turkey that perform general surgery and sends you to the page for the procedure you actually need. Flymedi does not run the hospitals. We collect written quotes from the clinics we work with, break down what each one covers, and coordinate the surgery and the travel around it. You can see how we check the people who treat you at how we verify.

Find the procedure you need

General surgery is not one operation. Cost and recovery depend on which procedure you are having, so start from the line matching your diagnosis. The five linked pages carry their own prices. The last four have no Flymedi page yet, so ask a coordinator for a written quote.

  • Inguinal hernia repair: a weakness in the groin wall that tissue pushes through.
  • Mastectomy: removal of breast tissue, usually to treat breast cancer.
  • Liver transplant: end-stage liver disease.
  • Kidney transplant: kidney failure.
  • Bone marrow transplant: blood and bone marrow disorders such as leukaemia.
  • Cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal: gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.
  • Appendectomy: appendicitis, where it is not an emergency presentation.
  • Colorectal surgery: colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Endocrine and thyroid surgery: thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal gland disease.

Two things people arrive here for are covered elsewhere: weight loss surgery on bariatric surgery, and cataract surgery in Turkey. Neither is general surgery.

Waiting at home, and when not to travel

Almost everyone who reaches this page is waiting. The trigger is a date rather than a symptom: a place on an NHS list, or a private quote at home that does not work. NHS waiting times are revised quarterly, so this page prints no figure.

Some presentations are not travel decisions at all. Acute appendicitis, a strangulated hernia and acute cholecystitis need treating where you are, the same day. If you are in pain now, go to your nearest emergency department.

If your operation is planned rather than urgent, settle three things in writing before you book:

  • Who pays if there is a complication. Ask whether the quote covers revision surgery and a longer stay, and what it excludes.
  • Where your follow-up happens. Ask which checks must happen in Turkey before you fly, and which your own doctor can pick up.
  • What your own system will do on your return. A health service or insurer may not treat a complication from elective surgery abroad on the same terms as one from surgery at home. Ask before you travel.

The cost of general surgery in Turkey

What you pay turns on which operation you are having, whether it is done laparoscopically or open, how many nights you stay, and which hospital you choose. General surgery is not priced as a specialty, so the only useful figure is the one for your own procedure.

Compare quotes on what they include, not on the headline figure. A quote covering the surgeon, the stay, consumables such as mesh, and follow-up is not the same offer as one covering the operation alone. Ask for yours in writing before you commit to anything.

Paying for treatment

Treatment booked through Flymedi can be paid in instalments. Regions, terms and interest are set out on payment plans.

Who is a suitable candidate for general surgery in Turkey

The surgeon will determine if you're an ideal candidate by examining a list of criteria:

  • Your Medical Condition: General surgery may be recommended for conditions such as appendicitis, gallstones, hernias, gastrointestinal tumours, and more. The surgeon must determine which treatment suits your case.
  • Your Health Status: Your general health and well-being will determine your candidacy for surgery. You should be in good health to undergo surgery. The doctor will consider any pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or respiratory disorders, to minimize the risk of complications.
  • Surgical Risk Assessment: The surgeon will conduct a thorough risk assessment to check surgery's potential risks and benefits. Your age, smoking status, and previous surgical history may influence the surgical approach. If you're dealing with complications, you might need more pre-operative evaluations to mitigate risks.

How does general surgery procedure work?

Consultation

During the consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and discuss your concerns and goals. You can ask questions and express any concerns about the procedure. Based on this assessment, the surgeon will recommend the surgical approach that fits your case.

Before the surgery

Before the surgery, you'll receive detailed instructions from your doctor. This may include guidelines on fasting, medication adjustments, and what to bring on the day of the procedure. Expect pre-operative tests, such as blood work or other diagnostic tests.

The surgery

The surgery will vary greatly depending on the type of general surgery you're undergoing. But you will be given anaesthesia so that you do not feel pain during the operation. The surgeon will then make incisions using specialized instruments. They will perform the procedure, which could involve removing, repairing, or replacing tissue. Once the surgery is completed, the incisions are closed, and you're moved to a recovery area.

Follow up

You will have scheduled visits with your surgeon to check the surgical site, assess healing, and address any concerns. Follow the care instructions, such as wound care, activity restrictions, and signs of potential complications to watch for.

