Lokman Hekim University Ankara Hospital
In Turkey, open heart surgery typically costs from AUD $11,254 to AUD $24,056. The final price depends on the surgical technique, the hospital tier, and whether the procedure is neonatal or adult. Patients save around 79% compared to Australia, where the average cost is AUD $82,999. High-performing clinics in Istanbul and Ankara generally include hospitalisation, ICU monitoring, and local transfers in their surgical packages.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing an Istanbul clinic with an on-site helipad and heavy ICU capacity often provides better value. Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital houses 51 ICU beds, ensuring immediate post-operative support is always available. Furthermore, surgeons like Dr. Ali Fedakar have performed over 4,000 surgeries, offering massive clinical experience at a fraction of Australian private system prices. Such high-volume hubs maintain lower costs through efficiency while keeping quality standards checked by JCI accreditation.
| Turkey | Thailand | South Korea | |
| Open heart surgery | from AUD $11,254 | from AUD $49,237 | from AUD $40,093 |
| Atrial septal defect surgery | from AUD $16,881 | from AUD $25,322 | from AUD $26,025 |
| Ventricular Septal Defect Surgery | from AUD $16,881 | from AUD $26,025 | - |
| Tetralogy of Fallot Surgery | from AUD $20,257 | from AUD $35,169 | - |
| Interventricular septal defect surgery | from AUD $25,322 | from AUD $25,322 | - |
Professor Ali Gozukucuk is a specialist paediatric surgeon at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental with expertise in corrective procedures for congenital heart defects.
Professor Ali Fedakar has performed over 4,000 open heart surgeries and led eight heart transplant procedures as a primary surgeon. He currently treats patients at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental.
Dr. Faruk Gencoglu has participated in approximately 3,000 cardiovascular cases at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental. He specializes in adult coronary artery disease and complex heart valve surgeries. Dr. Gencoglu previously served as clinical chief of open heart surgery at Batman Training Hospital. He practice at a JCI-accredited facility in Istanbul known for high safety standards.
Dr. Hasim Ustunsoy is a cardiac surgeon at Anadolu Medical Center in Istanbul. He pioneered robotic cardiac surgery using the Da Vinci system in Turkey. Dr. Ustunsoy specializes in valve repair and coronary artery bypass. He provides treatment for both adults and children with complex heart conditions.
When considering Open heart surgery, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:
This procedure involves repairing a hole in the atrial septum to improve heart function and prevent complications.
This procedure corrects heart defects present from birth, improving oxygen flow and overall cardiac function.
This cardiac operation involves repairing a hole in the septum between the heart's ventricles to improve blood flow and heart function.
Turkish cardiovascular surgeons and hospitals are highly reliable. Leading centres maintain Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation and ISO standards. Major facilities in Istanbul and Ankara employ specialists who have performed over 4,000 open heart surgeries. They often use robotic and minimally invasive techniques.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear distinction between general clinics and university-affiliated hospitals. Medical Park Bahcelievler is one example. These larger institutions serve as national reference centres for cardiac care. They often house specialised neonatal units that perform 100+ complex infant heart surgeries annually. This indicates superior infrastructure and staff expertise.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Turkey highlight the high standard of care in large private hospital groups. They appreciate the regular bedside checks by nurses. They also value the availability of personal coordinators who assist with hospital logistics.
Turkish heart centres provide several minimally invasive alternatives to open heart surgery. These include robotic-assisted procedures and catheter-based techniques. Specialists use the Da Vinci Surgical System and endoscopic approaches to treat valve disorders and coronary artery disease. These methods avoid splitting the breastbone.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish cardiac surgery is led by high-volume specialists like Dr Ali Fedakar. He has performed 4,000+ open heart surgeries. This immense experience with traditional methods provides a safer foundation. It supports the transition to complex minimally invasive techniques. Major centres like Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital feature 11 surgery rooms with laminar airflow. This maintains ultra-sterile environments for these advanced procedures.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Turkey report quick access to private hospitals. They also report rapid recovery from sternum-sparing procedures. Most confirm they were mobile within days after receiving TAVI or mini-sternotomy treatments.
Open heart surgery in Turkey typically requires a hospital stay of 4 to 8 days. Most patients stay 5 to 7 days after surgery. International patients usually stay for 10 to 14 days. This is to be fit to fly before returning to Australia.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Traditional surgery requires 7 days in hospital. However, specialists like Dr. Faruk Gencoglu at Hisar Hospital use endoscopic axillary techniques. This underarm approach avoids the sternum incision. It often reduces hospital stays to just 4 days. It also accelerates the return to daily activities.
Patient Consensus: The first few days are the roughest because of tubes and soreness. However, improvement is rapid once they are removed. Most patients in Turkey feel noticeably better by week 4. They also report being self-sufficient by day 14.