Gallstone treatment is widely available across Turkey, but specialized interventions like ERCP or laparoscopic surgery are concentrated in major private and university hospitals. While most general facilities offer standard gallbladder removal, clinics in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir provide advanced endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques.
- Specialized surgical access. Many JCI-accredited centers in Istanbul offer laparoscopic and robotic gallbladder removal.
- Advanced endoscopic tools. Specialists use ERCP to remove stones from bile ducts without invasive surgery.
- Academic expertise. University hospitals often handle complex cases involving biliary complications or liver issues.
- Regional city hubs. High-tier care is concentrated in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Sivas.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many hospitals treat gallstones, choosing a facility with specialists like Dr. Tarik Akar or Dr. Yusuf Serdar Sakin is advantageous. These doctors have advanced training in ERCP and motility from international centers in South Korea and the Netherlands. This specific expertise is essential if stones move into the bile duct, as it allows for specialized endoscopic removal rather than open surgery.
Patient Consensus: Patients often find that private hospitals in Istanbul and Ankara can schedule surgery within the same week. While smaller rural hospitals may only offer conventional surgery, larger centers provide minimally invasive options that lead to much faster recovery.
