
About
About LIV Hospital, Istanbul
LIV Hospital Istanbul opened in 2013 in the Ulus district. In the decade since, it's built a clinical reputation that stands on a few specific, verifiable achievements rather than general claims.
It is the only hospital in Turkey to receive the Robotic Surgery Centre of Excellence certification from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) - a US-based body that evaluates surgical quality. It ranks fourth globally as an authorized robotic surgery facility, after three American centers. That's the actual international standing.
The Bone Marrow Transplant Center has performed over 1,100 transplant procedures. The cardiac surgery survival rate at LIV is 96% across 3,235+ procedures, against a Turkish national average of 89%. Gastrointestinal tract surgery survival rate is 94% against a national average of 89%. These are outcomes, not accreditation badges.
The hospital holds JCI accreditation and DIN EN ISO 9001 certification by TUV Nord. It was among the first hospitals in Istanbul to receive JCI. The traumatology unit is Turkey's only department with a formal collaboration agreement with AOSpine, the European spine surgery organisation - a connection that gives direct access to European evidence and training standards.
Patients from over 182 countries have used LIV Hospital Istanbul. Awards include Best Hospital for Patient Experience (Global Health and Travel Awards, 2021), Best Hospital for Spine Surgery (International Hospital of the Year, 2020), Best Hospital for Oncology (European Healthcare Awards, 2019), and Best Hospital for Women's Health (International Hospital of the Year, 2018). The Golden Stethoscope Award in its first year of operation in 2013 was an early signal.
Hospital Profile
Detail | Information |
Hospital Name | LIV Hospital (Ulus, Istanbul) |
Also Known As | Liv Hospital Ulus |
Established | 2013 |
Location | Ulus district, Istanbul (European side) |
Area | 30,000 sqm |
Inpatient Beds | 154-180 |
Operating Rooms | 8 |
Clinics / Departments | 50+ |
Accreditation | JCI, DIN EN ISO 9001 (TUV Nord) |
Robotic Surgery | Centre of Excellence (SRC, USA) - only in Turkey; ranked 4th globally |
AOSpine Collaboration | Only Turkish hospital with formal AOSpine partnership |
BMT Procedures | 1,100+ |
Cardiac Surgery Survival | 96% (Turkish average: 89%) |
GI Surgery Survival | 94% (Turkish average: 89%) |
Awards | Best Hospital - Patient Experience 2021, Spine Surgery 2020, Oncology 2019, Women's Health 2018 |
International Patients | 182+ countries |
GMP Stem Cell Center | First in Turkey to GMP standards |
PEM Device | Only 1 in Europe - at LIV Hospital Istanbul |
Treatments at LIV Hospital Istanbul
Oncology & Cancer Treatment
LIV Hospital carries TrueBeam STx, one of the most advanced radiation therapy systems in the world, and one of very few available in Turkey. The Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Department has a PEM (Positron Emission Mammography) device - the only one in Europe at the time of installation. Oncology treatments span surgery (robotic and conventional), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, and molecular diagnostics. The multidisciplinary tumor board reviews cases across all relevant departments. For cancer treatment in Turkey, LIV's radiation oncology is among the most technically advanced available in Istanbul.
The Regenerative Medicine Stem Cell Production and Application Center is the first in Turkey built to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. Applications range from orthopaedics to dermatology and burn therapy.
Robotic Surgery
LIV Hospital holds the Robotic Surgery Centre of Excellence certification from the Surgical Review Corporation (US), and ranks 4th globally among authorized robotic surgery facilities. The Da Vinci robotic system is used across colorectal surgery, urology, gynaecology, and oncological surgery. The Renaissance system is used in spine surgery. Robotic surgery at LIV is not supplementary to the department - it is the primary surgical approach where clinically appropriate.
Bone Marrow & Organ Transplant
1,100+ BMT procedures performed. Adult and paediatric bone marrow transplant are both available. Liver transplant, kidney transplant, and related hepatology and nephrology services. The transplant center is one of the more experienced in Istanbul for international patients seeking organ transplant treatment in Turkey.
Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery
96% survival rate across 3,235+ cardiac surgery cases at LIV - significantly above the Turkish national average. TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is available. Cardiac diagnostics include 4D echocardiography. The department performs CABG, valve repair and replacement, pacemaker implantation, electrophysiology, and interventional cardiology. A 0% complication rate after pacemaker placement has been recorded.
Neurology & Neurosurgery
The neurosurgery department handles all paediatric and adult neurological surgery, including brain and spinal cord procedures. Intraoperative ICG angiography is used during vascular neurosurgery. The department also includes an Epilepsy Center, functioning both diagnostically and surgically. Advanced surgical microscopes, fluorescence imaging, and endoscopes are used. Conditions treated include brain tumors, spinal pathology, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and movement disorders.
Orthopaedics & Spine Surgery
LIV is the only hospital in Turkey collaborating with AOSpine, the European spine surgery professional body. The traumatology and spine unit uses MakoPlasty (robot-assisted knee endoprosthesis replacement), which minimises risk to surrounding muscle and tendon during joint replacement. The unit performs complex spinal surgeries including fusion, deformity correction, and minimally invasive spine surgery. For orthopaedic and spine surgery in Turkey, LIV's AOSpine collaboration and MakoPlasty capability are specific differentiators.
IVF & Reproductive Medicine
IVF, ICSI, ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology), egg freezing, and fertility diagnostics. LIV has received the Best Hospital for Women's Health award twice. IVF in Turkey at LIV includes specialist fertility consultation, pre-travel planning, and follow-up coordination through DivinHeal.