General surgery recovery timeline

Recovery depends on the type and complexity of the procedure, and on your own health and any underlying conditions.

Most patients leave hospital within a few days, but full recovery can take several weeks or longer. How long you stay in Turkey is your surgeon's call, in many cases a week or two, so that follow-up happens before you fly.

You can usually resume light work within a few weeks, longer if your job is physically demanding. Light walking is often encouraged early, but postpone heavy exercise until your surgeon clears you.

Your doctor may set a diet for the procedure you had, often soft food, plenty of fluids, and avoiding anything that irritates the digestive system while you heal.

Side effects of general surgery procedure

Undergoing any surgical procedure has risks and side effects. Some common side effects include:

  • Pain and Discomfort: It's normal to experience pain in the treated area. Use pain medications to reduce discomfort
  • Swelling and Bruising: Treated areas may swell and bruise as part of the healing process.
  • Fatigue: Many patients feel tired or weak post-surgery.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Anaesthesia and pain medications can cause stomach upset in some patients.
  • Risk of Infection: There's always a slight risk of infection at the incision site.
  • Scarring: Any surgery involving incisions will leave some scarring, although it often fades over time.

General surgery results

What counts as a good result depends on the procedure and on the condition it was treating. Your surgeon will tell you what to expect in your case, how long it should take, and what the follow-up schedule is.

How to prepare for general surgery

  • You should avoid blood-thinning medications, smoking, and alcohol consumption for at least two weeks before the procedure.
  • You should also arrange for someone to accompany you during the procedure.
  • Take at least a week off work for proper recovery.
  • Choosing a hospital with experienced surgical teams reduces the risk of complications.

The next steps if you plan to have general surgery in Turkey

  • Prioritize the treatment you need: understand the type of treatment you need.
  • Check that the hospital holds Ministry of Health health tourism certification, and that your surgeon is registered with the Turkish Medical Association.
  • Verify the surgeon's experience. Ask about the surgeon's education, more fellowship training, and how often they performed the treatment.
  • Arrange an online consultation through Flymedi. Most clinics or hospitals that work with international patients offer this service.
  • Ask what the follow-up and aftercare steps are once the surgery is done.
  • Plan your trip well, and give yourself time to rest after the treatment.

General surgery quick facts

ProcedureGeneral Surgery
DurationVaries by type and complexity of surgery
Stay in TurkeyMinimum 1-2 weeks for follow-up and initial recovery
Cost in TurkeyQuoted per procedure, not per specialty
AnaesthesiaGeneral, varies with the procedure
Recovery TimeSeveral days to weeks, depending on the surgery and patient health
Final Results VisibilityWeeks to months, as swelling subsides and tissues heal
Side EffectsPain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, fatigue, nausea, risk of infection
RisksInfection, complications from anaesthesia, scarring
Success RateVaries by procedure
Returning To WorkA few weeks, depending on job's physical demands
Returning to ExerciseSeveral weeks, based on the surgeon's advice
Activities to AvoidHeavy lifting and strenuous activities until cleared by the surgeon
Diet Post-SurgerySoft or easily digestible foods, stay hydrated, specific dietary advice
Related ProceduresBreast surgery, Appendectomy, Cholecystectomy
ConsultationReview medical history, discuss goals, recommend surgical approach
Before the SurgeryFasting, medication adjustments, pre-operative tests
The SurgeryPerformed under anaesthesia, specific actions depend on the surgery type
Follow upPost-surgical checkups to monitor healing and manage any complications

Scroll sideways for the full table

What patients say How we collect reviews

Reviews left by patients treated through Flymedi for this treatment. Each one is written in the patient's own language.

L.· Mastectomy✓ Verified

5.0 · 26 August 2018

Flymedi did everything very quickly and professional. They arranged the hospital and gave me options on which one to choose. From the first contact I was very impressed and Mustafa took very good care of my wife and I. He even took a day of work to take us to the Bosphorus. Flymedi is the company to use if you require any private medical treatment. There service to the client is better than first class. Gaziozmanpasa hospital was fantastic and ALL the staff from the Administrators to the Medical Team who were involved in my wife's breast cancer treatment were beyond excellent. They treated you as if you were the most important person there. The facilities were excellent and the hospital is immaculate throughout. A great big thank you to all involved. A special thank you to Mustafa Gamze and Elif for there personal care and attention. Mustafa is a terrific representative of Flymedi.

