For patients in South Africa

Internal medicine in Turkey from South Africa: what is offered and when it makes sense

On our site, internal medicine means two operations on the digestive organs: gallbladder removal and pancreas surgery. This page explains what each involves, what we need to see before a plan can be made, and when travelling from South Africa for this kind of care is, and is not, a sensible choice. Each treatment has its own detailed page, linked below.

Treatments listed

Our internal medicine page lists two operations.

Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)

Removal of the gallbladder for gallstones, an inflamed gallbladder (cholecystitis) and related problems causing pain or digestive trouble. Most patients can have it done laparoscopically, through small cuts, which usually means a quicker recovery and smaller scars; some need an open operation. Because the gallbladder helps with digesting fat, some dietary adjustment may be needed afterwards. See gallbladder removal.

Pancreas surgery

Surgery for conditions such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts and benign or malignant tumours. Depending on the problem, part of the pancreas is removed or, in more severe cases, the whole organ. Minimally invasive techniques are used where possible, and the plan aims to preserve as much pancreatic function as it can, since the pancreas matters for digestion and blood sugar control. See pancreas surgery.

After either operation, the team provides follow-up and diet and lifestyle guidance.

When the trip makes sense, and when it does not

“Internal medicine” can suggest general medical care, but what we arrange here is surgery. Be realistic about what is worth a ten-hour flight.

• Tests and check-ups: blood tests, scans and consultations are best done at home. On their own they rarely justify the journey, and your doctor in South Africa will need the results for follow-up anyway
• Gallbladder removal: a planned operation for a confirmed diagnosis, which some patients choose to have abroad. If you have severe pain, fever or yellowing of the skin or eyes, get care at home straight away rather than waiting for a trip
• Pancreas surgery: a major operation. Where a tumour is suspected or confirmed, it should be planned together with your oncology team at home, who will provide the care before and after surgery
• Long-term conditions such as diabetes belong with your own doctor

If you are looking for a different kind of medical treatment, see the other treatments we arrange and the general health treatments overview.

What we need to see first

Treatment is planned from your records, not photographs. Send recent reports, scan results, blood tests and a list of your medicines; a doctor reviews them and says whether surgery is appropriate before any plan is confirmed.

Planning the trip from South Africa

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir
• Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling; see the e-Visa guide
• Fitness to fly: a long flight after surgery raises the risk of blood clots, and the surgeon decides when you can fly, so book a return ticket you can change
• Time difference: Turkey is one hour ahead of South Africa
• Records home: bring the operation report and discharge summary home for your GP
• Cover: medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, and travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad; ask both before you book

Follow-up at home

Follow-up continues by message and video call, and your GP should be kept informed. Complications and clinically necessary revisions are covered for one year by our treatment guarantee; flights and accommodation for that treatment remain your responsibility. Clinic details are on clinic facts, and if something goes wrong you can use our complaints page.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a doctor has reviewed your records, we will not suggest you travel only for tests that can be done at home, and we will not promise a result. We will not advise you to stop treatment you are receiving in South Africa.

Frequently asked questions

What does internal medicine cover on this site?

Two operations on the digestive organs: gallbladder removal and pancreas surgery. Other medical treatments we arrange are listed on our other treatments page.

Is it worth travelling to Turkey just for tests or a check-up?

Rarely. Tests, scans and check-ups can be done in South Africa, and you will need a doctor at home for follow-up anyway. Travel is only worth considering when a planned operation is the reason for the trip.

How long would I stay in Turkey for gallbladder removal?

The surgeon decides, based on the approach used and how you recover. Keyhole surgery usually means a quicker recovery than an open operation. Book a return ticket you can change, as a long flight after surgery raises the risk of blood clots.

Can pancreas surgery for a tumour be done in Turkey?

Surgery for benign or malignant pancreatic tumours is among the treatments listed, but it is a major operation. Where cancer is involved, it should be planned with your oncology team in South Africa, who will provide care before and after surgery.

Will my medical aid cover internal medicine treatment in Turkey?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, though they may cover the same operation at home. Check with your scheme first, and note that travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.