Your Istanbul Journey, Day by Day

Most anxiety before medical travel is logistical rather than medical. Here is the week as our patients live it, from landing to the flight home.

Day 1 — Arrival

A driver meets you inside the terminal and takes you to your partner hotel; there is no queue to find and no fare to negotiate. Your coordinator meets you at check-in, confirms the schedule and hands you a direct number that stays reachable outside clinic hours.

Nothing medical happens on the first day beyond fasting instructions for the morning. Rest, eat, sleep.

Day 2 — Tests and your doctor

Blood work, cardiology clearance and anaesthesia review take place at the hospital, usually before lunch. You then meet your doctor in person for the final planning session — markings, expectations and the last chance to change your mind about anything.

This is the appointment to bring your questions to, written down. Your coordinator translates throughout.

Day 3 — Surgery

Transfer to hospital is early. Surgery is performed by your named doctor under a full anaesthesia team, and you stay overnight under nursing observation — you are not sent to a hotel to recover unattended.

Your coordinator remains contactable for whoever is travelling with you throughout the day.

Days 4–6 — Recovery at the hotel

Once your doctor discharges you, a nurse visits you at the hotel daily for dressings, medication and observation. Meals are arranged around what you are able to eat, and short assisted walks begin as soon as you are cleared for them.

Companions stay with you and are included in transfers, which is why we encourage bringing one.

Day 7 — Final check-up and flight

Your doctor reviews you a final time, removes splints or drains where relevant, and confirms you are fit to fly. You leave with written aftercare instructions, medication and your follow-up schedule.

The transfer takes you back to the airport. Your doctor and coordinator continue following your recovery remotely from the moment you land.