Gynaecology & Obstetrics
Comprehensive gynaecological and obstetric care. Robotic gynaecological surgery is available. Women's health is a recognized strength - reflected in the multiple international awards the hospital holds in this category.
Urology
Robotic prostatectomy, kidney procedures, urological cancer management, and minimally invasive urology. Prof. Dr. Saadettin Kilickap (26 yrs) and Prof. Dr. Ziya Akbulut (36 yrs) are among the senior urologists at LIV.
Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery
Reconstructive, aesthetic, and plastic surgery. Dr. Onur Egemen - trained in France for robotic surgery, worked at Mayo Medical Center and New York Cancer Center, Professor at Istanbul Medical School - leads a strong plastic and reconstructive surgery capability.
Technology & Equipment
TrueBeam STx - Advanced radiotherapy system, one of few in Turkey
Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System - Centre of Excellence rated, 4th globally
Renaissance Robotic Spine System - Spinal surgery navigation and robotics
MakoPlasty - Robot-assisted knee replacement
PEM (Positron Emission Mammography) - Only device in Europe, at LIV Istanbul
PET/CT - Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging
4D Echocardiography - Advanced cardiac imaging
Intraoperative ICG Angiography - Used in vascular neurosurgery
GMP Stem Cell Production Center - First in Turkey to GMP standards
Tele-Medicine - Remote consultation platform
Key Doctors at LIV Hospital Istanbul
Department | Doctor | Credentials |
Radiation Oncology | Senior Radiation Oncologist | Istanbul University medical graduate; fellowship in stereotactic radiotherapy and thoracic oncology, University of South Carolina (2010-2011); Associate Professor, Istanbul University Oncology Institute since 2012; Member of ASTRO, ESTRO, Turkish Society of Radiation Oncology |
General & Robotic Surgery | Prof. Oktar Asoglu | Istanbul Medical School Professor; trained at Mayo Medical Center, New York Cancer Center; robotic surgery training in France; specialises in robotic, colorectal, and cancer surgery |
Transplant Surgery | Prof. Ayhan Dinckan | Akdeniz University graduate; Head of Transplantology Dept; Professor since 2009; research in transplantology, liver oncology, portal hypertension |
Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery | Dr. Onur Egemen | Akdeniz University medical graduate; Chief Surgeon military border service; German medical center surgeon; Mayo Medical Center and New York Cancer Center experience; robotic surgery training in France; Istanbul Medical School Professor since 2011 |
Neurosurgery | Dr. Ali Erdem Yildirim | Consultant, 21 years of experience |
Liver Transplant | Dr. Makbule Eren | Consultant, 25 years of experience |
Ophthalmology | Dr. Leyla Kandur | Consultant, 27 years of experience |
Urology | Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cagri Guneri | Consultant, 22 years |
Gynaecology | Op. Dr. Nazli Topfedaisi Ozkan | Consultant, 16 years of experience |
Cardiac Surgery | Prof. Dr. Ahmet Baris Durukan | Consultant, 22 years of experience |
Urology | Prof. Dr. Saadettin Kilickap | Consultant, 26 years |
Urology | Prof. Dr. Ziya Akbulut | Consultant, 36 years of experience |
International Patient Services
LIV Hospital has a dedicated international patient department:
Dedicated Coordinators: Personal coordinator from first contact to post-discharge.
Medical Travel and Accommodation Support: Hotel bookings and local transportation arranged.
24/7 Emergency Support: Round-the-clock access.
Multilingual Team: Support in English, Arabic, Russian, French, and additional languages.
Clinical Exchange Program: LIV's partnership network with international hospitals and physicians provides access to global expertise for complex cases.
Why Choose LIV Hospital for Treatment in Turkey
Only Robotic Surgery Centre of Excellence in Turkey. 4th globally. For anyone comparing robotic surgical quality across hospitals in Istanbul Turkey, this is the clearest benchmark.
TrueBeam STx radiotherapy. One of a small number in Turkey. For patients needing advanced radiation therapy, the equipment availability matters.
AOSpine collaboration. Only Turkish hospital with this European spine professional body partnership.
96% cardiac surgery survival rate. Seven percentage points above the Turkish national average. That's not a minor margin.
PEM device - only one in Europe. For breast cancer imaging precision, the availability is significant.
GMP Stem Cell Center. First in Turkey. For regenerative medicine and cell therapy applications, manufacturing standard matters.
How DivinHeal Connects You
Step 1: WhatsApp or upload medical reports.
Step 2: Free case review. LIV's international team prepares a personalised treatment plan and cost estimate.
Step 3: Right specialist selected. Pre-travel consultation if needed.
Step 4: Accommodation, airport transfer, and visa support sorted.
Step 5: On-site coordinator through treatment. Remote follow-up arranged.
Book
WhatsApp Us Now (+91- 9327923184) - Direct line for case review.
Request Free Consultation - Get matched with the right LIV Hospital specialist.
Upload Your Reports - Treatment plan and cost estimate based on your case.
Patient Reviews
"LIV Hospital is a truly world-class institution. The level of expertise in robotic surgery and oncology is visible from the moment you arrive. The outcome for my father's colorectal surgery was better than expected."
"Came from the UK for spine surgery. The AOSpine-aligned approach was reassuring - same standards I would expect in Europe. Recovery has been smooth and the coordinator kept us informed throughout."
The IVF team here is exceptional. After two failed attempts at home, LIV worked through the case from scratch and we are now expecting. Cannot thank them enough."
Address: Ulus, Istanbul, Turkey (European side)
Website: livhospital.com.tr/en
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