Medical tourism, particularly for weight loss surgery such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, has become increasingly popular, with Turkey being one of the most sought-after destinations for UK patients considering treatment abroad. While the allure of lower costs may be tempting, it is crucial to understand the risks and challenges associated with opting for weight loss surgery in Turkey or abroad, especially when compared with having treatment and ongoing aftercare closer to home in the UK.
Patients researching gastric sleeve Turkey prices, gastric bypass Turkey or other bariatric surgery in Turkey should consider more than the initial cost of the operation. The experience of the surgical team, pre-operative assessment, arrangements for complications and long-term aftercare should all form part of the decision.
Risks of Bariatric Surgery in Turkey
Travelling for any medical procedure comes with inherent risks, and bariatric surgery is no exception. Some UK patients have required NHS treatment following complications after bariatric surgery abroad. Travel-related challenges, such as long flights, distance from the original surgical team and unforeseen delays, can also affect access to postoperative care. For instance, travel following surgery needs to be carefully planned because bariatric surgery itself is associated with a risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Questionable Quality of Care
One of the biggest concerns with weight loss surgery in Turkey is the quality of care. While some clinics offer excellent services,, many do not adhere to the same strict standards found in the UK. In 2023, a BBC investigation highlighted unethical practices in some Turkish clinics, such as accepting patients via WhatsApp and performing surgeries on individuals without a medical need for them.
Low costs often indicate corners being cut, whether through substandard facilities, unqualified staff, or inadequate equipment. By contrast, UK-based surgeons undergo rigorous training and operate under stringent regulations, ensuring patient safety and better outcomes.
Lack of Post-operative Support
Bariatric surgery requires long-term follow-up and nutritional monitoring to support recovery, identify potential deficiencies and help patients maintain their health after surgery. Patients who undergo surgery abroad may face practical challenges accessing their original surgical team once they return to the UK. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor progress and address complications, but frequent travel for checkups is impractical.
Before having weight loss surgery in Turkey, patients should therefore establish exactly what postoperative support is included and who will be responsible for their ongoing care in the UK.
Potential postoperative complications vary according to the procedure and individual patient. Patients should be given clear information about symptoms that require urgent medical assessment and know who to contact if they become unwell after returning home.
The Tragic Story of Janet Savage: A Life Lost After Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey
Janet Savage, a 54-year-old driving examiner from Penrhosgarnedd, Wales, travelled to Turkey for gastric sleeve surgery in August 2023.
Janet booked her surgery through Regenesis Health Travel, a company based in Warwickshire that organises medical procedures abroad. Her communication with the company began on Facebook, but it soon shifted to WhatsApp for booking the procedure. She subsequently travelled to a private hospital in Antalya for the operation.
During the operation, Janet suffered a severe injury to her abdominal aorta, a major blood vessel. Surgeons attempted to repair the artery and replace the lost blood. However, she went into cardiac arrest during the operation and died the following morning.
An inquest held in Caernarfon, Wales, provided further details about the circumstances surrounding Janet’s death. The inquest heard that acute blood loss caused by the abdominal aorta injury was the primary cause of death. Senior coroner Kate Robertson recorded a narrative conclusion.
An individual case should not be used to judge the standard of bariatric surgery across an entire country. However, serious cases such as this demonstrate why patients considering surgery overseas should understand the provider’s clinical standards, emergency arrangements and postoperative pathway before travelling.
Why the UK is a Safer Option
Opting for bariatric surgery within the UK can make continuity of care simpler for UK patients. Pre-operative assessments, surgery and postoperative appointments can take place closer to home, with easier access to the team responsible for your treatment.
UK private healthcare providers are also subject to UK regulatory requirements. However, patients should still research the individual provider, surgeon, hospital and aftercare programme before choosing where to have surgery.
At Phoenix Health, we provide a range of weight loss procedures, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revision surgeries. Our focus is not just on the surgery itself but also on supporting your patient’s recovery and helping you to achieve sustainable results.
If you are comparing bariatric surgery in Turkey with treatment in the UK, consider the complete package of care rather than price alone. The surgeon’s experience, hospital standards, pre-operative assessment, arrangements for complications and long-term aftercare are all important parts of the decision.
References:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-68204979