V. from Romania· General surgery✓ Verified

5.0 · 22 January 2018

Nu o sa regretati niciodata ca ati ales servicile Flymedi.Foarte corecti si fara prea multe vorbe .Mutumesc mult Flymedi

2 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Answers from the medical content team, reviewed by the medical reviewer named on this page.

Is Turkey good for surgery?

Yes, Turkey is recognized for its high-quality healthcare services. The country has many accredited hospitals and skilled surgeons across various specialties.

Why do people come to Turkey for surgery?
Mainly cost and waiting time. Turkish hospitals also treat large numbers of international patients, so the coordination around a trip, interpreters, transfers and paperwork, is routine for them.
Is surgery in Istanbul safe?

Yes, surgery in Istanbul is generally safe, especially when performed in accredited and reputable hospitals. The city has a robust healthcare system with many skilled healthcare professionals.

What is the most common general surgery?

The most common general surgeries include appendectomies, gallbladder removals, and hernia repairs.

Is surgery expensive in Turkey?
It depends on the procedure. Ask for a written quote for the operation you need and check what it covers: surgeon, hospital stay, consumables such as mesh or implants, and follow-up.
What does general surgery include?

General surgery includes procedures on the digestive system, abdomen, endocrine glands, breast, skin, and soft tissues. It also covers trauma and emergency surgeries.

How do I prepare for surgery under general anaesthesia?
Follow your surgeon's instructions. That usually means fasting for a set number of hours beforehand, stopping certain medications, and arranging for someone to take you home afterwards.
What do general surgeons do?
General surgeons operate on the digestive system, the abdominal wall, the endocrine glands, the breast and soft tissue. They also manage pre-operative and post-operative care, and handle emergency and trauma cases.
Can a general surgeon do breast surgery?

Yes, general surgeons often perform breast surgeries, including lumpectomies, mastectomies, and reconstructive procedures.

What are general surgery procedures?

These include appendectomy, cholecystectomy, hernia repair, colorectal surgery, bariatric surgery, and endocrine surgery, among others.

Can a general surgeon do gynecomastia surgery?

Yes, general surgeons can perform gynecomastia surgery to remove excess breast tissue in men.

Can a general surgeon do thyroid surgery?

Yes, general surgeons commonly perform thyroid surgeries, such as thyroidectomies.

Can general surgeons do all surgeries?

No, general surgeons specialize in specific types of procedures and refer cases outside their expertise to specialists.

When to see a general surgeon?

See a general surgeon if you have conditions requiring surgical intervention, such as hernias, gallstones, or tumours, or upon referral from your doctor.

How long is the wait for this surgery at home, and does waiting change anything clinically?
This page does not publish waiting-time figures, because they are revised every quarter and a stale number is worse than none. Whether waiting matters clinically depends on your diagnosis: a stable hernia is a different question from one that is enlarging. Ask the surgeon who assessed you what changes if you wait.
Will my insurance or national health system cover surgery abroad?
Usually not for elective treatment you have chosen to have abroad. Some private policies reimburse part of the cost and most require pre-authorisation. Ask your insurer in writing before you book, including what happens if you need further treatment once you are home.
What happens if I have a complication after I fly home?
Ask the hospital before you travel what its quote covers if something goes wrong: revision surgery, extra nights, and changed flights. Ask your own doctor how a complication from surgery abroad would be handled at home. Your coordinator can get both answers in writing.
When is it safe to fly after abdominal surgery?
Your surgeon decides, based on the operation you had and on how you are healing. Do not book a return flight before that conversation.

Related Flymedi pages

TreatmentsMastectomyInguinal hernia repairLiver transplantKidney transplantBone marrow transplant
Other locationsColombiaSpainHungaryMexicoPolandThailandAll destinationsAll treatments in Turkey

About this page

Written by Abdulaziz Ali, Leading Medical Writer & Strategist at Flymedi. Medically reviewed by Dr. Hasan L. Lice, Bariatric surgery. Content updated 24 October 2025. Next scheduled review 24 October 2026.

This page is general information, not personal medical advice. It does not diagnose you and it does not replace an individual assessment by a doctor who has examined you.

Found something wrong or out of date on this page? Tell us and we will check it. Editorial standards and reviewer list: authors and reviewers.

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