If something goes wrong after treatment in Turkey: complications, complaints and your records

Before you travel: put it in writing

• What aftercare is included, for how long, and how to reach the team after you are home.
• The revision policy: in which cases is a correction free, and who pays flights and hotel?
• The name of the surgeon and the hospital where you will be operated on.
• Whether the clinic offers complications insurance, and exactly what it covers.

In an emergency

In Turkey, call 112 (ambulance) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, then inform the clinic. At home, use your local emergency number. Shortness of breath, chest pain, heavy bleeding or a high fever always come first – don’t wait for a WhatsApp reply.

Non-urgent problems

Contact the clinic first, in writing, with dated photos. Ask for an answer from the surgeon, not only the coordinator. Keep all messages. A local doctor can examine you and write a short report – useful if you need a revision or make a complaint.

Your medical records

Patients in Turkey have the right to access their medical records. Ask the facility for the operation report, anaesthesia record, discharge summary and test results, ideally before you leave Istanbul.

Making a complaint in Turkey

If the facility does not respond, you can contact the Turkish Ministry of Health through its communication line 184 (SABİM). Give the facility’s official name, dates and a short, factual description. Check whether the facility is licensed for international patients: Official list of licensed facilities (Turkish Ministry of Health).

Revision surgery

Don’t rush a correction: swelling can take months to settle and many surgeons wait 6–12 months before a revision. A second opinion from a surgeon at home helps you decide.